Center for Continuing Education
Vision
Our vision is that northwestern Wisconsin is a thriving community with opportunity for all.
Mission
The Center for Continuing Education at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, provides educational programming to meet the needs of lifelong learners in Superior, northwestern Wisconsin, Duluth, and the surrounding Twin Ports area.
Promise
At the Center for Continuing Education, we are dedicated to working with our community to serve our community. Our community members are the people who live, work, and learn in northwestern Wisconsin and the surrounding Twin Ports area. We serve students, professionals, small businesses, leaders, and all lifelong learners through academic, personal enrichment, and professional development programs. We work with community members, partners, and the University of Wisconsin-Superior to provide relevant and accessible programs.
We want our northwestern Wisconsin community to have the full range of lifelong learning programs it needs so that our community members can grow personally and professionally. We believe our work can help the community realize a good quality of life, retain a quality workforce, and provide opportunity for all its members.
Certificates, Microcredentials, and Digital Badges
The Center for Continuing Education offers digital badges for completed certificates, microcredentials, and various professional development learning experiences. Certificates and microcredentials are learning experiences concentrated on a specific skill set or area of knowledge. Earning a credential enhances your transcript and resume. Microcredentials are awarded in the form of a digital badge that can be included on resumes, ePortfolios, social media, and email signatures. Microcredentials tangibly showcase your accomplishments and self-motivated development. Certificates and microcredentials require fewer courses than a major or minor, and some can be earned in just one or two semesters!
What is a microcredential?
A microcredential is a short learning experience designed to teach new skills or upgrade previous skills. Often, people see microcredentials to gain relevant skills needed in today's workforce. Microcredentials are represented as 'badges' that provide transparency and detailed data about the specific learning and achievements of the learners, which others can then view.
What is a badge?
A digital badge is an achievement you can show to the world. It is a visual representation with embedded metadata you can use to show verified competencies, skills, or achievements. In short, badges are visual representations of a skill or achievement gained.
Student Benefits
- Skill Development: Build key skills in areas that support success right now.
- Build Credentials: Certificates and microcredentials provide valuable opportunities to build qualifications that enhance your college degree.
- Support Future Success: Develop competencies sought by prospective employers.
Declare your Microcredentials in E-Hive just like your Major or Minor
When you graduate, your transcript is enhanced by the additional credentials you earned. Certificates and microcredentials provide valuable options for utilizing elective credits to build credentials and skills for academic and career success. Declaring certificates and microcredentials help you stay on track but is not a requirement for degree completion. Once you declare them, successfully completed certificates and microcredentials are noted on your transcript when you graduate. For more information, call 715-394-8469 or email conted@uwsuper.edu.
Explore the full list of microcredential and digital badging opportunities at UW-Superior or email us at badges@uwsuper.edu.
Certificate Programs
AI Essentials Certificate Program
This non-technical program is geared toward those who are looking for foundational knowledge about artificial intelligence and how it can be used to enhance productivity. This certificate consists of workshops totaling 20 hours. Participants seeking academic credit may register for IDS 499 Seminar in AI (3 credits.) Participants can complete the certificate in one semester and must earn a minimum GPA of 2.0 in IDS 499.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| IDS 499 | Seminar in Artificial Intelligence Essentials | 3.00 |
| Total Hours | 3.00 | |
Upon completion of the AI Essentials Certificate, participants will be able to:
- Apply critical thinking skills to write effective input prompts and evaluate output results.
- Demonstrate ethical and responsible use of AI for personal and professional purposes.
- Understand the different roles AI can take and how to employ those roles to improve efficiency.
- Build, deploy, monitor, and retrain AI strategies that can streamline your work.
- Use AI to de-risk projects.
To successfully complete this certificate, you must earn a minimum GPA of 2.0 for each course. The AI Essentials Certificate is listed on the University official transcript.
