Departments at the
Division of Continuing Studies
Learn about the units and people that support continuing education and lifelong learning at UW–Madison
Continuing Studies at UW–Madison includes various departments that support lifelong learning and learners from all walks of life on their educational journeys.
Departments & Programs
UW-Madison Online
Complete your undergraduate degree fully online with the top-ranked University of Wisconsin–Madison. Explore flexible options to fit your goals, work and life.
UW-Madison Summer Term
Experience the vibrancy of summer learning at UW–Madison. Explore in-person and online courses, programs and experiences to advance your academic goals.
Professional Degrees & Certificates | UW–Madison
Advance your career with a professional master’s degree or certificate from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. 100+ in-person, online & accelerated programs.
Badger Precollege
Badger Precollege provides academic precollege programs for elementary, middle and high school students to explore the UW–Madison campus while pursuing their interests in the fields of music, art, STEM, recreation and more.
Continuing Studies
Whether you’re obtaining a professional certificate or taking a language class, you are on a worthy mission. We’re here for wherever you are in your journey. Because learning never ends.
Adult Career & Special Student Programming
Adult Career and Special Student Services (ACSSS) is your gateway to the many education paths and opportunities available to you at UW–Madison.
Odyssey Project
Unleash your potential and embark on a journey of personal and academic growth. Programs designed for adults and children facing economic barriers to college.
Badger Ready
The Badger Ready program provides a pathway to degree completion for those who face barriers to traditional transfer admission.
Visiting International Students
Short-term study for global students at Wisconsin’s top public university. Enhance your education with diverse coursework and immersive cultural experiences.
Custom Training
Are you looking for top-quality training to fit your organization or agency’s needs? Tap into the depth of expertise offered by UW–Madison Continuing Studies.
Prison Education Initiative
The UW–Madison Prison Education Initiative (PEI) gives learners who are incarcerated in Wisconsin state prisons the opportunity to reframe their futures through higher education.
Education Planning
If you are thinking about returning to school (regardless of what school), but aren’t sure where to start, staff at Adult Career and Special Student Services can help.
Office of Youth Protection
Discover policies, training and support systems dedicated to ensuring the safety of youth enrolled in UW–Madison activities, both on and off campus.
Liberal Arts & Applied Studies
Liberal Arts and Applied Studies (LAAS) is an academic department whose research focus serves and informs the teaching of adult learners.
School for Workers
One of the first operational components of the Wisconsin Idea, the School for Workers is the original university-based labor education program in the United States.
Center for Research on College to Workforce
UW–Madison’s CCWT develops research tools, evidence and educational programs that promote the career development and wellness of all college graduates.
Senior Learning
Take free courses at UW–Madison as a Wisconsin resident age 60 or older! Enrich your life with stimulating courses and vibrant learning experiences.
Academic Affairs & Programming
We are available to assist faculty and staff in the creation of accessible, high-quality post-baccalaureate degrees and certificates, to develop new approaches to delivery methods.
Integrated Marketing Communications
Our award-winning team of designers, writers, web developers, project managers and marketing strategists spreads the word about the learning opportunities Continuing Studies offers.
Department Posts
Start the year by cleaning up your digital footprint
Learn some tips from our experts on how to assess and revive your online presence for professional purposes.
Higher education possible for undocumented students
Attending college in the U.S. as an adult student who is undocumented or a DACA recipient is complicated but not impossible. Here are some things to consider.
Finding your groove in college as an adult student
Returning to school as an adult student can be challenging. An educational counselor shares tips to help you through the process.
Celebrating and supporting student parents in higher ed
September is National Student Parent Month. Read about how higher education institutions can support student parents, and let’s celebrate these students’ success!
Chancellor Mnookin visits Continuing Studies to hear the value of lifelong learning
Continuing Studies staff and faculty were honored to host the chancellor for a few hours to discuss opportunities, priorities and challenges at the division.
Students’ motivations and goals vary
Two returning adult students share why they decided to return to their education – and how they’re using their new-found knowledge.
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