Continuing Education
Department website: http://www.odu.edu/cepd
Renee Felts, Associate Vice President, Continuing Education
Robert Doherty, Director, Continuing Education
Continuing Education is focused on delivering practical, applied knowledge through its non-credit, and credit-bearing courses, certificates and certification preparatory classes. Staff interact with each of the academic colleges to utilize the existing courses in an interdisciplinary fashion, frequently at the request of the military, businesses and various industry sectors.
Mission
Continuing Education will meet the evolving needs of our local, regional and global community via online and face-to-face offerings. We help students, professional and lifelong learners move ahead and stay ahead.
Vision
Continuing Education will seek to add value to University programs by engaging with students, faculty, and alumni to help achieve their personal and professional goals.
Prior Learning Assessment
The Prior Learning Assessment unit awards Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) and offers students the opportunity to have their prior learning assessed and applied for academic credit. Visit odu.edu/prior-learning-assessment for more information.
Center for Professional Development
The primary mission of the Center for Professional Development (CPD) is to develop interdisciplinary certificate programs targeted for specific groups of professionals. The CPD will work across the ODU campus, including all academic colleges as well as ODUGlobal, in developing new multidisciplinary certificates.
Non-Credit Continuing Education Programs
Hospitality Management Programs
XHSP 3000- Hospitality Management Certificate- The Hospitality Management Certificate is broken down into 3 Courses that each contain 4 Modules and last 4 weeks. The courses include Sales & Marketing, Hotel Operations, and Personnel & Financial Management. The content includes an explanation of both the management and operational functions of lodging operations, an overview of the history and challenges of the lodging industry, identifies traits and behaviors of successful lodging leaders, gives a strong base for revenue management, labor and operational budgeting, safety and security, and an exploration of the future of the industry.
Health Science Programs
XCMA 2000- Certified Medical Assistant- Our program includes three in-demand healthcare certifications: Clinical Medical Assistant, EKG Technician and Phlebotomy Technician. The program combines convenient online course with in-person clinical experience supervised by health professionals. In as little as five months, students are be prepared to sit for nationally recognized exams through the National Health Career Association.
XMBC 3000- Medical Billing and Coding- This program includes two in-demand healthcare certifications: Certified Professional Biller (CPB) and Certified Professional Coder (CPC). Throughout the 30-week online course, students will learn about health insurance, billing principles, medical terminology, medical records, and professional coding services for medical providers, along with job preparation guidance. The program is taught by industry experts from the credentialing body, AAPC, and includes textbooks, practice exams, certification exams, real-world practice software, and career services.
Registered Play Therapy
The Registered Play Therapy Program provides professionals and students in the community with the opportunity to learn more about play therapy or to receive the training necessary to become a Registered Play Therapist (RPT). The Play Therapy program is offered as a series of eight (8) weekend workshops worth 19 continuing education hours each (16 contact CE's and 3 non-contact CE’s). Individuals can attend one or all of the workshops. Old Dominion University is approved by the Association for Play Therapy to offer continuing education specific to play therapy (APT Approved Provider #08-234).
The Registered Play Therapy workshops are aligned with the guidelines established by the Association for Play Therapy and pertain to five main areas:
- Play Therapy History
- Play Therapy Seminal or Historically Significant Theories
- Play Therapy Skills and Methods
- Play Therapy Special Topics
- Cultural & Social Diversity
XPCL 4000-Workshop #1: Principles of Play Therapy- This workshop will provide information about the rationale, philosophy, history, and theoretical underpinnings specific to the application of play therapy with various populations and in different settings. Basic facilitation skills, specific goals, and the role of the play therapist will be explored and practiced in relation to specific theories and in terms of general process of play therapy.
XPCL 4010-Workshop #2: Expressive Arts in Play Therapy- The therapeutic power of selected games, structured activities and expressive arts will be explored as they pertain to play therapy. Techniques specific to art, drama, children's literature, puppets, and music will be illuminated as ideal mediums through which children and adolescents express and heal themselves through the process of play therapy. Basic techniques and strategies for incorporating such tools and techniques will be described, demonstrated, and practiced.
