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
UT’s Master of Arts in Economics is celebrating a decade of excellence!
This program offers a rigorous and dynamic curriculum emphasizing quantitative training in economics on a flexible timeline of 10, 18 or 24-months. One-on-one advising allows you to tailor the program to your individual objectives, whether that is changing careers, advancing in your current role or seeking a PhD.
Visit the program website via the link below to learn why the MA in Economics is one of the top-ranked Economics master’s programs in the U.S.
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!
Program Spotlight
Put your passion for sports to work!
The ever-changing and highly complex sports industry requires skilled professionals to engage fans, build brands, and manage communication strategies across platforms. It also requires leaders with a strong foundation in organizational and interpersonal communication who are capable team builders and managers of different groups and audiences.
The MA degree in Strategic Communication with an emphasis on Sports Communication will provide you the foundation and specialization to succeed in a variety of sports communications careers.
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Student Spotlight
As a Privacy Compliance program manager at Google and Alphabet, Lorenzo Santavicca knows the importance of keeping data safe in an increasingly connected and online world.
Master of Science in Information Security and Privacy (MS ISP)
Equipped with the 360-degree perspective that the MS ISP curriculum offers, Lorenzo deftly engages with regulators and works alongside some of the best privacy attorneys in the business. His degree helped him stand out for his current position, and he sees the return on his investment every day.
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Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Jason Rosenblum is the coordinator of the Learning, Equity, Action and Design (LEAD) graduate certificate and an Assistant Professor of Instruction in UT’s College of Education.
Advocating for digital equity in every classroom.
Throughout his career, Dr. Rosenblum has explored the intersection of education, technology and social justice, with a special interest in how games can transform teaching and learning. His current research focuses on how teachers and students can best leverage innovative technology through humanizing pedagogy, and center the needs of students and their communities in the experience of learning.
Learn more