UHCL’s Professional and Continuing Education Program empowers lifelong learners and working professionals
Learning doesn't stop at graduation; it’s a lifelong journey. Thanks to UHCL's new Professional and Continuing Education (PACE), adults can expand their knowledge by gaining targeted skills in a specific area or exploring a new interest. PACE offers over a dozen expert-led courses throughout the year at UHCL, UHCL at Pearland, and online. These courses are designed to enrich lifelong learners, support career growth, and enhance professional expertise.
In collaboration with the UHCL Alumni Association, PACE also invites community members to apply to share their expertise in various subjects as volunteers in a weekly presentation series called The Scholars' Circle at the UHCL and UHCL at Pearland. Desired topic areas include food and nutrition, history and memory, and mindfulness and well-being, among others.
Launched in January 2025, PACE is led by Director Shannon Samuelson, who is committed to making professional development more accessible and impactful.
"The institution has always had continuing education," she said. “I was hired to create a centralized location for learners to find everything they need in one place.”
Packed with valuable information that learners can apply at work and in everyday life, the program underscores UHCL's mission of meeting the community's professional, educational, economic, and cultural needs.
Attendees can take courses in subjects ranging from human resources to digital marketing to learning about NASA’s vibrant history, to name a few. Certificate programs and customized training for organizations are coming soon. In addition to equipping attendees with knowledge and skills, many PACE courses issue continuing education units (CEUs), professional development credits, or other certifications that attendees may need to maintain professional licensure or credentials.
"We have the ability to be creative, innovative, and flexible in a way that credit courses don't have," Samuelson said. "Dreaming big is what we do."
PACE courses are accessible to everyone with no admission requirements, though some certificate programs and specialized courses may have application or experience prerequisites. Courses may also have prior experience requirements. Just as with many degree programs at UHCL, PACE offers flexible program options to accommodate various schedules, including online and evening classes, hands-on workshops, and weekend sessions.
This month's lineup includes "5 Voices for Leaders" on February 25, "Apollo's Deep Roots in Houston" on February 27, and "Introduction to Digital Marketing for Small Businesses" on February 28, among others. Courses are affordably priced, ranging from free to $125.
Samuelson expects more UHCL departments and career-centered organizations to play a role in developing and offering future courses.
"We are still in the building phases, but we currently have collaborations with the Environmental Institute of Houston (EIH) and Dr. Phalen with the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC)," she said. “We expect more exciting offerings soon.”
She also hopes that PACE will have the opportunity to host a second no-cost summer series again; in the summer of 2024, PACE hosted a free introductory series that was well-received by attendees. Her vision for future courses includes a focus on STEM fields as well.
"We are hoping to partner with industry leaders to create innovative solutions in safety, technology, environmental, and other STEM fields," she added.
To learn more about PACE, browse the complete list of courses, or to register, visit the PACE website.