The education of professionals does not end with the achievement of a degree. Professional competence requires a commitment to lifelong learning and a continuing effort to update knowledge and skills as workplace needs and technologies change. Consequently, the school provides the means for acquiring specialized competencies, gaining skills in new areas, and updating of professional knowledge and techniques.

Opportunities for continuing education and professional development are available to practitioners in fields related to the School of Communication and Information. Professional Development Studies offers opportunities ranging from credit, noncredit, and certificate programs; webinars; self-paced elearning courses; personal coaching; and contracting for customized in-house training to meet an organization's continuing education and professional development needs.

About Online Learning

Many of the certificates and classes offered by Professional Development Studies are offered online. These online classes are taught by faculty and industry experts who provide students with a strong theoretical framework and real-world case studies and projects. Students have the opportunity to engage with their peers and instructors in a flexible online platform. This platform allows for interaction with colleagues from across the country or around the world. Class size is limited to help ensure there is a great deal of interaction among students and instructors in every online course. The courses have a structure with readings, threaded discussions, deadlines, and assignments similar to face-to-face coursework. But because the classes are asynchronous, during a given week students can participate during the times that are convenient for them.

Details about the current certificate programs and other course offerings are available on the website at: http://comminfo.rutgers.edu/professional-development-studies/professional-development-studies.html .