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EnglishCan I Take UO Continuing and Professional Education Programs Without Being Admitted to the University of Oregon?
Updated
Yes. UO Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) is specifically designed so that you can take part without being an admitted student at the University of Oregon. The program exists to enable learning outside of the traditional university setting, so admission to the university is not the entry path for these offerings.
What "Without Being Admitted" Actually Means
CPE describes its purpose as connecting the University of Oregon with regional communities to enable learning outside of the traditional university setting. The key phrase is that individuals can access professional development, lifelong learning, and community engagement opportunities "without being an admitted student at the UO."
That means you are not going through the university's standard admissions process to participate. Instead, you engage with CPE directly as a participant in its programs.
Who CPE Serves
CPE works in partnership with UO schools and colleges, selected vendors, and national credentialing associations, and serves more than 5,000 participants annually. So the audience is not limited to enrolled degree-seeking students — it includes community members, working professionals, and lifelong learners.
What You Can Access
The programs are organized into a few broad areas:
| Area | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Lifelong Learning | Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and Osher Online Seminars |
| Professional Development | Programs and partnerships to advance your career, including AI Essentials, AI for HR Professionals, AI for Marketing, and Project Management |
| Conference Services | Administrative support for conferences and noncredit workshops, including events from academic departments and faculty |
| Academic Support | Support for credit and noncredit programs in partnership with employers, associations, vendors, and UO academic units |
The Funding Detail That Matters to Participants
CPE programs are self-support and fee-based, and they do not use state dollars. In practical terms, this means the programs are funded through the fees participants pay rather than through state appropriations. If you are comparing CPE to a standard university course, this is the structural reason the two are administered and priced differently — CPE is built to stand on its own revenue.
Where to Start
If you already know which area fits your goal, go directly to that section of the CPE site — Lifelong Learning, Professional Development, or Conference Services. If you are unsure, the "Explore All Professional Development Opportunities" listing is the broadest entry point for career-focused programs, while the Osher offerings are the route for lifelong learning.
The one thing you do not need to do first is apply for admission to the University of Oregon.