As an educator you know that learning is infinite. That's why so many teachers choose to continue their education through master's degree programs, certificates or professional development.

At the University of San Diego, we offer a nationally ranked, 100% online Master of Education degree that is designed specifically for experienced educators. But if you aren't quite ready to dive into a full master's degree program or already have a graduate degree, there are plenty of other options to advance your learning, including certificates and a la carte classes. At USD these programs focus on important, contemporary issues in education such as STEAM, cognitive learning, leadership, and more with over 500 different classes and nine certificate programs to choose from. You can a view a full list of USD professional development offerings here.

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Be it for salary advancement, professional growth or for a combination of the two, continuing education classes are a great way to keep your skills current and continue to grow within your field, bringing the best instruction and the latest ideas to your classroom or school.

Here is a quick glimpse into the professional development program and format at the University of San Diego.

A La Carte Classes or a Certificate Program: What Fits Your Needs?

A La Carte Classes can be taken individually and are not associated with a particular certificate or professional program or series. You can take one class or several, and choose to study across a variety of topics. The choice is entirely up to you!

Certificate programs at USD are rigorous and demonstrate a progression of learning and the mastery of a specific body of knowledge. A minimum of eight semester units of coursework are required for certificate courses and have all been exposed to extensive community reviews, curricular oversight, and university approvals before being offered for continuing education or professional development.

Certificate options include:

  • Bullying Prevention in Our Schools
  • Character Education Development
  • Effective Classroom Management Solutions
  • Knowledge Quest
  • Love of Language
  • Mental Health First Response
  • STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics)
  • Teacher Leader
  • TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)

Convenient and Flexible Format Options: Pick the One That Works Best for You!

Classroom – These courses are offered in a traditional classroom where you can connect with your instructor and classmates in a live setting. This learning environment facilitates communication on a given subject in real time, enables immediate feedback, and fosters interaction with the instructor and likeminded classmates. To make in person learning accessible we offer classes in nine different locations throughout Los Angeles county.

  • West Los Angeles
  • Valley (Sherman Oaks)
  • Los Alamitos
  • Downey
  • Downtown Los Angeles
  • Burbank
  • Monterey Park
  • Santa Clarita
  • South Bay (Carson)

Note: Our summer workshops are held in 13 different locations across Los Angeles county.

Online Fixed-Date – 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. Plus, you get to interact with students from around the world through weekly discussion forums, chats and email communication.

Online Self-Paced – Online self-paced courses are a perfect blend of accessibility, convenience and flexibility for you to control your learning pace. You can register at any time and you will have six months from the time of registration to complete your course.

Independent Study- Independent study self-paced courses offer flexibility and the ability to complete a course faster or slower than a traditional live course. Our courses deliver the same high-quality content and expert instruction as traditional, "face-to-face courses."

Learn more about all the format options here.

Choose How Many Units You Would Like to Receive

USD courses are offered in one, two, three, four or six unit options with a maximum of 18 units to be completed during any one semester: Fall (September – December); Spring (January – May); and Summer (June – August). The credit or units you receive through the completion of a USD professional development course may be used for salary advancement, credential renewing and/or recertification — however it is advised that you acquire prior district approval in advance of enrollment.

Certain courses such as the STEAM and Health Care Informatics Certificate program courses may be applied towards a graduate degree program at USD.

Graduate Level Extension Credit

Courses in the 700-799 series are considered professional, graduate level (post-baccalaureate) extension credit courses in the field of education. These courses are specifically designed to meet the needs of beginning, veteran and prospective teachers (K-12) in both public and private school systems. Areas of emphasis include pedagogy, curriculum design, teaching methods and development of materials. Course credit fulfills requirements for professional growth, in-service and salary-step hurdle requirements, and may be applied toward an academic degree or teacher credentialing program subject to the prior approval of the institution in question. Course credit is recorded on an official university transcript and becomes part of the student's permanent record at USD.

Want to learn more about continuing your education with the University of San Diego? Let us know! Contact one of our student service associates today — they will be able to answer all of your questions and walk you through the many classes, units and format options available to continuing education students. And if you want to get started right away, download the summer 2016 course catalog!

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As an educator you know that learning is infinite. That's why so many teachers choose to continue their education through master's degree programs, certificates or professional development. At the University of San Diego, we offer a nationally ranked, 100% online Master of Education degree that is designed specifically for experienced…

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