Yes. The Division of Professional and Continuing Education is regionally accredited through the 海角乱伦 by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Because our courses are not degree-seeking, we are unable to offer financial aid or assist with loan deferments.
No, all professional and continuing education courses are open to everyone.
Most of our courses do not count toward a degree, unless otherwise stated on the course website page. While credit earned for our courses may be accepted by some universities as applicable towards a degree it is ultimately the decision of the institution you plan to transfer the credit to. It is highly recommended and the responsibility of the student to confirm the transferability with the other institution
Online Fixed-Date courses offer a convenient yet rigorous style of learning that allows you to structure your education to suit your schedule while keeping you on pace toward achieving your educational goals. Online fixed-date courses have fixed start and finish dates similar to classroom courses, but as an online student, you will have access to your classroom at any time and can view your assignments, syllabus, and course resources from any computer with Internet capability.
Our online courses offer the same high-quality content and expert instruction as the courses held on-ground at the 海角乱伦. Instructors facilitate courses through engaging multimedia presentations and provide prompt feedback to questions within a 24-48 hour time frame. Online learning allows students to interact with classmates worldwide and replicate in-classroom interactions through weekly discussion forums, chats and email communication.
Online Self-Paced courses are a perfect blend of accessibility, convenience and flexibility for you to control your learning pace. You will use course textbooks, manuals, assignments and exams to learn and earn credit. Depending on the course, you may also use streaming audio and video, CD-ROM, and download embedded materials through the Internet. Communication with your instructor will take place through your course site online. Your instructor will provide feedback via written responses on your assignments and exams. Grades are based on completed projects, assignments and exams. You can register at any time and you will have six months from the time of registration to complete your course.
Classroom courses are offered in a traditional classroom where you can connect with your instructor and classmates in a live setting. This learning environment facilitates a communication on a given subject in real time, enables immediate feedback, and fosters interaction with the instructor and likeminded classmates. To see if a course is being offered in a location near you please click on the Find a Course on the website’s top navigation bar: then Filter by SUBJECT AREA/PROGRAM and LOCATION. Classroom courses have a scheduled start and end date in which you are expected to attend the courses at that location for all course sessions.
Independent Study Self-Paced courses offer flexibility and the ability to complete a course faster than a traditional live course. Our courses deliver the same high-quality content and expert instruction as traditional, “face-to-face courses.” These courses work well for:
Working professionals with tight schedules
Students who require a specific course to meet professional development or recertification requirements
Students living in remote locations
Students who cannot easily attend courses due to injury or illness
Students who are self-motivated and conscientious
You can register at any time and you will have nine months from the time of registration to complete your course. Completed course work is submitted electronically through your student account.
Transcripts can be ordered online via your student account. For more detailed information, please visit the Student Transcript Request Page
USD’s Open Campus initiative provides an administrative mechanism through which members of the broader San Diego community might enroll in and attend USD campus courses on a space-available basis after receiving the signed permission of the course instructor and a department, school or college administrator.
The application process for Open Campus does not require University admission. Open Campus offers course enrollment on a space-available basis only. Please note that Open Campus students are not guaranteed access to courses. Instructors must provide permission before Open Campus students may attend a course. Participation in Open Campus does not grant admission to degree programs at the 海角乱伦. For information about joining degree programs please contact Admissions.
For more information regarding Open Campus please go to www.sandiego.edu/opencampus.
Please visit the technical requirements page for more information
The credit earned is considered Graduate Level Extension Credit, in semester hours (1 semester hour= 15 contact hours). The credit earned is usually used for salary advancement, credential renewing and/or recertification. Graduate Level Extension credit is not usually transferrable towards a degree. Prior district approval is highly recommended and the responsibility of the student if using the units towards salary advancement, credential renewing and/or recertification.
No. Parking fees are not included in the course fee. For information on metered or permit purchase, please refer to Parking information for PCE students and guests
USD Professional and Continuing Education allows for a maximum of 18 units to be completed during any one semester: fall (September – December); spring (January – April); and summer (May – August).
