Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Center for Professional Education?
To meet the needs of the current work environment, Boston University has established the Center for Professional Education. The Center provides the opportunity for professionals such as yourself to adapt to changes taking place in your given industry. We achieve this by updating your knowledge, honing current skills, and acquiring new skills. Our short, high-quality, non-credit programs are specifically designed to meet the continuing professional education and certificate needs of mid- to upper-level professionals.

Why should I take a program offered by the Center?
If you have worked in the same field for years, ongoing education is one of the surest avenues to continued employment, promotion and job security. In the case of a downsizing in your organization or a downturn in your industry, professional education allows flexibility in successfully moving to another position or occupation. In any case, there is no way you can lose from continuous education.

Is there a deadline to register?
Beginning fall 2006, students are required to register no later than one week prior to the class start date, to ensure sufficient time for the instructor and CPE to prepare course materials. Registrations received within one week of the class start date will be subject to a $50.00 late registration fee.

Will I receive continuing education credits for attending the course?
Participants may earn CEUs, CPEs, and other continuing education credits by attending our programs. To take advantage of this opportunity, please contact your professional association directly. The Center for Professional Education will confirm your attendance and document the number of contact hours involved in the program.

Who teaches the courses?
Our instructors are qualified, experienced subject matter experts and industry professionals who live what they teach, ensuring that they are up-to-date and their material is applied and relevant.

How do I contact the Center for Professional Education?
You can reach us by phone at 617-353-4497 (Monday through Friday from 9:00AM to 5:00PM), by e-mail at cpe@bu.edu, or by fax at 617-353-4494.

Is there any financial aid available?
The certificate programs at the Center for Professional Education are eligible for continuing education and career training loans only. Visit our Funding Sources page for more information. Federal and institutional financial aid (including Stafford/PLUS loans and Pell grants) is awarded to degree-seeking students enrolled in for-credit classes only.

What if I am an International student?
International students who currently hold valid visas are welcome to take programs offered by the Center for Professional Education. However, international students who do not currently have visas are not able to attain them through registration in our programs.