Welcome to the
Division of Continuing Studies
![Aerial view of Bascom Hall.](https://dcs.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/dcs-hero-aerial-bascom-2023-10-22jm-4252.jpg)
You can make it happen with UW–Madison Continuing Studies
There’s so much to learn in this wide world. We know you’re curious and committed to improving yourself and your community through education. We’re here to connect you with the skills, knowledge and people who can help you grow in your career and in your life.
Whether you’re looking for precollege programs for young learners, obtaining a professional certificate, taking a language class, getting a degree, or adding skills, we’re here for wherever you are in your educational journey.
No programs found.
Lifelong Learning Stories
Meet some of our lifelong learners and check out the variety of paths you can take to meet your goals through continuing education.
![Christine Fifarek in her white lab coat, standing outside and smiling](https://dcs.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/photo_christine-fifarek_white-coat.jpg)
Christine
Breaking down barriers
![](https://dcs.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/access-alternating-image-600x400-1.jpg)
Mark
Courses while incarcerated
![Manny Avila](https://dcs.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/manny-remarketing-600x400-1.jpg)
Manny
Dad back to school, online
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Maren
Summer internship in Australia
![](https://dcs.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Elliott_Frank_1.webp)
Elliot
Precollege to percussion star
![headshot of Julie Stephenson](https://dcs.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/photo_Julie_Stephenson-e1711471104213.jpg)
Julie
Growth through coaching
![](https://dcs.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/photo_Hezouwe-Emily-.jpg)
Hezouwe
Overcoming major obstacles
![](https://dcs.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/photo_Marianna-Globacheva.jpg)
Marianna
Balancing college and life
![](https://dcs.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/chris-1.jpg)
Chris
Taking a professional leap
![Robert Hall standing behind a podium giving a presentation](https://dcs.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/photo_Robert-Hall-Presentation_DOORS-scholarship.png)
Robert
Transformation through education
![](https://dcs.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Fangyuan.jpg)
Fangyuan
International opportunity
![](https://dcs.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Aliesha.jpg)
Aliesha
Accelerated educational option
Explore programs
Continuing Studies offers you hundreds of programs and courses that address your professional development and personal enrichment needs. Many programs are flexible or online so you can fit continuing education into your busy life.
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Summer Term
Taking UW Summer Term courses means you can get ahead in your studies and lighten your load during fall or spring
![Smiling woman takes notes as she watches laptop screen at home](https://dcs.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/dcs-featured-homepage-spanish-1304263680.jpg)
Languages
Expand your world by learning a new language or improving an existing one
![A student presents in front of class](https://dcs.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/featured-program-coach-approach-200470292.jpg)
Professional Coaching
Learn to guide and inspire others to reach their potential as an ICF-accredited coach
![UW–Madison Online graduates Manny Avila and Erin Vranas stand on either side of Bucky Badger flashing the "W" with their fingers. Manny, on left, has dark hair and glasses and is wearing his graduation cap and gown. Erin, on right, is wearing a white sleeveless top and has long blonde hair.](https://dcs.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/UWMadisonOnlineGraduation_2024_156.jpg)
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
Designed for students who have some college credits, UW–Madison Online offers a flexible format to fit around your goals, work and family
Professional certificates in a variety of fields to help you advance your career
Get ahead with a certificateAward-winning program for adults and youth facing economic barriers to college
Go beyond with UW Odyssey Project![](https://dcs.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/photo_brian-and-bucky_odyssey.jpg)
Online and in-person programs for academically curious students ages 7-18
Explore Badger PrecollegeAdditional programs
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Credit programs
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Adult Career & Special Student Services
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Specialized learning
![DCS 30 year anniversary badge](https://dcs.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/24768-dcs-history-project-30-year-anniversary-badge-24768-dcs-history-project-30-year-anniversary-badge-color-FINAL.png)
The UW–Madison Division of Continuing Studies celebrates 30 years in 2024, but the history of continuing education at the university goes back more than 130 years.
From the first correspondence course at UW–Madison in 1892 to the first online graduate degree in 2015, and beyond, lifelong learners of various ages and backgrounds have come to the university searching for opportunities to meet their educational, career and life goals.
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