Independent Study Self-Paced courses 鈥� USD allows 9 months from the date of registration to complete an independent study formatted course and submit all completed course work for evaluation.
Online Self-Paced courses 鈥� USD allows 6 months from the date of registration to complete an online self-paced formatted course and submit all assignments for evaluation within this period
If you need additional time and would like to make an extension request, contact us prior to your upcoming deadline at [email protected] or call between 8:30AM 鈥� 5:00PM (PST), M-F, at (619)260-4585 or toll free at (888)321-6658 for a one-time extension. If an extension is granted, it is final.
Classroom, Online Fixed-Date, and Credit Validation formatted courses do not allow for any additional time to complete assignments.
A full refund is provided if PCE cancels a course. Students who need to drop a course due to extenuating circumstances may receive a refund, if the request is received prior within three (3) days of the start date of the course. The refund of the course fee will be returned less a processing fee of 10% or $50, whichever is higher. There are no refunds after the three day withdrawal period. Learn about our registration policies here.
If you have a course or credits you would like to have considered for transfer credit, please contact us. Transfer credits are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
An Incomplete (INC) grade grade is available in some circumstances. The instructor makes the final determination of acceptance of assigning an incomplete grade based on the level of work already completed and the amount of assignments remaining.
To receive an ‘INC’ grade, students must complete a Petition for Incomplete and forward it to PCE. PCE will then forward the Petition to the instructor for approval. If coursework is not completed in the agreed extension period, a final grade is assigned, all ‘INC’ grades convert to ‘F’ grades or ‘NG’ (No Grade).
Click here for complete details regarding our refund, drop and transfer policies
You have five years to complete the certificate.
A payment confirmation is automatically sent via email once you have registered and paid for a course through the website, please save these receipts for tax purposes. In addition, you can access receipts in your Student Account, Account History.
A digital marketing certification can make you a more appealing candidate for various roles in the marketing industry. Jobs that often require or benefit from a digital marketing certification include: digital marketing analyst, social media manager, SEO consultant, and copywriter.
The time it takes to earn a digital marketing certificate varies depending on the program’s structure and your schedule. On average, it can range from a few weeks to several months.
No application is required. Unless otherwise listed within the program specific information, there are no admissions requirements.
USD鈥檚 widely respected Division of Professional & Continuing Education is dedicated to connecting students with high-quality courses and certificate programs.
If you are passionate about lifelong learning or if you are seeking educational opportunities to gain specific knowledge and skills for personal or career advancement reasons, then (yes!) the 海角乱伦 is right for you.
No, all professional and continuing education courses are open enrollment. An application to USD is not required. You can search for the course you want on the Find a Course page and click through to the course description to enroll.
Nonprofits can build and maintain relationships with donors and volunteers by being communicative in a number of ways 鈥� personalized updates, expressing gratitude, sharing impact stories, providing opportunities for involvement, and engaging through multiple channels like email, social media, and events.
You should focus on storytelling, showcasing real impact, using engaging visuals, tailoring messages to your audience’s interests, and maintaining authenticity to create the most compelling content. Be sure to regularly revisit each piece of content to update it and encourage interaction on various platforms.
For nonprofits with limited budgets, social media, email marketing, blogs and newsletters, and partnerships with local media and organizations are all effective marketing channels. Each offers a cost-effective way to reach and engage with a wide audience.
Nonprofits can measure ROI by tracking key metrics such as engagement, conversions, and donations against the cost of the campaign. Use tools like Google Analytics and CRM systems to assess the impact and calculate return based on the campaign’s goals and expenditures.
A nonprofit can identify its target audience by analyzing current supporters, conducting market research, and creating detailed audience personas to tailor marketing strategies effectively.
To promote your podcast and create a sense of community, leverage social media to engage with your audience, utilize email marketing, collaborate with other podcasters, and use paid advertising.
There are many choices for podcast hosting and publishing, each with its own set of features. Whether you need something easy to use with solid analytics or a platform that makes sharing your episodes simple, you鈥檙e sure to find the right fit for your podcast. Spotify, Apple Music, Acast, and Amazon Music are some of the biggest players.
