Faqs

Answers to the most frequently asked questions

Our team fields questions related to our online courses and online certificates. We’ve put together a list of these questions to help you understand the benefits from our online continuing education programs, financing (spoiler alert: many employers will cover some or all of your cost), and schedules.

Of course, we’re always ready to discuss your options via phone or email. Schedule an appointment with us, call (541) 737-1500, or email cpe@oregonstate.edu

CPE-what is it

What is a Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) course and certificate program?

Oregon State University’s Continuing and Professional Education programs provide online courses and certificates for individuals in the workforce or starting in a career. Our industry expert-led online certificates cover topics like digital marketing, human resources, Lean Six Sigma and management. Take just one course to improve your skills, or a full series of courses to complete your certificate. These courses give students the tools to stand out in their current role, a new position or a new career. Students will learn from experts in the field who are on top of the latest advancements and best approaches for meeting the challenges of their area.

CPE Who can take courses

Who can take a CPE course or certificate program? Are there any prerequisites needed to apply?

OSU Continuing and Professional Education online programs are open to anyone who wants to register. There are no educational or work-related prerequisites required to enroll. Students will not need to verify language or writing skills.

CPE-How long

How long does the average online course or certificate program take to complete?

On average, our courses run five to seven weeks in length, with full certificate programs averaging nine months for completion.

CPE - how offered

How are the courses offered?

Courses are 100% online with no set in-class times that students are required to be online.

Most programs offer online courses that run on an instructor-led week-to-week cadence, with assignments and learning assessments (quizzes) completed by the end of the week. This gives students some flexibility to review materials at their leisure. Additionally, recorded lectures and video recordings are available to enhance learning objectives.

We also offer self-paced programs with students learning on their schedule at their best pace. All online courses have the instructor's oversight but are not led by instructors week-to-week. The instructor is available to answer questions and provide guidance through chat, as needed.

CPE-What CEU

What are Continuing Education Units (CEUs)?

The Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is a nationally recognized unit of measure for non-credit continuing education programs. It is used to document learning that differs from the traditional academic learning experience.

One CEU is equivalent to 10 contact hours of participation in a continuing education learning experience. Many of the CPE online courses average two CEUs per course.

CPE-count towards degree

Do continuing education courses count towards a degree? Are they transferable?

CPE online courses and certificates do not count toward a degree. Some institutions may accept credit earned for our courses as applicable towards a degree. The decision is ultimately that of the institution you plan to transfer the credit to. It is the responsibility of the student to confirm the transferability with the other institution.

CPE-what's canvas

What is Canvas?

Canvas Catalog is the learning environment for online education. All CPE online courses and certificates utilize the Canvas interface for all coursework, including but not limited to assignments, discussion boards, and quizzes.

CPE-how log in

How do I log in to Canvas?

Students can visit http://cpe.oregonstate.edu/ to register for a course, access a course, or view certificates for completed courses.

CPE-Username

What username and password do I use for Canvas?

When you first register for a Canvas course, you create a username based on the email address you used to register. Canvas will send you an email with details to set your password.

CPE-course materials

Where can I purchase course materials?

Course materials can be purchased through any major book supplier unless otherwise suggested by the instructor.

CPE-grade options and deadlines

I want to change my grade option. How can I do this, and what is the deadline for changing a grade option?

Any student who would wish to change their grading option from letter grade to pass/no pass can submit a written request to cpe@oregonstate.edu. The request must be submitted within 7 calendar days of the start date of the course.

CPE-tech requirements

What are the technology requirements?

OSU Continuing and Professional Education courses utilize Canvas for all course instruction, discussions and assignments.

It’s always recommended to use the most up-to-date versions of operating systems and have a reliable internet connection. Canvas still runs with the minimum specifications, but you may experience slower loading times.

Screen Size

  • Canvas is best viewed at a minimum resolution of 800x600. If you want to view Canvas on a device with a smaller screen, we recommend using the Canvas mobile app.

Operating Systems

  • Windows 7 and newer 
  • Mac OS X 10.6 and newer
  • Linux - Chromium OS

Mobile Operating System Native App Support

  • iOS 7 and newer (versions vary by device)
  • Android 4.2 and newer

Computer Speed and Processor

  • Use a computer five years old or newer when possible
  • 1GB of RAM
  • 2GHz processor

CPE-how do i get grades

How do I get a copy of my grades?

To view your grades, you need to access https://oregon-state.catalog.instructure.com/dashboard by logging in using your username and password.

CPE-transcript

How can I obtain a copy of my transcript?

Students in need of a transcript of their completed course work can email cpe@oregonstate.edu with the request. CPE also can send electronic versions of transcripts to other institutions or programs if requested by the student.

CPE-PMP cert

How does the Project Management Certificate apply to the Project Management Institute requirements for obtaining one’s PMP or CAPM certification?

OSU Continuing and Professional Education offers online courses that support those who seek to obtain or recertify for the Project Management Institute’s PMP and CAPM certifications. While completion of courses or certificate programs does not equate to PMP and CAPM certification, the material can be applied towards the project management education/training requirements needed to apply for the exam and/or maintain certification. More information about the certification requirements can be found on the PMI website at https://www.pmi.org/certifications.

CPE-difference between digital marketing and Digital brand

What is the difference between Digital Marketing and Digital Brand Management certificate programs?

Students learn to analyze brands' current strategies to drive customer demand, awareness, and engagement trends in consumer behavior in the Digital Brand Management certificate program. Students practice steps and processes related to planning, executing and reporting on digital marketing strategies. Our industry experts discuss the many components of digital marketing objectives, including techniques, platforms, metrics and analytics. Students implement digital content and marketing strategies that maintain a consistent brand image across platforms throughout the four courses.

The Digital Marketing certificate program helps students understand audience segmentation and usage tools, techniques and research strategies to build profiles. Students evaluate case studies to create proposals for different audiences around marketing strategy, social media outlets, and metrics. Students develop strategy outlines and documents for transmedia storytelling, develop actionable content marketing goals by optimizing search content, identifying content around the buyer's journey, and building a content marketing team. Additionally, students learn the difference between C2B and B2B market audiences and how to engage hard-to-reach businesses.

With the flexibility our certificate programming offers, these programs can be taken concurrently, or if you would like to substitute a course or two from either program, please reach out to cpe@oregonstate.edu with your request.