Frequently Asked Questions
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?
Are there any prerequisites for continuing education courses?
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
-
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.