Continuing Education Units

Continuing Education and Communication Services

Iowa State University remains true to the land-grant tradition of extending knowledge far beyond campus borders. Faculty members provide cutting-edge information that helps people continue to learn and meet the demands of careers and society. Annually thousands of students enroll in Iowa State courses without setting foot in Ames . In addition to the traditional method of instructors traveling to classrooms off campus, technology has provided new ways for Iowa State University faculty to reach students. Iowa State offers distance learning courses online, by video conferencing, videotape, CD-ROM, and DVD.

Courses are the same as those offered on campus, carry residential credit, and are taught by Iowa State faculty. Credit earned in off-campus courses becomes a part of the academic record at Iowa State University and may be used to meet degree requirements in the same manner as credit earned on campus.

Continuing education staff provides leadership in helping faculty identify the needs of Iowans and methods to reach adult learners who want to earn college credit without coming to campus. The continuing education staff helps off-campus students access student services and information at the university.

For a list of courses and programs, or to request specific courses and programs, visit www.lifelearner.iastate.edu, or call (515) 294-6222 or (800) 262-0015. You may also contact any of the Iowa State University Extension offices across the state.

Certificate and Degree Programs Offered Off Campus

College of Agriculture

The faculty of the College of Agriculture offers two master's programs. For more information send an e-mail to brentoncontact@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-1438 or (800) 747-4478.

Master of Agriculture
via CD-ROM and online

Prepare for a proactive role in addressing and responding to personal, professional, and societal issues and challenges in a changing agriculture and food system. Position yourself for emerging opportunities within or outside your current employment. Students enroll in the program for reasons from career advancement to teacher certification renewal, to professional development, to personal interests.

The core 13 credits emphasize leadership development, technological change, use of statistics, economic issues, and sustainability issues. Select another 15 credits in consultation with your graduate committee to meet individual interests. The capstone of the program is a creative component of four credits. The degree is 32 total credits. The program began in 1979. Up to 10 credits of approved transfer courses may be used.

Master of Science in Agronomy
via CD-ROM and online

Designed for professionals working in industry and government, the degree ensures an advanced knowledge of agronomic systems and superior problem-solving skills. The computer-based program, begun in 1998, emphasizes practical, professional, and technical skills in crop management, soil and water management, and integrated pest management.

The curriculum consists of 12 courses plus a one-credit workshop and a three-credit creative component. The workshop is the only course that requires attendance on campusthree or four days one summer. Admission requirements are fundamental agriculture courses. Generally, students with a bachelor's from an agriculture college will meet the requirements.

Master of Business Administration
at Pappajohn Higher Education Center , Des Moines

Earn your MBA with evening courses in Des Moines . Classes meet twice per week from 5:45-9:15 p.m. You progress through the core curriculum with a cohort, allowing camaraderie with colleagues from a variety of businesses and industries.

The 48-credit program can be completed in 31-months or less. The first four semesters are designed to help build a strong foundation of core business knowledge; the final four semesters are tailored to your academic and career goals. You may concentrate on a general management MBA or specialize in finance, information systems, or marketing. (Other specializations are available if you take several evening courses on campus.) Instructors are the same faculty who teach full time on campus. The Des Moines program debuted in 1999.

Community and Regional Planning

The department offers two undergraduate courses as part of an agreement with Iowa community colleges. The department also offers an off-campus master's program. For more information, send an e-mail to crp@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-0220.

Master of Community and Regional Planning
via DVD

This professional degree enhances the skills of professionals working in planning. Take courses to expand your knowledge in a specific area or work towards a degree. If you have an undergraduate degree from an accredited planning program and work in planning, you may be able to complete a degree without coming to campus. Faculty will help you develop a program of study that fits your education, experience, and schedule.

Delivered by distance learning since 2001, the program includes a core curriculum and courses in an area of concentration. The concentration areas are land use and transportation, community design and development, and rural and environmental planning. The degree is a minimum of 48 credits. If you have an undergraduate degree in a field other than planning, but currently work in the field of planning, contact the department for more information.

