About the College of Continuing Education

The College of Continuing Education serves a diverse community of experienced, adult learners and organizations by linking them to thought-leaders and knowledge at the University of Minnesota and beyond. Through unique and inspiring learning opportunities that span the University's breadth of academic disciplines, motivated adults explore new possibilities to enrich their personal and professional lives.

Each year, the College serves nearly 4,000 adults working toward personalized or applied degrees or certificates, or accessing the University's credit evening, distance, or summer courses. Annually, an additional 6,000 adults who are not seeking academic credit take advantage of the College's short courses, seminars, workshops, retreats, and events. These noncredit offerings are developed to address current industry topics or to engage the intellect for personal development.

Organization Mission
The mission of the College of Continuing Education is to provide high-quality continuing education and lifelong learning opportunities for professional development, personal enrichment, career transitions, and academic growth.

The College of Continuing Education helps fulfill the University of Minnesota's outreach mission and facilitates access to outstanding education for a diverse community of adult learners within Minnesota and beyond by utilizing delivery systems and technologies that expand access.

The mission of the College of Continuing Education is differentiated by its primary audience of working adults who seek education on a part-time basis for career enhancement or personal enrichment. This audience desires education from the University of Minnesota because of its commitment to quality educational offerings, whether they are noncredit or credit based.