To choose a topic for your podcast, delve into your own interests and expertise. Conduct some market research to gauge interest and get a sense of how you can put your own touches on a topic.
Starting a podcast requires certain gear 鈥� including equipment and software 鈥� to deliver a show to the masses. There are many options ranging from budget-friendly to high-end, allowing you to choose what works best for your circumstances. You鈥檒l need a microphone, headphones, audio interface, soundproofing materials, and backup storage to start.
Job growth in the construction PM field is promising 鈥� 8% growth is expected by 2031, with more than 36,000 jobs to be added.
As of December 2022, the median salary for construction project managers was approximately $112,000. This will vary slightly based on location and years of experience.
Construction project managers oversee construction projects from start to finish. Their duties may vary, but they are primarily tasked with preparing cost estimates, budgets and work timetables, reporting work progress and budget matters to clients, collaborating with architects, engineers and other construction specialists, and responding to work delays, emergencies and other problems.
A social media marketer should have the following skills:
Social media marketers manage a brand鈥檚 social media profiles across all social media platforms. Specific tasks they may perform include using social media to create and maintain the company鈥檚 brand, working with other marketing professionals to develop social media marketing campaigns and strategy and analyzing the company鈥檚 digital marketing performance to identify where to improve their tactics.
is 鈥渢he process of creating content for social media platforms to promote your products and/or services, build community with your target audience, and drive traffic to your business. With new features and platforms emerging every day, social media marketing is constantly evolving.鈥�
Requirements for completing a certificate can be found on the certificate page.
Professional and Continuing Education courses that are transferrable to a USD master degree will be stated on the course or certificate page. If you wish to transfer credit, it is your responsibility to confer with the receiving institution before enrolling, as each individual academic institution decides whether or not to accept USD Professional and Continuing Education credit.
Certificate programs offered through the Professional and Continuing Education (PCE) at the 海角乱伦, are not supported with I-20 assistance (student visas) at this moment. However, PCE鈥檚 English Language Academy (ELA) offers I-20 assistance and students who are participating in ELA programs may also participate in other PCE programs. For additional information, please call 1 619-260-8887.
If you are interested in pursuing a degree program with the 海角乱伦, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions can issue a Form I-20 to international students who have been accepted to degree program at the University. The application procedures, deadlines, and the Admissions Office contact information can be found on USD’s Undergraduate Admissions page.
Prospective students can request to be placed on a waitlist. Should a space open up in a course, those on the waitlist will be notified. We encourage you to register early for courses.
One common denominator among the most successful organizations is that they prioritize educational and professional development opportunities for their members, and one way to accomplish this is to support training programs and courses that will help them excel in their jobs and careers.
Such professional growth opportunities can occur through established third-party programs or, in some cases, organizations will create their own customized, in-house training programs to boost specific knowledge and skill sets. Many organizations also find it beneficial to partner with an academic institution or an industry advocacy organization to be able to offer official credit to successful participants.
1. Submit New Course or New Section Form(s) 2. Confirmation of form(s) receipt 3. Review / Modify enrollment page(s) from Credit Validation Coordinator 4. Upon course completion, request grade roster and return grades 5. Credit Validator enters grades 6. Complimentary transcripts are emailed to students
Some organizations may use the term 鈥渃ourse accreditation鈥� to mean providing accreditation (or 鈥渃redit validation鈥�) services for the types of training programs described above. Additionally, organizations seeking such services may use one or both terms interchangeably (鈥渃redit validation鈥� and/or 鈥渃ourse accreditation鈥�) to search for an education partner/provider.
This can cause confusion because the term 鈥渁ccreditation鈥� more commonly refers to the system of third-party quality control long used to ensure that institutions of higher education satisfy certain standards (for example, the 海角乱伦 is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges).
Sponsoring businesses and organizations that partner with USD for credit validation receive:
-Added value to your program, by offering credit options -Competitive and affordable fees -Flexibility to tailor and update your courses as required -Personalized white-glove service from your USD program coordinator -Support from a dedicated enrollment and student services team -Affiliation with an accredited, nationally recognized university -Over 25 years of credit validation expertise -In addition to earning credit while developing new knowledge and skills, each successful participant receives a free printed transcript from USD.
