The Professional Development Studies Department at Rutgers University’s School of Communication and Information (SC&I) has changed its name to Continuing and Professional Studies (CPS). The revised nomenclature more precisely describes the scope of the non-degree offerings available within the department as it expands its program offerings in the coming months.

CPS is under the leadership of Director Julie Johnson, Ed.D., who joined SC&I in September 2022. As described by Johnson, the mission of the CPS department is to prepare and partner with professionals and industry leaders for the future of work. CPS’s programs will continue to focus on forward-leaning content led by instructors who know this content best. CPS offers continuing education, non-degree, micro-credentialing programming, corporate training, and educational outreach. Johnson comes to Rutgers University with over 30 years of professional development and continuing education experience within higher education, international non-profit organizations, and public education.

In 2023, CPS will expand its non-credit professional online certificate program offerings beginning with the Digital Asset Management program (DAM) in response to student feedback requesting additional professional learning opportunities. Starting in January, the DAM program will include three phases: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. The Bronze Certificate is the foundational certificate with six courses. New cohorts will launch in January, April, July, and October. Those interested in joining the January 2023 cohort are encouraged to apply today.

The Silver Certificate will have a growing menu of offerings beginning in February with the Silver Generalist Certificate. This certificate has a menu of five courses, and students can select three to earn this level certificate. Johnson noted that additional silver certificates are in development, and she anticipates the Gold Certificate will launch in 2024. Applications for the Silver Generalist Certificate are currently being accepted. Apply today.

Communication skills are essential for professionals to perform well and advance their careers in the marketplace. Johnson and her team are developing two new communication certificates that will be rooted in best practices while addressing the needs of rising professionals and business leaders to meet their lifelong learning goals in this dynamic and changing world. Initial offerings will focus on professional learning opportunities for small business owners, communication managers, digital storytellers, and emerging managers.

Johnson noted, “We will continue to leverage the best thinking and latest research within communication and information to create world-class programs while embracing intellectual rigor to upskill and retrain professionals for the next career step of their journey.”