Thinking about heading back to school to boost your skills and career? Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned professional, continuing your education is a good investment. But with many different programs out there, sometimes determining what path will help you get ahead can seem daunting.
Where do you start? How do you decide what’s the best option for your career goals, time, budget and learning format? When it comes to learning, we know one size doesn’t fit all. Learn more about our courses, specializations, certificates and degree programs offered through UW Professional & Continuing Education below and decide what’s right for you.
Courses and Short Programs
Want to develop a specific skill? Courses and short programs are a quick way to absorb a chunk of information, increase your knowledge base and step toward further study.
Time Commitment
- Short programs range from several days to about three months.
- Most courses involve under 30 hours of class time.
Requirements
- Some courses are introductory classes with no formal requirements, while others require or recommend certain education or experience.
Benefits
- Convenient and flexible, online formats let you study from wherever you want and on your own schedule.
- Diversify your knowledge and skills without long-term commitment.
- Some platforms, such as Coursera, allow you to start immediately and even preview the first module for free before paying.
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Specializations
Looking to take a deep dive into a targeted topic or skill? Specializations allow you to focus on the leading-edge skills and make yourself more competitive.
Time Commitment
- Usually, one to two courses that you can complete in three to six months.
- Many programs require around 35 hours of class time.
Requirements
- Program requirements vary, depending on the subject.
- Some specializations may require previous study or work experience.
Benefits
- Build advanced, job-ready skills in a focused area.
- Get instructor guidance, hands-on practice and real-world portfolio work.
- Earn a certificate of completion and a digital badge in less time than a full certificate or degree program would take.
- Signals to hiring managers that you’re investing in your professional growth.
- Specializations can be a good next step for alumni of UW certificate or degree programs who want to continue their learning.
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Certificate Programs
Learn a set of specific and practical skills that’ll give you upward mobility in your job, allow you to get up to speed in a new field or further your knowledge to meet state licensing requirements.
Time Commitment
- Most programs feature a series of integrated courses and take six to nine months to complete.
- Expect 90+ hours of class time.
- Evening, weekend and online formats support working professionals who are juggling full-time jobs.
- Allows you to see if school can fit into your lifestyle before committing to a longer-term program.
Requirements
- You don’t necessarily need a four-year degree to get into the program.
- Some programs may require or recommend professional or practical experience in the field.
Benefits
- A more affordable alternative to a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
- Provides a respected credential and a digital badge, but is not as demanding as a degree program.
- Offers a quick return on your educational investment by allowing you to advance or change careers after earning the certificate.
- Opportunity to network with instructors and classmates who work in the industry.
- Can help you decide if you want to invest in a graduate program and whether the subject is something that interests you.
- Graduate certificates enable you to receive credits that count toward a graduate degree, with some programs allowing you to stack certificates to earn a master’s degree.
- Offer you a leg up when applying to graduate school by showing you have a commitment to the subject.
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Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Earning a bachelor’s degree can help you build a strong academic foundation in your chosen field and open the door to a wider range of career opportunities.
Time Commitment
Requirements
- High school completion or an equivalent credential, such as a GED, or have the necessary transfer credits.
- Many programs require a minimum GPA, official transcripts, standardized test scores, an admissions essay and proof of English proficiency for non-native speakers.
Benefits
- Can increase your earning potential and strengthen your professional credibility.
- Helps you develop practical and academic skills relevant to many fields.
- Serves as a steppingstone toward graduate study.
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Graduate Degree Programs
Take your role to new heights with a graduate program credential. Master’s degrees offer advanced knowledge, deeper specialization in your field of study and stronger long-term career prospects.
Time Commitment
- Earning a master’s degree requires a considerable time commitment. Most programs typically take one year to one and a half years full-time to three years part-time to complete.
- • Many graduate programs give working professionals the flexibility to take classes part-time while working full-time, and they also offer full-time options for learners who want to focus and finish their program more quickly.
Requirements
- A four-year degree from a regionally or nationally accredited university, competitive GPA, and — depending on the program — prerequisite courses and/or relevant experience in the field.
- The admissions process for a graduate degree is much more rigorous than a course or certificate. Some programs only have a 30% acceptance rate.
Benefits
- Provides a well-rounded education with the opportunity to advance or specialize in a particular field.
- Having the credential of an actual degree can provide you with more opportunities and higher earning potential.
- A master’s program offers academic rigor and holds more weight than certificate programs.
Explore Graduate Degree Programs
Questions? We’re here to help! Reach out to an enrollment coach.