Organizations that partner with USD in these offerings include private companies, nonprofits, public agencies such as school districts or county education offices, and professional organizations. Some of the organizations that partner with USD for credit validation services include:
AVID Path to Schoolwide and AVID ElevateXP National Geographic Society Montessori Institute of San Diego Dyslexia Training Institute National Council of Teachers of English San Diego Zoo Mathematics Vision Project Great Books Foundation Museum of Tolerance
12.5 hours are required per 1.0 unit.
$79 per 1 unit.
Email [email protected]. Fill out the Course Approval Request form and the Instructor Approval Request form and return to your person of contact at USD.
Credit validation units can be classroom, online, or a combination of both. Assignments and readings can count towards the time requirement. Credit can also be earned for attending a conference.
DoDEA representative completes their own regional form and gets it approved by the school principal, area supervisor, subject specialist, or area superintendent. Then the form is emailed to [email protected] for approval.
15.0 hours are required per 1.0 unit.
Graduate Level Extension Credit.
It is the responsibility of the participant to confirm with their school district/organization if our units will be accepted before registering for credit.
Participants typically have 10 days from the start date of the course to register unless otherwise specified by the DoDEA POC. Registration can open any time before the course actually begins but registration typically closes 10 days after the start date (DoDEA policy).
Participants requesting an INC have 60 days from the end date of the course to complete it. If they do not complete the course within that time frame, they will be issued an NG. If the DoDEA POC would like more time for the student, this is acceptable.
No, they are not. They are instructors on a volunteer basis and are not USD PCE staff.
No, they do not. They usually use their own learning system such as Schoology. Since DoDEA courses are not USD developed courses, they do not have the option of using Canvas.
All too often, grant proposals include unrealistic asks, industry buzzwords that lack real meaning, and too much room for interpretation. Instead, it鈥檚 best to be as straightforward as possible and make clear what good you will be able to achieve with grant funding.
Get specific during the grant writing process about how you will use grant funds and what beneficial outcomes are imminent. Make the grantor connect with your cause, even if this is the first time they鈥檙e learning about what you do. Include standout stories and examples to paint a clear picture of your circumstances.
Courses such as USD鈥檚 online Nonprofit Grant Writing are incredibly useful to stay up to date on the latest, most effective methods. Students learn how to identify grant opportunities, step-by-step processes of grant preparation, how to integrate budgeting, and more.
Being prepared with facts and figures to prove your organization鈥檚 needs is important. Communicating clearly, knowing the latest industry trends, and setting yourself apart are also best practices when it comes to grant writing.
Resources like , , and the have searchable databases of grant opportunities. Consult your local network as well to learn about any community resources that might be available.
Start by taking a close look at your organization鈥檚 circumstances 鈥� financial and otherwise 鈥� to evaluate exactly what areas need support. This will allow you to seek grant opportunities that are the right fit, also helping to ensure that you鈥檒l stand out from other applicants.
Yes. Teachers, who historically experience high rates of career burnout, are able to find stress relief and enhance their emotional well-being by practicing mindfulness alongside their students. Everyone in the school community benefits when educators are grounded and have a grasp on their thoughts and emotions.
If you would like to learn how to properly develop and practice mindfulness in the classroom, consider taking the Introduction to the Mindful Classroom course from the 海角乱伦. This course will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to fully implement mindful concepts in your classroom, and help students and other staff realize the benefits of mindful practices.
Consider this USD eBook, 鈥�18 Signs a Student is Struggling,鈥� to help quickly recognize and act on signs of emotional distress.
Once students have a grasp on basic mindfulness concepts, they become second nature and therefore integrate into all aspects of their social lives, from sports teams and clubs to casual social interactions.
Breathing exercises, guided meditation, nature walks, and intention-setting are all simple ways to incorporate mindfulness into a classroom environment.
