Cornell University Continuing Education Programs: A Gateway to Lifelong Learning
Cornell University's commitment to education extends far beyond its traditional undergraduate and graduate programs. Through the School of Continuing Education and Summer Sessions (SCE), Cornell provides a wide array of learning opportunities for individuals of all ages and backgrounds, both on campus and online. These programs embody Cornell's land-grant mission, aiming to improve access to education across New York State, the nation, and the world.
A History of Expanding Access
Cornell's dedication to continuing education dates back to the late 19th century. In 1898, Dr. Charles DeGarmo, former president of Swarthmore College, joined Cornell as Professor of the Science and Art of Education, signaling an early interest in pedagogical outreach. The formal establishment of extramural courses for credit came in 1935, following a report highlighting the desirability of such offerings. The 1950s saw the introduction of programs specifically designed for high school students, further expanding Cornell's educational reach. In the winter of 1975-76, Cornell graduate Alice Stone Nakhimovsky led a three-credit course in Russia featuring two weeks in Moscow and Leningrad, followed by a week back on the Cornell campus. This innovative approach to international education exemplifies Cornell's commitment to providing unique learning experiences. In 1992, the Division of Summer Session, Extramural Study, and Related Programs officially became the School of Continuing Education and Summer Sessions (SCE) under the guidance of dean Glenn C. Altschuler, solidifying Cornell's dedication to lifelong learning.
Diverse Programs for Diverse Learners
The School of Continuing Education and Summer Sessions features faculty members from across the university; leaders in higher education, industry, and government; and distinguished scholars from around the world. As an adult learner, you can choose from thousands of regular university classes year-round, study with leading faculty on campus or online, and earn credit and a Cornell transcript. Enrollment is open to all. Cornell offers an extensive catalog of year-round learning opportunities for pretty much anyone: enrolled college students; high school students; Cornell faculty and staff members; Cornell alumni, parents, and friends; local residents.
Cornell offers over 150 professional certificate programs in topic areas ranging from business and leadership, to hospitality, to technology and data science, delivered online through eCornell. With over 400 enterprise partners, Cornell collaborates with organizations in every industry to support employee learning and development. These professional certificate programs cater to working professionals seeking to enhance their skills and advance their careers. Cornell’s ILR School certificate programs specialize in the workplace spanning HR practices, leadership, labor relations, employee relations, conflict resolution and more. From entry-level to senior leaders, ILR offers expert training for every position.
Summer and Winter Sessions
Study-abroad programs for credit are administered by the School during the summer and winter sessions. Cornell University’s School of Continuing Education and Summer Sessions provides educational opportunities on the Cornell campus, online, and around the world during Summer Session, Winter Session, and throughout the academic year.
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Continuing Medical Education
Weill Cornell Medicine’s Continuing Medical Education program provides lifelong educational opportunities for physicians, keeping them current with the latest developments in medicine.
Bird Academy
Bird Academy offers its online students the opportunity to earn Continuing Education Units. CEUs are available for any course on Bird Academy by purchasing them for an additional per-course fee. The CEUs you purchase through Bird Academy will be issued by Cornell University’s Continuing Education office in the form of a digital certificate. The number of units you earn depends on how many hours we’ve estimated the course should take for an average student. One CEU = 10 hours of coursework. When courses are estimated to take less than 10 hours to complete, students receive a partial CEU (e.g., 4 hours = 0.4 CEUs). Step 1: Purchase one or more of our CEU Add-on product. Each entitles you an official CEU certificate for one passed Bird Academy course.
Cornell Cooperative Extension
An outgrowth of Cornell's land-grant mission, CCE has educators in each of New York State's 62 counties (including all five New York City boroughs).
Cornell Outdoor Education
COE is the country's largest and most comprehensive collegiate outdoor education program.
Flexibility and Accessibility
Cornell University is dedicated to making educational and experiential opportunities accessible to the broadest possible range of audiences and participants throughout New York State, our nation, and the world. Cornell employees and retirees are eligible for tuition-free study in on-campus or online courses, year-round. You can take just one class or work towards a degree, earn credit or enroll on an audit basis - it’s all up to you.
Read also: Cornell University Semester Guide
Free Learning Opportunities
A free summer events series, open to the public, brings notable speakers and performers to the Cornell campus, such as Joyce Carol Oates, A. R. Ammons, M. H. Featuring free lectures and outdoor concerts, the School of Continuing Education's summer events series has something for everyone.
Free, live webcasts featuring Cornell faculty, alumni and experts. Open to anyone, Keynotes are a great way to experience Cornell thought leadership on some of today’s most inspiring and of-the-moment topics at no cost.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
A Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is a unit that can be used by professionals who need them for obtaining licenses, professional development, or securing advancements or promotions. Some fields or professions require a threshold number of CEUs to be earned each year.
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