Collin College

What is the difference between a continuing education (noncredit) course and a credit course?

Why should I take continuing education courses?

What are Continuing Education Units (CEUs)?

Will I receive a certificate once I complete my course?

What are linked courses?

Are there any prerequisites for continuing education courses?

Is financial aid available?

Which Collin College campus locations offer continuing education courses ?

 

Q: What is the difference between a continuing education (noncredit) course and a credit course?

• Credit courses are generally taken as part of a degree program and provide college credits
• Noncredit (continuing education) courses provide a purposeful and systematic process of acquiring and recording lifetime learning for individuals who are not enrolled in a formally structured curriculum
• Noncredit courses provide Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
• Some courses may last only a couple of hours and others may meet over several weeks

Q: Why should I take continuing education courses?

• Increase your knowledge and skillset, either to help you on the job or for your personal enrichment
• Earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs), which are recorded on a continuing education transcript
• Prepare to take an industry-recognized certificate exam
• Courses are offered throughout the county at a variety of sites depending on the types of courses and availability of facilities

Q: What are Continuing Education Units (CEUs)?

• CEUs record satisfactory completion of certain approved occupationally-related programs
• CEUs are awarded for successful course completion
• One CEU is awarded for each ten (10) contact hours of instruction included in a specified continuing education program or activity
• Successful completion is attendance-based, unless otherwise noted with "Passed Competencies" under "CEUs earned"
• Ninety percent attendance is required for successful completion
• These units are recognized nationally

Q: Will I receive a certificate once I complete my course?

• Certificates are awarded upon completion of certificate series only, but are not offered for individual courses
• Official school transcripts record Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
• Official school transcripts may be requested by calling 972-985-3721

Q: What are linked courses?

• Linked courses are taught by credit professors
• Continuing education students are expected to attend class regularly and complete all assignments, tests, and other deliverables for the course
• Linked noncredit students earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) rather than semester credit hours for the course
• Refunds are based on the Continuing Education Department refund policy
• If a student would prefer to receive semester credit hours for a linked course, the student must enroll through the credit registration process rather than through continuing education

Q: Are there any prerequisites for continuing education courses?

• If a continuing education course requires a prerequisite, it will be specified
• Prerequisites are stated to ensure students have the prior knowledge and skills needed to get the most out of the course and to be successful in that course
• It is recommended that students talk to a continuing education staff member if there are any questions 

Q: Is financial aid available?

• Details and application can be found on our CE Financial Aid Page.  Please give 6 weeks to process, so apply early.  Our online system does not recognize funds awarded so please call our staff at 972.985.3711 to enroll you.

Q: Which Collin College campus locations offer continuing education courses ?

• Continuing education classes are located at the Courtyard Center as well as other locations.  Click here for a listing of locations.