Enhanced concentration, self-awareness, and emotional regulation abilities are benefits of mindfulness. The benefits that students experience from mindfulness practices in the classroom last far beyond their formative years and will actually benefit them long-term.
Mindful education involves integrating meditation principles, theories, and practices into education with the goal of helping students learn techniques to calm and focus the mind that can help them develop empathy, self-awareness, and communication skills.
It depends on what kinds of content you want to share and which platforms parents and guardians are comfortable using. At the beginning of each school year, send out a survey asking parents to indicate their preferred social media platform, then use the top two results for parent-facing communications. With so many people on multiple social media platforms, it鈥檚 best not to limit school news to just one; fortunately, managing multiple accounts at once is simple with social media management tools like Hootsuite and Facebook Publishing.
According to Pew Research, , with 16% on the app almost constantly. Since so many students already gather in this digital space, teachers can engage them by creatively incorporating it into lessons. Ask students to film reactions to course content using TikTok trends, conduct research via subject matter experts鈥� posts, or create response videos in place of traditional project reports.
To protect students鈥� privacy, keep all class-related social media accounts private or invitation-only and encourage them to set their own accounts to private or create new class-specific profiles. Review proper online etiquette and behavior with students and establish firm consequences for cyberbullying. As a teacher, it鈥檚 critical to maintain professional boundaries online, so avoid discussing or posting anything personal on school social media accounts. You may even want to grant access to students鈥� parents so they can monitor how their children are using these spaces.
Educational leaders should possess the following traits:
are those who have 鈥渟ignificant teaching experience, are known to be excellent educators, and are respected by their peers.鈥�
Educational leadership, or teacher leadership, is when teachers go 鈥渂eyond their classroom responsibilities and assume informal and formal roles within the school to influence and enhance instruction and learning for all students. Teachers who hold the professional identity as an educator who demonstrate leadership within the classroom, school, community and beyond, either through formal or informal roles.鈥�
鈥�Special needs鈥� encompasses such a wide range of student abilities and challenges that no one space can accommodate all physical or behavioral needs. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) states that all public school classrooms must be , meaning that they must be accessible to wheelchair users and that teachers must make reasonable accommodations when it comes to technology tools. In general, best practices for classroom design apply to students of all abilities, such as minimizing distractions, making the space safe and comfortable, ensuring every student has access to the tools they need, and that the layout supports both independent and collaborative work.
Designing or redesigning your classroom does not require expensive materials or upgrades. Big box stores like Walmart and Target sell attractive, affordable classroom organization solutions, and features hundreds of thousands of ideas for designing a classroom on a budget.
If you experience issues enrolling, or have questions, complete our 海角乱伦 Form or call our Enrollment and Student Services team between 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (PST), M-F, at (619) 260-4585 or toll free at (888) 321-6658.
The address for classroom courses are provided at the section level detail on the course page. Once you know the address, we recommend you use Google Maps. Otherwise please contact the ESS during business hours of 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (PST), M-F, at (619) 260-4585 or toll free at (888) 321-6658.
Yes, on the course page, click on Request Information and you will be notified by email when enrollment is open for the course or you can complete the Course Inquiry form
Many data engineering certificate programs will cover database fundamentals, various language models, performance optimization, and more.
This answer varies depending on the program. For example, USD offers flexible learning opportunities that allows students to complete lessons within designated timeframes.
No. A certificate often requires less time and financial commitment than a certification. That鈥檚 because the latter often involves passage of an industry-specific test and proving deeper proficiency.
The ideal data engineering certification or certificate program is different for everyone. Programs will cater to different skill levels, areas of specialization, and career goals. The best data engineering programs are updated regularly and are in-line with industry standards and developments.
Earning a data engineering certificate shows a commitment to education and improvement. Employers often consider certificates incredibly valuable and may even award higher pay when new experience is proven.
Data architects work wherever there is a need to collect, sort, manage and analyze data. They are commonly employed in the technology, health care, finance, government, science, and entertainment sectors.
A search for 鈥渄ata architect鈥� and similar titles brings up median salaries ranging from $115,000 to over $158,000. Of course, these salaries can fluctuate depending on the job market, geographic location, the candidate鈥檚 level of education and experience, and the industry, among other factors.