College of Engineering

Engineering faculty members have offered distance learning courses since 1969 when Iowa State sent reel-to-reel tapes to industry sites. Today, courses are delivered by advanced technology methods. For more information, send an e-mail to ede@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-7470 or (800) 854-1675.

Certificate in Power Systems Engineering
via CD-ROM  and streaming media

Iowa State University has a long-standing international reputation for education and research in electric power engineering. The electrical and computer engineering department designed the 12-credit graduate certificate for power engineering specialists in government, private sector, and academia.

Upon completion of the program, power engineering specialists will be proficient in theory and modeling plus have the tools necessary to perform engineering tasks related to planning and operating electric power generation, transmission, and distribution systems, plus knowledge of related public policy.

Master of Science in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering
via CD-ROM and streaming media

The engineering college, in cooperation with local industries, offers two off-campus master of science programs. Each program totals 30 graduate credits; a thesis or non-thesis option may be selected. Areas of emphases include communications and signal processing, computer systems architecture, electric power and energy systems, information systems security and networking, microelectronics and photonics, nondestructive evaluation and electromagnetics, software systems, systems and controls, and VLSI design.

Master of Science in Information Assurance
Certificate in Information Assurance
via CD-ROM and streaming media

In 1999 the National Security Agency named Iowa State University one of the seven charter Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education. To increase technology proficiency and policy issues critical to the security of information infrastructure, faculty developed a graduate program for those who have a bachelor of science in computer science, computer engineering, or a closely related field. The program meets the needs of information system security specialists in government, the private sector, and educational institutions. The master's program is 30 credits including three credits of creative component. The certificate is four computer engineering courses.

Master of Science in Industrial Engineering
via CD-ROM and streaming media

The industrial engineering program combines business and engineering. Learn advanced concepts, theories, and methods for the design and analysis of complex systems. Focus on fundamental issues that relate directly to the economic health of industry, namely, productivity, cost, quality, and lead time. The program emphasizes engineering management, operations research, manufacturing, human factors, and enterprise computing. Areas of specialization available by distance learning are enterprise computing and information engineering, manufacturing systems engineering, and applied operations research. The degree is 30 credits, including three credits of creative component.

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
via CD-ROM and streaming media

The graduate program offers study in manufacturing and materials, controls and robotics, combustion, fluid mechanics and dynamics, heat transfer, refrigeration, energy systems, and microelectromechanical systems. Instrumentation, design of experiments, and computational methods may be applied to any of these areas. The program is 30 credits. It has a thesis and non-thesis option.

Research at Iowa State covers a broad range from thermal systems to mechanical systems, plus virtual reality applications and micro/nano systems. The reputation of the department's faculty has attracted support for research at the cutting edge of technology from federal, state and industrial sources.

Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering
via CD-ROM and streaming media

The systems engineering program extends the ability of engineers to work across disciplinary boundaries. It also develops the management capabilities needed in today's work environment. Engineers, regardless of undergraduate discipline, can develop the analytical abilities needed to design, evaluate, and build complex systems involving many components and demanding specifications. The degree is 30 credits, including 27 credits of courses distributed among four broad groups: systems engineering core courses, elective engineering courses, area of specialization courses, and elective non-engineering courses. The final three credits are a creative component.

Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

The department provides courses for principal and superintendent licensure as well as graduate degree programs off-campus. For information, send an e-mail to edldrship@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-1241.

Preparation for Leadership (PreLEAD)

via a combination of methods at various sites around the state with some work online and via the Iowa Communications Network (ICN); in the past five years, Iowa State faculty have taught courses in Atlantic, Creston, Des Moines, Elkader, Mason City, Oskaloosa, and Storm Lake.

Master of Education or Science
Principal licensure

A master's program of 36 credits leads to licensing as a school administrator. Courses are structured to build leadership skills in organizational processes, scope and framework of schools, and interpersonal dimensions. Students are paired with practicing administrators, experiencing leadership roles firsthand.