XPCL 4005-Workshop #3: Games, Activities, and Narrative Techniques in Play Therapy- The therapeutic power of selected games, structured activities, and narrative techniques will be explored as they pertain to play therapy. Basic techniques and strategies for incorporating such tools and techniques will be described, demonstrated, and practiced.
XPCL 4015- Workshop #4: Systematic Interventions: Family Play Therapy and Filial Therapy- Fundamental, theoretical, and philosophical concepts related to systems theory and utilizing play therapy techniques in family counseling will be presented. Basic skills and methods to incorporate in family play therapy will be described, demonstrated, and practiced. In addition, methods will be covered illustrating how to implement filial therapy for parents to become healthy agents in their children's lives.
XPCL 4030- Workshop #5: Group Play Therapy: Play Therapy Skills and Methods in Group Work- Theoretical and philosophical concepts of Group Play Therapy with children, adolescents, and adults will be discussed. Group logistics, process, conflict resolution, and group facilitation skills will be described. Basic skills and methods to incorporate in group play therapy will be described, demonstrated, and practiced. In addition, multicultural and ethical considerations in group play therapy will be addressed.
XPCL 4025- Workshop #6: Play Therapy and Creative Interventions with Adolescents, Teens, and Adults- Research has indicated that play therapy is an effective treatment modality with people of all ages. This workshop will explore the process of play therapy and creative interventions when working with adolescents and adults. Basic skills and methods to incorporate in play therapy with adolescents and adults will be described, demonstrated, and practiced. Multicultural considerations and societal influences that specifically pertain to this population will also be addressed.
XPCL 4020- Workshop #7: Utilizing Sandtray in Play Therapy- Through experiential sand tray exercises and didactic methods, information about the rationale, history, and general application of sand tray in play therapy will be illustrated. Basic facilitation skills, theoretical constructs, and strategies for processing sand tray will be discussed, demonstrated, and practiced.
XPCL 4045- Workshop #8: Addressing Trauma, Grief, and Loss Through Play Therapy- This workshop will investigate specific issues faced by children, adolescents, and families affected by difficult environmental and systematic situations. The implications of trauma, grief, and loss as a result of abuse, crisis, death and divorce will be reviewed as they pertain to the process. The process of play, techniques, treatment plans and consultation procedures will also be explored. Skills and methods to incorporate play therapy techniques to address trauma, grief, and loss will be described, demonstrated, and practiced.
Business/Executive Development Programs
Executive Certificate in Financial Planning
XEDC 1511- General Financial Planning Principles, Professional Conduct, and Regulation- This course examines basic financial planning concepts for developing client relationships; gathering, analyzing, and evaluating financial documents, statements, and other information; developing and communicating relevant recommendations to clients; implementing recommendations through the use of a financial planning team; and monitoring the financial plan on a periodic basis, all within CFP Board professional and regulatory standards. Students will develop a pragmatic perspective of the field of financial planning as they learn to analyze personal financial statements, understand time value of money concepts, explore education funding techniques, advise clients regarding the management of debt, apply behavioral finance concepts, gain an understanding of federal and state regulatory requirements, learn the ethical environment of financial planning and integrate the legal and economic aspects of financial planning within a practice.
XEDC 1512- Risk Management, Insurance, and Employee Benefits Planning- This course explores fundamental insurance, annuity, and employee benefit concepts and products. Students will gain knowledge of the principles of risk and insurance; learn how to analyze and evaluate risk exposures; and understand the concepts of personal and business insurance for life, health, disability, long-term care and property insurance. Students will also develop perspectives regarding the integration of social insurance (e.g. Medicare, workers compensation) within the framework of financial planning. Equity-based compensation, non-qualified deferred compensation and other employee benefits will also be presented and discussed.
XEDC 1513- Investment Planning- This course examines the characteristics, uses and taxation of investment vehicles: stocks, bonds, cash and cash equivalents, promissory notes, guaranteed investment contracts, real estate, and alternative investments. Students will also develop an understanding of the various types of risk: systematic and unsystematic, purchasing power, interest rate, business, and financial risk. Students are introduced to quantitative investment concepts, measures of investment returns, bond and stock valuation concepts, investment theory, portfolio development and analysis, investment strategies, asset allocation, and asset pricing models.