Certificate in Ethical Leadership Program
This certificate teaches foundational leadership principles and competencies. Students will be able to expand their emotional intelligence, articulate their moral code, and build ethically grounded leadership skills enhancing successful leadership in any setting. This 6-credit certificate consists of two required courses:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| IDS 220 | Emotional Intelligence | 3.00 |
| IDS 320 | Ethical Leadership | 3.00 |
| Total Hours | 6.00 | |
Upon completion of the Certificate in Ethical Leadership, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate awareness of the roles emotional intelligence and empathy play in effective leadership.
- Demonstrate enhanced communication, critical thinking and decision-making skills.
- Demonstrate basic understanding of leadership styles, ethical principles, and core values.
- Apply ethical decision-making to real world settings.
In order to successfully complete this certificate, you must earn a minimum GPA of 2.0 for each course. The Certificate in Ethical Leadership is listed on the University official transcript.
Certificate in Ethical Policing Program
This three-credit certificate is designed for future law enforcement professionals, public servants, concerned citizens, and those who plan to enter related fields. Learning objectives include communication and stress management skills; increased self-awareness and emotional intelligence; the ability to recognize ethical dilemmas and implicit biases; and skills in ethically grounded organizational culture and leadership within law enforcement.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CJUS 325 | Foundations of Ethical Policing | 1.00 |
| CJUS 326 | Issues in Ethical Policing | 1.00 |
| CJUS 327 | Leadership in Ethical Policing | 1.00 |
| Total Hours | 3.00 | |
Upon Completion of the Certificate in Ethical Policing students will be able to:
- Identify accountability measures that support the development of ethical practices and competencies in all levels of law enforcement.
- Recognize dynamics of organizational cultures, understand how they got to be that way, and identify strategies for change.
- Understand the concept of implicit bias and demonstrate the ability to regulate it within the context of law enforcement.
- Recognize the role of communication in police-community interactions and practice and apply effective communication techniques.
- Understand officer misconduct and use-of-force and the implications for law enforcement and society.
- Develop leadership strategies that support positive outcomes for the department and the community.
To successfully complete this certificate, you must earn a minimum GPA of 2.0 for each course. The Certificate in Ethical Policing is listed on the University official transcript.
Criminal Justice Paralegal Certificate Program
The Criminal Justice Paralegal Certificate Program offers those interested in working in criminal law professional settings the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills relevant to the field. This 29 credit, concentrated certificate will help build your credentials in the field of criminal law. Most students will complete this certificate in two years.
Upon completion of the Criminal Justice Paralegal Certificate, participants will be able to:
- Demonstrate foundational knowledge of the law, including legal processes, reading and analyzing legal texts, and legal research and writing with additional emphasis on criminal law.
- Demonstrate foundational knowledge in the field of paralegalism, such as assisting in trial preparation, interviewing clients and witnesses, preparing comprehensive reports and letters, preparing discovery documents, and the ethical issues surrounding the profession.
- Apply legal foundational knowledge to real world settings through internship experiences.
In order to successfully complete this certificate, you must earn a minimum GPA of 2.0 for each course. The Criminal Justice Paralegal Certificate is listed on the University official transcript.
Health Coaching Practice Certificate
The Health Coaching Pre-Credential prepares students with the foundational knowledge and skills required of an entry-level health coach. Designed for those working in health care, fitness, employee wellness, and related fields, the program introduces key concepts in behavioral science, nutrition, kinesiology, exercise science, fitness assessment, program design, and the legal and ethical standards of allied health professions.
Offered fully online each summer (mid-May through August), the program provides flexible weekly assignments, guided instructor feedback. and interactive discussions with peers. An in-person, on-campus version of this course is typically offered in Spring semester.
Upon successful completion - and meeting additional exam requirements - graduates are eligible to sit for the American Council on Exercise (ACE) Health Coach Certification Exam. Instructor support is available for students preparing to pursue certification.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HHP 403 | Health Coach | 3.00 |
| Total Hours | 3.00 | |
Human Resource Management Certificate Program
This program is geared to HR professionals and students who wish to gain foundational knowledge and skills in the field of human resources. The certificate consists of workshops totaling 48 hours of training. Participants seeking academic credit may register for BUS 499 Seminar in Business, which is a variable credit course - you must enroll in 3 credits, Human Resource Management.