Advanced Studies
via a combination including online, the Iowa Communications Network (ICN) and video conferencing

Doctor of Philosophy
Superintendent licensure (Certificate of Advanced Studies)

A post master's curriculum of 30 credits provides training for the school superintendent license. The program emphasizes leadership skills, child and adolescent development, curriculum and instruction, school law and ethics, resource management, community relationships, and data-driven decision making.

Master of Education in Higher Education
at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), Ankeny

The Learning and Teaching Leadership for Community College (TL2C2) mid-career faculty advances leadership skills. TL2C2 helps community college faculty maximize their effectiveness as educators, as well as their students' potential for learning. The 30-credit program leads to a master's degree in higher education with an emphasis in community colleges, or applies up to 30 credits towards a Ph.D.

Curriculum and Instruction

Master of Education with specialization in curriculum and instructional technology
via blend of online and on campus

Designed to meet the needs of K-12 teachers and other educational practitioners, the three-year program is 32 credits offered in a learning community environment. The program is designed for those who want to earn a master's and are seeking leadership positions for infusing technology into teaching and learning environments. For information, call (515) 294-5926 or citmed@iastate.edu.

George Washington Carver Teacher Education Program
on site in Des Moines

The program is a collaboration begun in 2004 of Des Moines Area Community College , Iowa State University, and Simpson College . The program goal is to recruit and educate new teachers, especially those of color. The program is designed for working adults employed in a K-12 school in the Des Moines area. They can complete the requirements for Iowa teacher certification and obtain an associate of arts degree from Des Moines Area Community College and a joint bachelor of arts from Iowa State and Simpson. For information, contact (515) 294-1754 or gwctep@iastate.edu.

College of Family and Consumer Sciences

Iowa State 's family and consumer science is consistently ranked in the top five human sciences institutions for the number of advanced degrees awarded annually. The college is fully accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. For more information, call (515) 294-5982 or toll-free (877) 891-5349 or send an e-mail to mfcsinfo@iastate.edu.

Master of Family and Consumer Sciences
online

Delivered off-campus since 1994, the non-thesis master's is designed for working professionals to enhance skills in a current position and increase chances for promotion. The comprehensive degree requires a minimum of 18-21 credits in two or more of the family and consumer sciences departments. With electives, the degree program totals 36 credits.

Master of Family and Consumer Sciences
with specialization in family financial planning

Certificate in Family Financial Planning
online

Financial planners are increasingly in demand as Americans seek advisers to help manage their income, assets, and debts. In response to the demand, Iowa State joined other universities to create an inter-institutional program. After being admitted to one of the participating universities, you take online courses from all the universities.

Courses cover financial counseling, personal taxation, insurance, retirement planning, and employee benefits. The 42-credit program has no thesis component, but requires a practicum and capstone course that focuses on case studies. The graduate certificate is 18 credits of the master's program. Completing either the master's or the certificate meets the educational requirements for the Certified Financial Plannerâ„¢ examination.

Master of Family and Consumer Sciences with specialization in gerontology
Certificate in Gerontology
Online

Gerontology is the multidisciplinary study of the aging processes and individuals as they grow from middle age through later life. Employment opportunities in gerontology are increasing as people born during the baby boon reach retirement and life expectancy increases. People enter this field from many educational levels and disciplines, professions, and clinical areas, such as social work, nursing, counseling, recreation, public policy, long-term care administration, medicine, architecture, psychology, adult education, and rehabilitation therapy.

The program is inter-institutional with online courses from all the universities. Topics include adult development, family relations, economics and public policy, environmental considerations, and health and nutrition. The 36-credit master's program includes 12 elective credits to tailor the program. The graduate certificate consists of 21 credits from the master's program.

Dietetics Certificates
via the Iowa Communications Network and online

Three certificates are available: Dietetics Communication and Counseling, Dietetics Management, and Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy. The courses are designed for working professionals. Each certificate program is 12 credits. You may earn a graduate certificate and then apply the courses to the Master of Family and Consumer Sciences degree with a dietetics specialization. Acquire both theoretical and applied knowledge in the certificate programs.

Leadership Academies
via blend of online and several intensive summer weeks on campus

Master of Science or Master of Education or Doctor of Philosophy in Family and Consumer Sciences
Education

The blended delivery of a longstanding, prestigious graduate program was begun in 2002. Visiting professors from across North America teach in their areas of expertise. Either master's is 30 credits. The doctorate is 72 credits.

Doctor of Philosophy in Foodservice and Lodging Management

The program in child nutrition is designed for professionals in the school foodservice profession. The blended online/on campus delivery was begun in 2004. The program requires 78 credits; up to 30 credits may be accepted from a master's degree.

Bachelor of Liberal Studies
at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), Ankeny

The Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS) is a general studies degree in the liberal arts. It provides the framework to earn a degree with the flexibility to choose courses based on your interest and goals. Instead of a traditional major, you select course work from three of the following five distribution areas: humanities, communications and arts, natural sciences and mathematical disciplines, social sciences, and professional fields.

The BLS degree is offered with similar requirements by all three Iowa public universities, and provides a framework to assemble all the educational opportunities you may have locally available into a coherent four-year educational program. Up to three-fourths of the total degree requirements may be transferred from accredited institutions. For information, call (515) 294-4831 or send an e-mail to las@iastate.edu.

Master of Public Administration Certificate of Public Management
via DVD, videoconferencing and in Des Moines

Prepare for public service leadership in public, whether with government, nonprofit agencies, or private organizations working with governments. The public administration programs are designed to prepare or improve the performance level of mid-career public managers and administrators. Iowa State 's Master of Public Administration is the only program in Iowa accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration. The degree program is 37 credits including core and methods courses, a concentration area, and a creative component. Select an area of concentration from eGovernment, public management, policy analysis and evaluation, or international administration. The certificate program is 15 credits. For information, call (515) 294-3764 or send an e-mail to mpa@iastate.edu.

Master of School Mathematics
via the Iowa Communications Network

The program is designed for secondary mathematics teachers. The degree is built on three objectives: enhanced knowledge of algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and discrete mathematics; effective strategies for creating a student-centered classroom emphasizing problem solving; and computing technology in learning and teaching mathematics.

The program is 33 credits and includes a creative component. The degree fulfills the ‘master's degree in an area of endorsements' requirement listed under the certification rules for a professional teacher's certificate. For information, call (515) 294-0393 or send an e-mail to msm@math.iastate.edu.

Master of Science in Statistics
via distance learning to employees of companies who sign a letter of agreement with Iowa State

The statistics department offers courses and the degree only to employees of companies who sign a letter of agreement. Students at these companies earn exactly the same degree as the students on campus and fulfill the same program requirements, including the written master's exam, creative component, and a final oral exam.

In 1994, the statistics department signed an agreement with General Motors Corporation to deliver a master of science to GM employees. Since then, 3M, Mayo Clinic, Wells Fargo, John Deere, and Metro Health have signed agreements with Iowa State . For information, call (515) 294-3440 or send an e-mail to statistics@iastate.edu.

Continuing Education Units

Continuing Education and Communication Services awards Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for short courses, workshops, and other educational activities sponsored by Iowa State University , which do not carry academic credit. A given activity may award CEUs to some participants and academic credit to others, under the following policies:

1. The activity must be administered through Iowa State University Continuing Education and Communication Services.

2. The dual arrangement must have received prior approval by the department head or chair, upon recommendation of the course instructor, and the department curriculum committee.

3. Learners may enroll for either CEUs or for credit, but not for both.

4. Credit enrollees must meet the same academic standards they would have to meet if the course did not also award CEUs.

5. Assignments for credit students must be clearly articulated. Substantial sequential learning experiences and careful evaluation of outcomes are required for academic course credit; these standards will not be reduced to accommodate the participation of CEU learners. Whenever graduate credit is offered, course prerequisites will be enforced and not routinely waived.

Once CEUs have been awarded, Iowa State cannot and will not convert CEUs to academic credit. A student may switch from CEU to credit during an offering only at the discretion of the course instructor.