XEDC 1514- Tax Planning- This course focuses on income tax fundamentals and calculations, tax accounting, characteristics and income taxation of business entities, basis, depreciation, and cost recovery concepts. The impact of the alternative minimum tax (AMT), passive activity, at-risk rules, charitable contributions and charitable deductions on a client’s financial plan is also studied. Students will gain an understanding of the tax consequences of like-kind exchanges and the disposition of property and will learn how the loss of a spouse through death or divorce affects a client’s tax status.
XEDC 1515- Retirement Savings and Income Planning- Students will be exposed to retirement needs analyses, types and characteristics of retirement plans, qualified plan rules and options, and provisions of tax-advantaged plans. The effects of ERISA on retirement plans is examined and the impact of Social Security on a client’s retirement plan is also discussed. Students will gain an understanding of plan distribution options, rules, alternatives, and taxation, and will also explore key factors affecting plan selection for businesses and investment considerations for retirement plans.
XEDC 1516- Estate Planning- This course analyzes the various techniques and strategies used in developing estate plans based on client criteria and needs. Property titling, property transfer at death, gifting strategies, and sources of estate liquidity are discussed. Students will also gain insight on wills, probate, and the types, uses and taxation of trusts during estate planning.
XEDC 1517- Capstone: Financial Plan Development Course- Students participate in a case analysis and evaluation in which the following major areas of financial planning are integrated:
- General Financial Planning Principles, Professional Conduct, and Regulation
- Risk Management, Insurance, and Employee Benefits Planning
- Investment Planning
- Income Tax Planning
- Retirement Savings and Income Planning
- Estate Planning
SHRM Learning System
XEDC 1165- SHRM Learning System- The SHRM Learning System for SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP includes five modules covering the comprehensive SHRM Body of Competency and Knowledge™ (SHRM BoCK™) so you'll learn everything you need for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP exam. Study with learning modules that provide an in-depth exploration of the knowledge domains and behavioral competencies tested on the SHRM exams. SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP™) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP™) are the new standard for all HR professionals around the globe, as it is among the first HR certification that is focused on the practical, real-life information HR professionals need to excel in their careers today, including behavioral competencies, knowledge and skills.
XEDC 1164- SHRM Essentials- The perfect course for managers who need to know basic HR concepts BEFORE disciplinary action is required and HR has to get involved. This program provides a broad overview of the human resource function. Key topic areas include: Essentials of HR Management, Employment Law, Effective Recruitment, Basics of Compensation, and Orienting and Training your employees.
Paralegal Certificate Program
XLGL 3010- Paralegal Certificate Program- This face-to-face offering is taught by an esteemed faculty of judges and attorneys. Students learn legal processes, court structure, interviewing, investigation, document preparation, file maintenance, correspondence, research, writing and analysis, as well as substantive topics of law, such as Tort Law, Contract Law and Civil Procedures. Students will be trained in online legal research with individual subscriptions to LexisNexis and Westlaw.
XLGL 3020- Paralegal Certificate Program, Self-Paced- The self-paced version of our Paralegal Certificate program is designed for students to study when convenient for them and can be done completely online. Students will be assigned their own attorney/judge liaison and learn legal processes, court structure, interviewing, investigation, document preparation, file maintenance, correspondence, research, writing and analysis, as well as substantive topics of law, such as Tort Law, Contract Law and Civil Procedures. Students will be trained in online legal research with individual subscriptions to LexisNexis and Westlaw.
Project Management and Lean Six Sigma Certificates
XLSS 5010- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification- This program focuses on managing quality projects utilizing the fundamentals of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. Lean topics include the concepts of the elimination of waste and reduction of cycle time in organizational processes. Six Sigma principles consist of problem solving techniques, data collection and analysis, reduction of process variation, process capability and control, and continual improvement.
XLSS 5040- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification- Build upon the process improvement skills acquired during the Green Belt certification with our industry-leading Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification. In just seven sessions over the course of two to three months, you'll master the tools to mentor Green Belts and other team members using real-world process improvement methods. Black belts leverage the tools and concepts in their lean six sigma "toolbox" to successfully lead projects that deliver meaningful results to the organization.