Participants may complete the program in one year or two, and earn a minimum GPA of 2.0 in BUS 499 Seminar in Business. The Human Resource Management Certificate is listed on the University official transcript.
Mediation Certificate Program
The certificate program includes a total of 5 semester credits consisting of 2 required courses. Courses may also be taken on a noncredit basis. These courses provide you with the training hours you need to become a qualified mediator or learn to deal with conflict more effectively. Additionally, each course meets the Minnesota Rule 114 requirements for the qualified neutral/alternative dispute resolution rosters in Minnesota. Note: You can join the roster immediately after completing each course. The certificate is not needed to do so.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MEDI 471 | Family Law Mediation | 3.00 |
| MEDI 472 | Civil Law Mediation | 2.00 |
| Total Hours | 5.00 | |
Upon completion of the Mediation Certificate, participants will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of ethics and ethical issues in mediation.
- Demonstrate an understanding of domestic abuse issues, including definition of battery and types of power imbalances; domestic abuse screening that includes simulation and role-plays; and, legal issues related to domestic abuse cases.
- Demonstrate an understanding of conflict resolution and mediation theory, components of the mediation process, mediator conduct, and the rules, statutes and practices governing mediation.
- Demonstrate an understanding of psychological issues related to separation, divorce and family dynamics; issues and needs of children in divorce; family law; and, family economics.
- Demonstrate mediation skills and techniques through experiential learning and role-plays.
In order to successfully complete this certificate for credit, you must earn a GPA of 2.0 for each course. The Mediation Certificate is listed on the University official transcript.
Paralegal Certificate Program
The Paralegal Certificate Program provides training in foundational and substantive legal topics, with an emphasis on both knowledge and practical skills for those considering legal careers. This 30-credit certificate is usually completed within two years.
Upon completion of the Paralegal Certificate, participants will be able to:
- Demonstrate foundational knowledge of the law, including legal processes, reading and analyzing legal texts, legal research and writing, and criminal and civil legal systems.
- Demonstrate foundational knowledge in the field of paralegalism, such as assisting in trial preparation, interviewing clients and witnesses, preparing comprehensive reports and letters, preparing discovery documents, and the ethical issues surrounding the profession.
- Apply legal foundational knowledge to real world settings through internship experiences.
To successfully complete this certificate, you must earn a minimum GPA of 2.0 for each course. The Paralegal Certificate is listed on the University official transcript.
Science of Brewing Certificate
The six-credit Science of Brewing certificate is comprised of two courses, which can also be taken on a non-credit basis.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BREW 301 | Science of Brewing I | 3.00 |
| BREW 302 | Science of Brewing II | 3.00 |
| Total Hours | 6.00 | |
Upon completion of the certificate, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the basic ingredients in the composition of beer.
- Utilize various biological and chemical processes to evaluate the basic ingredients.
- Apply scientific processes (biological and chemical) to the brewing process.
- Apply their understanding of brewing ingredients and the brewing process to modifications to the final product (drinkable beer.)
- Utilize biological and chemical processes to assess homebrewed beer.
- Evaluate common parameters of homebrewed and commercially brewed beers.
- Identify and associate abnormalities in beer color, flavor, or clarity to specific components of the brewing process.
Statement Regarding Alcohol Consumption for Educational Purposes
The presence or consumption of alcohol in this course is for educational purposes only. Students are not expected or encouraged to consume alcohol beyond a sampling. Students are responsible to maintain low-risk drinking guidelines, to drink in a safe manner and location, and to follow all relevant laws and school policies related to alcohol use and consumption. Students with alcohol abuse or dependency, known medical issues, taking medications, or any other matters whereby they should refrain from consuming alcohol should not take this course.
To successfully complete this certificate for credit, students must earn a minimum GPA of 2.0 for each course. Students must be 21 years or older to register. For more information, call 715-394-8469 or email conted@uwsuper.edu.
