Have you finished your degree or diploma and are not sure what to do next? Or maybe you are working and are interested in expanding your knowledge or upgrading your skills. Have you ever thought about Continuing Education classes? Continuing Education, also known as Continuing Studies, includes a wide variety of courses, programs, and organized learning experiences that are usually taken after a degree is obtained to enhance personal or professional goals. They can be fun and creative classes that allow students to explore new and interesting topics in an informal way or they can provide an opportunity for professionals to increase their understanding and/or upgrade their skills. In either case, the goal of Continuing Education courses is to provide new information or supplement and expand existing knowledge and skills with up-to-date information.

The most popular Continuing Education classes are certificate programs. Certificate programs offer specialized and intensive professional study that leads to a certificate rather than a degree. They are flexible, allowing students to complete their studies in one to two years of intensive study, or part-time for a longer period. Many certificate programs even offer distant education classes. Examples of certificate programs include International Business, Network and Security System, Health Administration, Pharmacy Technician, and Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism. 

If you are looking for something more comprehensive but do not have one to two years to invest try a summer class or program. Many Canadian institutions offer summer session classes. Summer session classes are traditional university-level courses that have been concentrated into six weeks of classes. Other types of summer programs immerse students in the subject of their choice. Immersion programs include French or English language studies, environmental studies, the creative arts, and Canadian history. Some immersion experiences even involve a travel study that includes both on-campus instruction and a field study. 

Another option is participating in a summer institute. Summer institutes allow students to focus on a topic of major importance. Typically guided by a team of core faculty and visiting scholars, summer institutes provide students with an opportunity to participate in cutting-edge scholarship on a variety of topics including education and social work. Summer institutes usually take place over a three-week period, leaving you time to take other classes or visit other parts of Canada.  

These are just a few examples of the Continuing Education and short-term educational programs offered by Canadian schools. Each school offers its own unique courses and programs. Contact individual schools directly to find out more about their Continuing Studies opportunities.