Continuing Education Classes and Programs

Both credit and noncredit continuing education can help you meet your personal and professional goals. Below is an overview of noncredit and credit options at UW-Madison, as well as opportunities throughout the UW System and at area educational institutions.

Noncredit continuing education at UW-Madison

Almost anyone can take a noncredit course through UW-Madison Continuing Studies. You don't need to be admitted to the University to take our noncredit courses because you are not earning university-level credit. Most noncredit courses offer continuing education units (CEUs) or professional licensing requirements and many will help with certification.

Registration for noncredit courses is easy and fees are typically lower than for credit classes. Many noncredit courses offer similar content to credit programs so compare your options.

Call 608-262-1156 for more information or program brochures.

Continuing Studies noncredit catalog —The catalog contains descriptions of upcoming noncredit personal and professional development classes and workshops , offered through UW-Madison Continuing Studies and campus outreach schools and colleges. You'll also find links to instructor descriptions, and registration information for each program.

Credit classes at UW-Madison

To view the entire range of academic options at UW-Madison go to www.wisc.edu/academics.

To take UW-Madison credit classes in either degree or nondegree status, you must be admitted to the university, and then enroll. Adult Career and Special Student Services admits nondegree students to take credit classes at UW-Madison. Students admitted by the Adult Career and Special Student Services office are known as “University Specials” or “Guest auditors.” If you have not been admitted to the university, see Prospective students for more information about the process.

Information for degree-seeking students

Capstone certificates

Capstone Certificate programs are intended to serve returning adult students who wish to acquire specialized training to meet current and future job requirements.

Distance learning

Link to distance learning sources at UW-Madison and throughout the UW System.

Summer programs

Get information about the Summer Session at UW-Madison including special programs, sessions offered, housing and other services.

Credit classes at UW System or area educational institutions

Note: If you are interested in transferring class credit to UW-Madison, see UW System Transfer Information System for online advising, transfer credit information and a listing of all the majors and programs at the 26 UW campuses.

UW System Help

Use UW Help to locate credit opportunities offered through the UW System. The site includes new links for Adult Learners and Distance Learning.

UW Catalog of Independent Learning

Site includes more than 130 university courses. Begin any time and study at your own pace.

Wisconsin Technical College System

Madison College and MATC-Milwaukee offer technical and college transfer credit opportunities for adults.

Southern Wisconsin Association for Continuing Higher Education (SWACHE)

SWACHE is an association of 15 accredited public and private institutions of higher education including UW-Madison. Find credit and degree courses in southern Wisconsin that fit your needs.