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
Looking for a fun, rewarding career while living abroad? Teaching English as a foreign language may be your opportunity.
UT Austin’s English Language Center offers CELTA certification, the gold standard in this field. Focusing on practical techniques like face-to-face teaching practice with English language learners and classroom observation of experienced teachers, you can develop transferable workplace skills. If you’re new to teaching or want to develop your classroom skills further, CELTA is the certification you need.
Student Spotlight
As a first-generation college student, Ri Aldrige understands how important access and equity are in education. After teaching for ten years, Ri pursued her Master’s in Learning Technologies at UT.
During her studies, she pursued the Learning, Equity, Action and Design (LEAD) Graduate Certificate. Her LEAD coursework built upon her expertise as a teacher, curriculum designer and teacher educator by focusing on how educators can use technology to enhance every student’s learning experience, regardless of their background.
Ri now serves as the Director of Curriculum and Evaluation for over 15 YMCA programs in Kentucky and Ohio.
Program Spotlight
Planning a big event and want to take it to the next level? The UT Speakers Bureau gives you access to powerful perspectives, interactive presentations, and experienced speakers at The University of Texas at Austin.
Our dedicated team assists you in selecting an impactful speaker from our extensive roster of experts to match your organization’s mission and budget. We handle all the details, ensuring you can effortlessly bring the ultimate Longhorn experience to your next event.
Learn more
Program Spotlight
Working in the healthcare industry can be stressful, with many clinical and healthcare professionals experiencing burnout in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Strategies to Support Team Well-Being
The Health Communication Training Series’ new course, brought to you in partnership with the Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute (TEPHI), offers practical steps you can take to support any team when pressures are high. This course explores how skillful planning and communication can help strengthen morale, boost team performance, and lead to better outcomes for the patients and communities they serve.
Learn more
Program Spotlight
Ready to Explore Your Next Chapter? The TOWER Fellows Program offers an exceptional, personalized experience for a small community of accomplished individuals.
This two-semester program offers inspiring discussions with world-class thinkers and doers, access to the best courses and professors on campus, and a backstage pass to the best events and programs the University has to offer. The TOWER Fellows Program seeks participants who are eager to pause, think, and create a new, enriching professional and personal journey for the next stage of life.
Learn more