Certificate Programs

Earn Academic Credit and Grow Your Skill Set

UC Davis CPE’s certificate programs allow you to grow your skill set in a way that’s financially feasible, without requiring the large time and financial commitment of a graduate degree. Our courses specifically target the kind of practical skills you’ll need in the workplace, and many of our programs can be completed in less than a year. We offer certificates in in-demand fields such as project management, public health, winemaking and more.

Explore UC Davis CPE’s Certificate Programs

Brewing

Business

Construction and Engineering

Health Sciences

Sensory and Food Science

Technology and Information Management

Winemaking

UC Davis CPE FAQs

Who is UC Davis CPE?

We are the professional development arm of the University of California, Davis, a tier-one research institution ranked 6th among top public universities in the United States (U.S. News & World Report, 2024 Best Colleges). For over 60 years, we have focused on workforce development by blending the distinctive academic expertise of UC Davis with practical training designed to immediately improve capability and job performance.

What are examples of professional development goals?

Professional development goals are simply goals you set to help yourself grow at work. They usually focus on learning new skills, gaining experience, or improving how you do your job. No matter your role, striving toward these goals can build confidence, strengthen your abilities, and help you move forward in your career. Some examples of professional development goals include:

  • Developing new skills
  • Beefing up your credentials
  • Taking on leadership responsibilities
  • Meeting new people in your field
  • Sharpening soft skills like effective communication and problem solving

Can I take UC Davis's CPE classes online?

Yes. UC Davis CPE offers award-winning online certificate programs that provide flexible, engaging learning designed to fit your schedule. Our online continuing education courses include:

What is it like taking a UC Davis CPE program online?

Our online CPE training courses are available in three flexible learning formats:

  • Asynchronous classes: Learn at your own pace with self-directed, on-demand CPE training courses. You can complete lectures, readings, and assignments when it works best for you. Plus, these instructor-led courses include regular feedback, opportunities to engage with classmates, and optional live office hours.
  • Synchronous classes: Attend live online classes at scheduled times alongside your instructor and classmates. Assignments follow set deadlines, and some readings or pre-recorded lectures may be completed at your own pace. Because you progress through the course with a cohort, attendance at scheduled sessions is required.
  • Hybrid classes: Enjoy the best of both worlds with a mix of online learning and live sessions.

What are good professional development skills to develop?

The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025 identifies resilience, agility, operational expertise, quality control, and technological proficiency as critical professional development skills for today's workers.

Interested in learning how UC Davis's continuing education courses can help you build in-demand professional development skills? Contact us to learn more.

How does UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education award CPE credit hours?

UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) awards CPE credit hours through two options: Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and Academic Credit. CEUs are generally calculated as one unit per 10 contact hours of attendance-based instruction, excluding breaks.

Academic credit requires formal assessment, such as exams or written assignments, and successful completion at a passing grade. Credit hours and units vary by course format and whether the course is intended for professional development or academic recognition.