UMass Dartmouth - Professional & Continuing Education History
The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is a publicly-supported coeducational institution of higher learning, fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. There are approximately 7,500 day and evening students enrolled in graduate and undergraduate degree programs. The University is committed to excellence through its instructional programs, research, and service to the community. It plays a major role in the economic life of the region.
The Division of Professional & Continuing Education (PCE) is an integral part of UMass Dartmouth, offering degree programs and credit and non-credit courses. PCE provides students of all ages and backgrounds access to the faculty and resources of the University as they seek personal enrichment and enhanced career opportunities.
The Division of Professional & Continuing Education is, by act of the Massachusetts Legislature, operated at no expense to the Commonwealth.
The Division of Professional & Continuing Education is committed to serve the needs of those students who choose to pursue a degree on a part-time basis. Any person who has graduated from high school or holds a Certificate of General Education Development (GED) is entitled to enroll in undergraduate courses offered through the Division of Professional & Continuing Education. All credit courses offered are University of Massachusetts Dartmouth courses and the grades earned are reflected in the student's grade point average at the university. Students may enroll in a single course, a number of courses, or a program leading to a bachelor's degree. In addition, each term, courses are offered for personal or professional development which carry no academic credit and a few courses for professional certification may be offered which, at their completion, award Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Many students who attend the university through the Division of Professional & Continuing Education are working full time, have family responsibilities and have a limited amount of time available to study and attend courses. These students may have attended a community college, may have started their coursework at the university directly after high school, or may have had years elapse between their high school and university careers. All are welcome and are encouraged as they achieve each level of their education. Whether a student registers for courses each Fall term, each Spring term or continues through many terms, each is advised individually as they progress toward their academic goals.
This learning environment provides the opportunity for students, including those who are unsure of their ability to do college work, to explore academic courses, to return to school at a pace of their own choosing, to continue their education while enrolled in a degree program at another college or university or to explore their personal interests.