XITS 4100- Project Management Essentials- Project Management Essentials equips participants with the crucial skills needed to manage and direct projects successfully across various industries, ensuring effective leadership and organizational outcomes. This offering includes the following certification(s): Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
XIPJ 5000- PMP Exam Preparation- Old Dominion University's Project Management Professional (PMP)® Exam Preparation course prepares you for the PMP® exam offered through the Project Management Institute (PMI®). The PMP® credential has become the most recognized certification in Project Management in the world and is considered the gold standard of PM qualifications. Recognized and demanded by organizations worldwide, the PMP® validates your competence to perform in the role of a project manager, leading and directing projects and teams. To earn your PMP® credential, you must meet the experience and education requirements, and pass the PMP® examination.
Professional Development Programs
XGEN 2060- Au Pair Career Development Strategies for Personal & Professional Success- This Au Pair weekend class will help you develop a successful plan for your personal and career goals. Become more aware of who you are and what you want in your life and career. This class will help you become more aware, competitive and employable in any part of the world by developing key soft skills.
Digital Career Programs
Cybersecurity
XCYS 2500- Cybersecurity Fundamentals- This course is designed to introduce participants to the critical field of cybersecurity, emphasizing the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the evolving threat landscape. It adopts a workshop format to ensure a comprehensive learning experience, incorporating a mix of lectures, case studies, and hands-on labs. The course aims to prepare learners for the ISACA Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate Exam by covering a wide range of topics, from cybersecurity principles and privacy to risk management and security architecture.
XCYS-3000 Cybersecurity Audit- The Cybersecurity Audit Certificate equips audit and assurance professionals with the necessary expertise to thrive in assessing cybersecurity processes, policies, and tools. It aids in fortifying organizational infrastructure against cyber threats. Additionally, this certificate offers IT risk professionals insights into cyber-related risks and strategies for mitigating them.
XCYS 3010- Cybersecurity Bootcamp- The Cybersecurity Bootcamp is a 24-week part-time program designed to prepare participants for careers in the fast-growing field of cybersecurity. It includes courses on fundamentals, advanced networking and cryptography, security operations and incident response, and certification preparation for the CompTIA Security+ exam. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through labs, projects, and a real-world capstone project, ensuring practical skills in areas like penetration testing, incident response, and secure network design. Participants receive unlimited career support, including resume assistance, interview preparation, and salary negotiation coaching. Graduates can pursue diverse roles in industries such as finance, healthcare, and technology with competitive salaries and job stability.
Digital Marketing Bootcamp
XDGM 2020- Digital Marketing Bootcamp- The Digital Marketing Bootcamp is a part-time Career Bootcamp that teaches the essential skills necessary to launch a digital marketing career. Learners will start with the fundamentals and progress through a variety of strategies and topics to solve complex marketing challenges within the evolving tech space.
Software Development Bootcamp
XSWD 2010- Software Development Bootcamp- 24 Week Part-Time- Over the course of 24 weeks, you will learn how to build, test, and deploy software applications using JavaScript on the client- (front-end) and server-side (back-end) of an application. Starting with fundamentals, you will quickly move into more complex programming concepts that are solidified through challenges, such as: pair programming, weekly projects, lab exercises, and code reviews. The projects that you create throughout the program will be used to build your portfolio, which will serve as a showcase of your work and be a valuable asset in your post-bootcamp job hunt. You will also receive time with a professional career mentor through one-on-one coaching sessions and bi-weekly workshops. In the final four weeks, you will work with a client and your classmates on a team to develop a real product. This is what we call your “capstone project”. At the end of the program, you will demonstrate your capstone project to an audience of hiring partners and tech community members at our Demo Day. This bootcamp part-time bootcamp is typically held during the weekday evenings and weekends.
Data Analytics Bootcamp
XDAB 2010- Data Science and Analytics Bootcamp, Extended Class- The Data Analytics Bootcamp is a part-time, flex, mentor-led, Career Bootcamp that covers a variety of tools used to drive and guide complex, big data-oriented decisions. Learners will become experts in analysis, cleaning, mining, synthesis, and decision-making in order to influence key decisions with an increasingly complex business environment.
