AskCT - Simplifying College Transfer

In general, any time you return to studies of any kind to learn something new, you are continuing your education. Continuing education - is an all-encompassing term describing additional formal learning activities that are generally not focused on a college degree outcome. The term is used mainly in the United States and Canada as the process of refreshing knowledge, skills and current practices. Continuing education can be course based or delivered with self-directed, group-based or online hybrid mediums. Courses are often described in Continuing Education Units (CEU's). Course equivalencies with college degree courses thus may be problematic given the variation in assessment.

Common Types of Continuing Education:

Earning a GED
Postsecondary Degrees (associate, bachelor’s or graduate)
Professional Certification
On-the-job Training
Military Training
Corporate Training and Universities
Extension Schools
English as a Second Language
Personal Development and Self-paced learning
Voluntary Services Training
Industry Associations and Conferences

The methods involved in achieving continuing education are just as diverse. A school can be a traditional classroom or a conference center setting. You might start before dawn, or study after a day of work. Formal Continuing Programs can take months, even years, to complete or last just a few hours. Your job, and sometimes your happiness, can depend on completion. It’s never too late to continue your education.

The key questions you should consider are:

Why am I thinking about continuing education?
What exactly do I want to achieve?
Can I afford it?
Can I afford not to?
Do I have the time?
Is this the right time in my life?
Do I have the discipline and the freedom right now to study?
Can I stick with it and finish?
Do I need a credential certifying my learning?
What is the best learning format and style for me?
Can I find the right program or school, for me?
How much encouragement will I need, and can I get it?
Who can advise me on what my options are?

Related Articles and Topics

Explore the Top Ten Reasons Students and Learners Transfer Colleges and Universities. Transfer can be proactive and reactive. See how your circumstances stack up against the common characteristics leading students to change institutions and their programs of study.

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I Want to Change My Major or Choose My Major: Don't rush into choosing a major just because everyone asks you "what is your major?" A major is not a life sentence. It is just a concentration that proves you can focus and apply yourself.

Best Jobs by College Majors: The top ten majors are analyzed to show annual earnings. Majors like Biology, Business Management, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, English, History, Political Science and Psychology are ranked based upon average salary.

Credit for Life Experience: Life is learning. Colleges and Universities are giving credit for life experiences that relate to courses they offer. Explore PLA (Prior Learning Assessment) and the growing acceptance of it.

Testing Out of College Courses: Think you have to take every course required by your college or university? Think again. If you have the knowledge, take an exam and skip the course. These examinations are well respected and supported by many institutions.

Other Articles and AskCT Questions may be worth exploring.

This article was written by AcademyOne's CEO and Founder David K. Moldoff who has worked in higher education for over thirty five years. Mr. Moldoff has been developing student centered enrollment systems since the 70's spanning multiple institutions, policies and practices. Mr. Moldoff graduated from Drexel University through the cooperative education program and majored in economics with a minor in marketing.