First Steps
UT Austin's continuing and professional education ecosystem is vast. Don't worry. We've got you covered. You might be looking for a new career or to advance in your current field. Whether you’re returning to your alma mater for further education or planning to be a first-time Longhorn, we welcome you here.
This page is designed to serve as a starting point in your journey. You will find information about terminology, program offerings, info sessions and ways to fund your education. We look forward to having you in class!
MOST COMMONLY USED TERMS
First, Know the Terminology
GENERAL TERMS
Continuing Education: A broad term describing courses and programs that are designed for post-baccalaureate audiences.
Professional Education: Courses and programs designed for professionals seeking advancement in their current role or preparation for a new position or industry.
Credit-bearing: “Credit-bearing” courses or programs grant transcribable academic credit that can be applied to a degree program.
Enrollment methods: “Open enrollment” programs do not require an application process for enrollment, while “Application-based” programs do.
CEUs: Continuing education units are non-academic credits conferred after completion of a course or set of courses. CEUs can be general or industry-specific. See individual programs for specific information.
PROGRAM TYPES
Graduate Degree: Master’s and Doctoral programs designed for working professionals. Typical duration is 12-24 months.
Graduate Certificate: Credit-bearing programs focused on a set of related topics/issue areas.
Professional Certificate: Non-credit-bearing short programs focused on a set of related topics/issue areas (may confer CEUs).
Boot Camp: Non-credit-bearing short programs focused on increasing mastery of a singular skill set (may confer CEUs).
Course or Conference: One or multi-day events that confer CEUs.
LEARNING FORMATS
Classroom: In-person programs held on the UT Austin campus or another specified location
Live Online: Synchronous (real-time) online programs
Self-Paced Online: Asynchronous (at your own pace) online programs
Find the Right Program For You
We provide several ways for you to identify which of our programs is the best fit for you. Visit the Our Stories page to meet alumni who found their match.
USE OUR PROGRAM FINDER
Select your preferences and our program finder will identify the most applicable offerings available.
Explore CoursesATTEND AN INFO SESSION
Information sessions are a great way to interact with staff, faculty, and alumni and learn more about the programs that meet your needs.
AttendPLAN A CUSTOM TRAINING
If you are seeking tailored solutions for your team or organization, reach out to our program development team.
Learn MoreUSE OUR PROGRAM FINDER
Select your preferences and our program finder will identify the most applicable offerings available.
Explore CoursesATTEND AN INFO SESSION
Information sessions are a great way to interact with staff, faculty, and alumni and learn more about the programs that meet your needs.
AttendPLAN A CUSTOM TRAINING
If you are seeking tailored solutions for your team or organization, reach out to our program development team.
Learn MoreExplore Your Funding Options
FUNDING VARIES ACROSS UNITS
The decision to invest in your continued education provides immediate and long-term returns.
Many of our learners receive financial assistance to fund the cost of their education. See below for more information on employer support, scholarships, grants, military/veteran’s benefits, and other opportunities.
SUPPORT FROM YOUR EMPLOYER
Many employers offer financial support for continuing and professional education. If this is an option for you, our experienced staff will work with you and your employer to manage the funding process.
ASK QUESTIONS
Talk with an enrollment advisor for your specific program about what discounts, scholarships, or other funding options are available for that specific program. Options vary, but some programs may accept military, military spouse, or veteran’s benefits; Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards; and funding from the Texas Workforce Commission
THE VALUE OF YOUR EDUCATION
The pursuit of continuing and professional education is a great resume booster. In addition, by equipping you with critical new skills and knowledge, your UT Austin experience will boost your personal and professional confidence.
Apply or Enroll
If you are ready to join UT Austin’s extensive network of learners, we are ready to work with you. Use our program finder or chat with us.
Program Spotlight
Spanish is spoken by approximately 400 million people globally and is the second most widely spoken language in the United States. Each summer, University Extension offers two online courses focused on Spanish for professionals.
Business in Hispanic Life and Culture is an introduction to the language and culture of business in the Spanish-speaking world.
Spanish for Health Care Professions develops fluency and precision in written and spoken Spanish to communicate effectively in medical settings.
Learn more
Program Spotlight
UT’s Master’s in Engineering Management is one of only ten programs certified by the American Society for Engineering Management globally.
This program teaches STEM professionals how to leverage their background in science and technology while developing business acumen and leadership skills. Built for professionals who can’t afford to disrupt their career, courses are delivered flexibly with students only required to attend onsite classes two days every month.
Learn more, and discover how you can become a leader in your STEM field in as little as two years!
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Faculty Spotlight
Alexis Strong Artusi is the Interim Faculty Director (Fall ’24) for the MA in Design focused on Health program. Her background is at the intersection of healthcare, hospitality, and design in industry and academia.
Envisioning a healthcare ecosystem in which all humans can thrive.
Alexis’s (Ph.D., Cornell) research is focused on health and wellness environments. It included the study of consumer behavior, experience design, service cultures, and implementation, and the business impact of relationship-centered care models.
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Program Spotlight
Become a transformative leader in healthcare cybersecurity and tackle the pressing challenges of cyber risk management.
Leadership in Healthcare Cyber Risk Management Program
Experienced healthcare professionals will gain essential knowledge and real-world skills to enhance their digital health competencies. Learn from top experts in the field and unlock new career opportunities across healthcare organizations and government roles. Make a meaningful impact on your organization and advance your career in this vital area of healthcare.
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Program Spotlight
Human trafficking is a pervasive form of exploitation and abuse worldwide, and healthcare providers are uniquely poised to intervene when victims enter their care.
Identification and Response to Human Trafficking in Healthcare
This course equips healthcare providers with the essential tools to recognize and appropriately respond to human trafficking cases in the healthcare environment and meets the Texas Board of Nurses’ human trafficking license renewal requirement.
Learn more