A data architect is a professional responsible for designing, creating, managing, and optimizing the systems by which an organization manages its data.
Data architecture refers to the design, structure, and organization of a company鈥檚 data assets, systems, processes, and technologies.
Developing a strong skill set through a certificate program will prove to potential employers that you are dedicated to learning. For working data engineers, USD offers an online certificate program.
Adaptability, project management and critical thinking are three of the top skills that data engineers should possess. This is based on the need to oversee projects from conception to completion, within a field that is constantly changing with new technology.
The latest reported average annual salary for data engineers is $109,675.
A data engineer is responsible for obtaining data needed for a particular project, seeing that it is reliable for use, and creating and maintaining systems for implementation. Efforts by data engineers are used to power mobile apps, online services, and more.
The ELA offers an intensive and rigorous language program for students who are serious about pursuing an academic degree at an American college or university. Classes are small, no more than 15 students per class; and teachers are dedicated to helping students achieve their academic and personal goals.
The ELA offers a variety of different programs, each carefully designed to serve language learners of varying ages, levels of English proficiency and goals. These range from our popular Global Leadership Summer Program for international students aged 13-17 to the Intensive English Language Program, which prepares those aged 18 and older for university or career success.
The ELA offers an Intensive English Program which includes reading, writing, grammar, listening, speaking, and test preparation (TOEFL and IELTS).
Upon arrival at the ELA, new students take a placement test. They are then placed into individual, skill-based classes specific to their level. The ELA has six levels of English language proficiency, ranging from beginner to advanced.
USD is ranked in the top 100 universities and requires international applicants to have earned a TOEFL score of 80, an IELTS score of 6.5, or a Duolingo score of 115. The length of time it takes a student to earn those scores depends on a number of factors. At the ELA, we have designed our curriculum to help students reach those scores through our test prep and college prep classes.
As an ELA student you will be issued a USD Student ID Card, providing access to the university鈥檚 many facilities and services (e.g. swimming pool, tennis courts, gym, etc.).
San Diego offers a unique set of advantages for students wanting to live and study in the city. The academic potential, amazing attractions, cultural diversity, food, shopping, and natural beauty make it as many agree 鈥淎merica’s Finest City.鈥�
It is typically not a requirement, but some aspiring medical coders may benefit from an associate鈥檚 degree. However, employers tend to prefer candidates with certificates over degrees, due to the rigorous credentialing exam process. Many professionals in this field obtain certification through organizations such as the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
Medical coders play a vital role in ensuring the quality and continuity of patient care. They are responsible for managing patient records using a numerical coding system, reviewing clinical documentation and doctor’s notes, and translating diagnoses, procedures, and supplies into medical codes that can be submitted to insurance providers.
No, medical coders do not work directly with patients. Their role is strictly administrative, translating physicians鈥� notes into codes which are used to file claims with insurance providers.
Yes, there are many opportunities to earn healthcare continuing education units online. E-learning offers an excellent opportunity for nurses and other essential workers to learn on their own time, at their own pace, wherever their work takes them.
Continuing education for nurses is available as in-person or online training courses, workshops, conferences, seminars, certification programs, or independent study. As long as the program or resource is approved by your state鈥檚 licensing board, it can be applied to the 10 credits required every two years to retain licensure.
There are free continuing education resources for nurses and other healthcare professionals, including research papers, workplace training, and many online sources. Be advised, however, that only approved CEUs can apply to nursing licensure, so be sure your state鈥檚 licensing board accepts your choice of free continuing education.
This answer is subjective, depending on what you are personally looking for in terms of salary, growth opportunities, work-life balance, and more.
According to , these seven healthcare careers have the highest median annual salary 鈥� $208,000:
Deciding which healthcare career to pursue is a decision that takes thoughtful consideration. Consult with trusted family members, friends, and any working professionals you know who are already in your desired line of work. Give thought to what educational opportunities you can realistically pursue with your lifestyle and what you are passionate about.
For successful completion of the certificate programs the following requirements are needed: