Q. What is Continuing and Extended Education?
A. Continuing and extended education programs are educational opportunities offered to individuals throughout their lifecycle. These programs cover a range of experiences and interests. Programs may also offer certifications and competency-based credentials.
Cleveland State University's Division of Continuing and Extended Education courses are found throughout CSU's colleges and schools and provide flexible, innovative options encompassing everything from intimate workshops to the eLearning classroom to intensive certificate programs.
Q. What is the difference between professional development and workforce development?
A. Professional development addresses the educational needs of people in a broad range of jobs and career fields, usually through noncredit, nondegree programs. It may include formal coursework, conferences, or seminars taught on different platforms, including distance learning or in-person. Workforce development education usually includes programs to provide the skills and knowledge needed for displaced workers or help individuals develop industry-specific skills to help advance their career and compensation opportunities.
Q. Does receiving a certificate make me a "graduate of Cleveland State University?"
A. No. You are only considered a "graduate" of CSU when you earn an academic degree from a degree-granting unit. However, you can earn a certificate from CSU and benefit from an educational experience from a highly reputable institution.
Q. Will I earn college credit toward a degree in a continuing education course?
A. You may be able to earn some college credit depending on the program and course. Please refer to the course description to learn more. It is always advisable to contact the program unit offering the course you are interested in to see if academic credit is an option.
Q. What is a CEU?
A. CEU stands for "Continuing Education Unit." A CEU is a unit of credit equal to 10 hours of participation (contact hours) in a program designed for professionals with certificates or licenses to practice various professions. Such professionals include engineers, financial advisers, accountants, teachers, lawyers, mental health, and healthcare workers.
Q. What types of noncredit programs are offered?
A. Literally, hundreds of noncredit programs are offered by continuing education programs in our various colleges and schools, including business, counseling, education, engineering, liberal arts, urban studies, and sciences and health sciences. Whatever your background or interests – from engineering to music and business to social work – some courses and programs can meet your needs and desire for learning.
Q. How do I find programs that are offered online?
A. The searchable distance learning class link can help you identify noncredit courses offered online.
Q. I am currently unemployed. Can I receive tuition assistance for continuing education courses or programs?
A. Workforce grants may be available but vary by each county. Be sure to check with your county's unemployment and or one-stop center for specific details. For a complete listing of training grants available in Ohio, visit the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services Office of Workforce Development (OHD) program website at http://jfs.ohio.gov/owd/Program/index.stm
Q. What is the continuing education refund policy?
A. Refund to original payment is made at 100% when a registrant cancels attendance at least two business days before the start of the first class. There are no refunds for a cancellation with less than 48 hours' notice. After class starts, there are no changes or cancellations. Credit card refunds take 7-10 business days to show up on your credit card statement. Cash refunds by check take 10 to 14 business days to process.
NOTE: Refunds for courses purchased through partnership organizations may default to the partner organization's policy on refunds.