Professional & Continuing Education

Since its inception in 1915, UPCEA has focused on the work of continuing and professional education administrators who advance their institution’s mission by providing access and opportunities for students of all ages. Today, that work is more important than ever, with a focus on today’s adult learner and on developing new audiences, education programs, and means of delivery.

UPCEA is committed to providing resources and opportunities for learning and professional development for leaders in online and professional continuing education, embracing their entrepreneurial spirit and our rich history as an association.

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News & Events

Conferences, Seminars, Webinars

From our major annual conference, leadership, marketing and regional events to topical webinars and coffee chats, UPCEA offers unparalleled networking, presentation and innovative learning experiences for all areas of online and professional continuing education.

Major UPCEA Events include:

  • UPCEA Annual Conference
  • MEMS Conference: Marketing, Enrollment Management, Student Success
  • Summit for Online Leadership and Administration (SOLAR)
  • Convergence: Credential Innovation in Higher Education
  • Digital Transformation & Learning (DT&L) Conference
  • Regional Salons
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The Pulse of Higher Ed

Perspectives on Online and Professional Education from UPCEA’s Research and Consulting Experts

Is Higher Education Going to the Dogs (and Cats)?

February 1, 2019

Usually one trend impacts another. If self-driving cars are taking over, then most likely artificial intelligence, data mining, radar technology, and lithium battery development are trending positively.…

A Simple “Observation” on Trend Watching and Intelligence Gathering

January 18, 2019

In a growth market, such as online education in the late 1990s and start of millennium, producing products and services is relatively easy or carries with it…

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Resources and Publications

UPCEA Hallmarks of Excellence in Professional And Continuing Education

These Hallmarks presume that continuing and professional education is central, pervasive, and critical within institutions of higher learning—crossing internal boundaries and extending external ones, promoting change, and responding to current dynamics that convert challenges into opportunities. Through emphasizing certification and providing robust online learning resources, UPCEA ensures that professionals in higher education align their professional development with industry demands.

These Hallmarks of Excellence are an opportunity to define a set of standards that reflect the ambitions, potential, and importance of the PCE unit’s work—standards few achieve often enough to be complacent. Commitment to mission, enrollments, innovation, and academic excellence are the inseparable aspirations of continuing and professional educators.

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Get Involved

Have you joined a Network yet?

Today, the field of professional, continuing and online education is characterized by engagement in very complex, highly specialized areas of practice. UPCEA’s eight Networks are designed to serve professionals practicing in the key areas that define this vibrant and growing sector of higher education. Networks focus on enhancing education for professionals and are open to any UPCEA Member. Members can join any one (or multiple) of these Networks, like Business & Operations, Program Planning and Implementation, and more!

Gain Knowledge and Advance Your Career

Learn from expert facilitators and connect with peers online as a part of UPCEA's Professional Development courses. Interested in earning the PCO Pro Certificate from UPCEA? Get the essential skills and knowledge you need with UPCEA’s Learning Center! Bringing you the leading experts in the field of professional, continuing, and online (PCO) education, these programs offer high-value and relevant online learning resources for practitioners at all levels.

Select and bundle five courses of your choice.

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Become an UPCEA Member

UPCEA members get more...

  • Access to useful research
  • Networking opportunities
  • Real time advice, answers and ideas
  • Exclusive member content

UPCEA has the knowledge and resources colleges and universities need to serve adult learners, online learners and contemporary students.

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Learn more about UPCEA's other focus areas:

Leadership in Online Learning

Alternative Credentials

Marketing, Enrollment & Student Success

Contact Us!

To learn more about how UPCEA can help you and your organization navigate the vastly changing landscape of online and professional continuing education please complete this form or email us at [email protected]

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