Credit Courses
American Sign Language (ASL)
This two-course sequence introduces students to the fundamentals of American Sign Language (ASL) and the cultural traditions of the Deaf community. Across both semesters, students build receptive and expressive communication skills through the study of essential vocabulary, basic sentence structures, and common conversational patterns. Coursework emphasizes visual language acquisition, cultural awareness, and the development of foundational fluency. Beginning ASL I focuses on core vocabulary and introductory grammatical structures, while Beginning ASL II expands students' signing abilities through continued practice, increased linguistic complexity, and deeper engagement with Deaf culture.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| WLLC 101 | Beginning American Sign Language & Culture I | 3.00 |
| WLLC 102 | Beginning American Sign Language & Culture II | 3.00 |
| Total Hours | 6.00 | |
English as a Second Language (ESL)
The English as a Second Language (ESL) program provides advanced instruction in the academic language skills necessary for success at UW-Superior. Designed exclusively for non-native speakers of English, the program offers an integrated sequence of courses that develop proficiency in academic reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students are placed into ESL courses through the UW-Superior ESL Placement Test or by instructor permission and are required to complete all assigned ESL courses during their first semester of enrollment, earning a grade of C- or better in each.
The curriculum includes focused work in reading academic texts, strengthening grammar and composition for academic writing, developing effective strategies for listening to lectures and taking notes, and building clear and confident academic speaking skills. Across these courses, students engage with authentic university-level materials, practice essential academic communication strategies, and gain the language competence needed for full participation in their degree programs. The ESL program supports students in becoming independent, capable users of academic English who are prepared to meet the demand of coursework across the university.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ESL 131 | Reading Academic Texts | 3.00 |
| ESL 132 | Writing for Academic Purposes | 3.00 |
| ESL 133 | Listening to Academic English | 2.00 |
| ESL 134 | Speaking for Academic Purposes | 2.00 |
| Total Hours | 10.00 | |
Japanese (JAPA)
The Japanese language program provides students with a structured and comprehensive pathway to developing a proficiency in modern Japanese. Taught by a native Japanese speaker, the curriculum emphasizes meaningful communication, cultural understanding, and balanced skill development in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. From the first semester onward, students learn hiragana, katakana, and kanji, gaining the foundational tools needed to navigate both written and spoken Japanese.
Beginning-level courses (JAPA 101 and JAPA 102) introduce the fundamentals of grammar, pronunciation, and everyday communication, with increasing practice using Japanese script and basic vocabulary. Intermediate courses (JAPA 201 and JAPA 202) expand students' abilities to engage in more complex conversations; understand and apply a broader range of grammatical structures; read texts that incorporate an increasing number of kanji; and communicate about a variety of topics related to daily life, travel, and practical situations.
Across all levels, instruction integrates cultural insights and authentic language use to support students' confidence and competence. Whether students are studying Japanese for academic advancement, personal interest, or future professional opportunities, the program provides a supportive and engaging environment for developing both linguistic ability and cultural awareness.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| JAPA 101 | Beginning Japanese I | 3.00 |
| JAPA 102 | Beginning Japanese II | 3.00 |
| JAPA 201 | Intermediate Japanese I | 3.00 |
| JAPA 202 | Intermediate Japanese II | 3.00 |
High School - Early College Credit
Many Wisconsin high school students and their families/caregivers are getting a head start on a college degree while completing high school requirements through the University of Wisconsin-Superior. With our small campus and personalized approach to education, UW-Superior is optimally suited to meet the needs of high school students who choose this option.
Benefits
Starting the college experience while in high school includes many other benefits. Here are just a few to consider:
- Complete your degree and enter your desired career field faster by getting a jumpstart while in high school.
- Challenge yourself with a great selection of college-level courses led by dedicated and knowledgeable professors.
- Expand your college preparation and applications by experiencing college curriculum.
- Reduce the cost of a bachelor's degree by completing early college classes at a discount. Depending on the program, courses are either free or discounted.
High School College Credit Options
- Early College Credit Program (ECCP): Through ECCP at UW-Superior, qualified high school students at public and private high schools in Wisconsin can earn college credit while still in high school. Students selected for the program may be permitted to enroll at UW-Superior to take one or more courses, for which they may earn high school and college credit. Students can earn up to 18 credits total under the ECCP. Generally, cost is covered by UW-Superior, the school district and the state. However, in some cases, the student's family may pay for some of the cost.
