What Kinds of Programs Does UO Continuing and Professional Education Offer?

UO Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) offers three main categories of programs for people who are not admitted UO students: lifelong learning, professional development, and conference services. All CPE programs are self-support and fee-based — they do not use state dollars — so participants pay for what they enroll in rather than accessing these offerings as part of standard university tuition.

Lifelong Learning

This track is built around the idea that learning continues beyond a degree or career stage. The site names two specific entry points:

• Osher Lifelong Learning Institute — a membership-style program for ongoing learning in a community setting.
• Osher Online Seminars — online seminar-style sessions for those who want the same kind of learning without attending in person.

These are noncredit and not tied to a degree path. They suit people who want structured learning for personal interest rather than a credential.

Professional Development

This is the career-focused track, aimed at gaining skills and qualifications through programs and partnerships. The site lists these specific offerings:

The page also links to a broader "Explore All Professional Development Opportunities" listing, so the four named programs are examples rather than the full catalog. If you need a specific credential, check that full listing before assuming a program exists.

Conference Services

Conference Services provides administrative support for conferences and noncredit workshops, including events run by academic departments and individual faculty members. This is a support function rather than a program you enroll in as a learner — it's relevant if you're organizing an event and need registration, logistics, or similar backing.

Academic Support (Behind the Scenes)

CPE also provides support for credit and noncredit programs in partnership with local employers, associations, vendors, and UO academic units. According to the site, these services can include registration processing and management, accounting, customer service, and data management, with separate tracks for credit and noncredit program support. This matters to you mainly if you're an employer or unit looking to run a program through CPE rather than an individual learner.

What These Programs Are Not

None of these are traditional degree programs, and you don't need to be an admitted UO student to take part. The site states that CPE serves more than 5,000 participants annually and connects the university with regional communities for learning outside the traditional university setting. If your goal is a degree, this isn't the right door; if your goal is a skill, a credential, or ongoing learning, it is.

How to Decide

• Learning for personal interest → start with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute or Osher Online Seminars.
• Building a career skill → look at the professional development list, starting with the four named programs, then check the full catalog.
• Organizing an event → look at Conference Services support options.
• Running a program as an employer or UO unit → look at the credit and noncredit academic support services.

Because CPE is fee-based and self-supporting, expect to pay per program; the site does not publish prices on this page, so confirm cost and eligibility with CPE directly before enrolling.