UX/UI Design Bootcamp
XUIX 2010- UX/UI Design Bootcamp- The process for creating the outward facing appearance of a website or application is referred to as user interface (UI) design, while the process of gathering research and using data to inform design decisions is referred to as user experience (UX) design. In this program, you will learn both. Starting with the fundamentals, you will quickly advance through topics of increasing complexity, applying creative problem-solving skills to design, and iterating on your designs based on research. You will learn how to defend your designs with data using performance metrics that you create. Lastly, you will leave this program knowing how to clearly implement every step of the design process, from concept to full-scale design prototypes.
General IT Related Programs
XITS 3400- AWS Cloud Foundations- AWS Academy Cloud Foundations is intended for students who seek an overall understanding of cloud computing concepts, independent of specific technical roles. It provides a detailed overview of cloud concepts, AWS core services, security, architecture, pricing, and support.
XITS 3410- AWS Solutions Architect- AWS Academy Solutions Architect is focused on the design of cost and performance optimized solutions. This is an ideal starting point for candidates with AWS Cloud or strong on-premises IT experience.
XITS 4000- IT Systems Support Specialist- Our online, asynchronous program is designed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to become an IT Support Specialist. The program comprises multiple modules that cover essential topics such as technical support, hardware and operating systems, software, programming and databases, networking and storage, cybersecurity essentials, and cloud computing.
XITS 4020- Microsoft Office Specialist- The Microsoft Office Specialist program provides essential computer skills, along with training in business communication, etiquette, and problem-solving, covering a broad range of topics necessary for proficiency in the modern workplace. This offering includes the following certification(s): Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)
XITS 4040- Red Hat Linux System Administrator I- The first of two courses covering the core system administration tasks needed to manage Red Hat Enterprise Linux servers Red Hat System Administration I is designed for IT professionals without previous Linux system administration experience. The course provides students with Linux administration competence by focusing on core administration tasks. This course also provides a foundation for students who plan to become full-time Linux system administrators by introducing key command-line concepts and enterprise-level tools. This course is the first of a two-course series that takes a computer professional without Linux system administration knowledge to become a fully capable Linux administrator.
XITS 4050- Red Hat Linux System Administrator II- Red Hat System Administration II is the second part of the RHCSA training track for IT professionals who have already attended Red Hat System Administration I. The course goes deeper into core Linux system administration skills in storage configuration and management, installation and deployment of Red Hat Enterprise Linux, management of security features such as SELinux, control of recurring system tasks, management of the boot process and troubleshooting, basic system tuning, and command-line automation and productivity. This course assumes that students have attended Red Hat System Administration I.
XITS 4070- Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)- The Cybersecurity Analyst program prepares participants for a profession in cybersecurity, with a focus on defensive tactics designed to protect organizations against emerging threats and vulnerabilities. This offering includes the following certification(s): CompTIA CySA+
XITS 4080- Ethical Hacker (PenTest+)- The Ethical Hacker program prepares participants for a cybersecurity career, focusing on offensive tactics designed to proactively defend organizations from potential threats and ensure their digital assets remain secure. This offering includes the following certification(s): CompTIA PenTest+
XITS 4160- IT Helpdesk Administrator- The IT Help Desk Administrator program serves as an ideal entry point into the IT field, concentrating on the development and upkeep of network systems for businesses and organizations, preparing participants for critical support roles. This offering includes the following certification(s): CompTIA Network+, CompTIA A+
XITS 4210- CompTIA Security+ Preparation- The new CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) represents the latest and greatest in cybersecurity, covering the most in-demand skills related to current threats, automation, zero trust, IoT, risk – and more. Once certified, you’ll understand the core skills needed to succeed on the job – and employers will notice too. The Security+ exam verifies you have the knowledge and skills required to: Assess the security posture of an enterprise environment and recommend and implement appropriate security solutions. Monitor and secure hybrid environments, including cloud, mobile, Internet of Things (IoT), and operational technology. Operate with an awareness of applicable regulations and policies, including principles of governance, risk, and compliance. Identify, analyze, and respond to security events and incidents. CompTIA Security+ is compliant with ISO 17024 standards and approved by the U.S. DoD to meet Directive 8140.03M requirements.
XCLO-2000 Cloud Fundamentals- The Cloud Fundamentals Certificate program is designed to help students learn essential cloud computing principles, covering concepts, governance, security, and service support. Explore how the cloud facilitates remote connection of critical services and data, enabling businesses globally to pursue digital transformation and enhance agility.