Making the commitment to expand your education is essential to maximizing your performance in the workplace. Whether you are advancing your professional development, trying to become more valuable in the job market, or just refreshing your career credentials, building your skillset is an important part of career success. Consider these options when deciding how to boost your professional expertise.
The Continuing & Professional Studies department at UMW offers three different professional development routes for non-traditional, adult learners seeking to work toward their career goals or boost their performance in their career field.
Complete Your Bachelor’s Degree
One of the most common requests in professional careers is holding a bachelor’s degree. The Bachelor’s of Liberal Studies (BLS) at UMW is a fast-track solution for adults who are looking to complete their degree. This program is structured for non-traditional students to have access to the same level of education as traditional college students as they complete their bachelor’s degree. With over thirty majors to choose from—including leadership and management, arts and sciences, or managerial economics—students can focus their studies on what they’re passionate about.
UMW provides students with access to a liberal arts structured education, meaning that students will need to complete credits in general education classes, elective courses, and their major’s program requirements. Students will study a variety of subjects beyond their major, which will broaden their knowledge on different topics and allow them to develop connections in multiple educational departments. Pursuing a liberal arts education shows employers that you have the ability to continually learn new skills and will be adaptable in your approach to the ever-changing business market.
Earn Your Master’s Degree
Most business professional employers are looking for job candidates with exceeding educational experience. Gaining your master’s degree demonstrates a level of expertise in your specific career field that sets you apart from your professional competitors. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the average business professional earns about $12,000 more annually with a master’s degree. Businesses are quicker to hire individuals with a master’s degree because, through your extra educational investment, you’ve shown that you’re committed to mastering the skills necessary for a successful career.
UMW offers three graduate programs: business administration (MBA), teacher licensure, education endorsement and certifications (M.Ed), and geospatial analysis (MSGA). The most versatile, and perhaps the most popular, master’s program is the MBA. The skills you earn through an MBA are marketable in more career fields than just traditional business roles. Skills such as communication, adaptability, and leadership can be carried over into any position, especially higher-level jobs. Expand the scope of your job search beyond just business to include positions in sports, science, or the arts—your MBA will open doors to your dream job.
Continuing Education and Certifications
UMW also offers certification courses where you will learn industry concepts and develop skills specific to your career. Throughout the year, UMW offers a variety of professional development and personal enrichment courses. More specifically, the department of Continuing & Professional Studies is a preferred provider for SHRM and CISSP test preparation. The test prep courses for SHRM include SHRM Essentials of Human Resources and SHRM Learning Systems, where you will review federal legislation on important workplace issues and be trained to effectively cultivate employer-employee relationships. This certification is versatile, as any upper-level leader or aspiring manager will benefit from this course curriculum. Other courses, such as the Certified Information System Security (CISSP) test preparation, are essential for passing the CISSP exam and finding a career in the tech industry. Stand out from your business competitors by learning how to design and operate cybersecurity for your company through this certification program.
Advance your Career
UMW makes it easy for business professionals to grow their skillsets in the corporate world with these three education routes. Whether you are boosting your current career or looking to learn something completely new, UMW’s Continuing & Professional Studies programs are built to fit the next step in your career goals.