- Concurrent/Dual Enrollment: UW-Superior partners with several Wisconsin high schools where UW-Superior instructors teach courses in the participating high schools. Through these on-site or online courses, students earn high school credit and college credit simultaneously. In most cases, participating high schools cover the cost of concurrent/dual enrollment courses with no cost to families. However, there are exceptions, so check with your school to confirm.
- High School Special: Through this option, students can enroll in any UW-Superior course provided they meet the prerequisites and there is space available. The student/guardian/family is responsible for the full cost of tuition and fees. Total cost depends on the courses selected.
How to Apply
Learn how to apply for High School Early College Credit. Not sure which program is right for you? Contact us and we'll help! Call 715-394-8469 or email conted@uwsuper.edu.
Independent Learning
The Universities of Wisconsin's Independent Learning (IL) program provides students with a flexible, accessible pathway to earn high-quality UW academic credit through fully online, self-paced courses. IL has supported distance learners for more than a century, evolving from its origins as a correspondence study program into a modern online learning experience designed and taught by UW faculty.
IL courses are intentionally structured to meet the needs of diverse learners - college students, professionals, high-school learners, and individuals seeking personal or professional enrichment. All courses are asynchronous, allowing students to begin any day of the year, progress at their own pace, and take up to six months to finish a course, with extensions available for up to one year. IL students receive access to success coaching, writing support, Canvas digital learning tools, and a structured goal-setting process tailored for self-[aced learning. For more information on how to enroll, visit the Getting Started page.
UW-Superior faculty contribute to the statewide IL program by teaching the following online, self-paced courses for academic credit:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| U601-110 Introduction to Communication | 3.00 | |
| U660-101 Appreciation and History of Music | 3.00 | |
| U448-393 Civil War Era | 3.00 | |
| U350-201 Intermediate Composition | 3.00 | |
| U312-101 First Semester Spanish | 4.00 | |
| U912-102 Second Semester Spanish | 4.00 | |
| U912-203 Third Semester Spanish | 4.00 | |
| U912-204 Fourth Semester Spanish | 4.00 | |
| U400-101 First Semester French | 4.00 | |
| U400-102 Second Semester Frech | 4.00 | |
| U400-203 Third Semester French | 4.00 | |
| U400-204 Fourth Semester French | 4.00 | |
Personal Enrichment and Professional Development Programs
Throughout the year, the Center for Continuing Education offers dynamic speakers, interactive workshops, online courses, certificate programs, and community engagements focused on timely topics in health and wellbeing, nonprofit management, human resource management, leadership, foundational career skills, small business development, and more.
Our high-quality, affordable programs are designed to support both professional advancement and personal enrichment. Whether you're looking to strengthen your career, explore a new interest, deepen your understanding of today's most pressing issues, or simply invest in your own growth, you'll find learning experiences that are practical, engaging, and immediately relevant. Participants gain valuable knowledge, build in-demand skills, enhance professional credentials, and discover new perspectives that enrich both work and life.
We begin by listening. By staying closely connected to the needs and interests of our community, we partner with experienced facilitators to create meaningful learning opportunities that respond directly to real-world challenges and emerging trends. Every program is thoughtfully designed around the authentic learning needs of our community and built to fit your schedule, budget, and goals. We are committed to helping you build skills that matter - and to fostering curiosity, confidence, and lifelong learning.
Take the next step in your personal and professional journey. Join us and invest in your future today.
Ways to Register for Continuing Education Credit Programming
Online: If you have previously enrolled in classes at UW-Superior or are a current student, enroll online through E-Hive.
Email: conted@uwsuper.edu for information on registering as a non-degree seeking student.
Call: (715) 394-8469 for information on registration.
On Campus: Visit the Center for Continuing Education located in Old Main 100 & 102.
Non-Credit: Many continuing education credit programs are available in a non-credit basis. For more information and for non-credit fees please contact: conted@uwsuper.edu.
"Special Students" (not currently enrolled at UW-Superior): Please fill out the online application.