Center for Professional Education FAQs

When I register for professional development courses through the Center for Professional Education in SPU's School of Education, am I registering for semester or quarter credits?
You are registering for quarter credits.

How are quarter credits equivalent to semester credits?

• 5 quarter credits are equivalent to 3.33 semester credits.
• 3 quarter credits are equivalent to 2 semester credits.
• 1 quarter credit is equivalent to .67 semester credits.

If I take a class through an SPU "partner," will I still receive SPU graduate-level credit?
Yes. Make sure to follow all directions when registering with a partner because you may also need to register with SPU to receive that credit.

Are professional development courses graduate-level courses?
Yes. Professional development courses are 5000, graduate-level courses. However, they do not apply toward a degree unless it has been cleared and approved by your advisor. The purpose of these credits is for your continuing education and professional development.

Is there financial aid available?
Professional development courses are not eligible for financial aid, and they do not qualify for loan deferment. The full cost of the course is required at the time of registration. We accept check, purchase order, and VISA or MasterCard.

How can I get my transcript?

• To view your unofficial transcript, log into Banner, SPU's student database, and select the Student Menu. You can access your account online by following the helpful tips you'll find there.
• For an official transcript, visit the Student Academic Services website, and follow the step-by-step directions under "Ordering Transcripts." There is a $5 fee for each official transcript, payable at the time it is ordered.

I need a receipt for my course. How do I get one?
If you register online, a receipt will automatically be emailed to you. If you register in-person, at that time you may request a receipt be sent to you. If you registered by mail or phone and didn't request a receipt, email Student Financial Services (sfs@spu.edu) to request a receipt copy be sent to you.

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Are the courses online or on campus?

The courses are all correspondence courses, which can include printed materials received via U.S. post, online, or video modules. Some courses take place on Blackboard, SPU's e-learning web portal, and have specific begin and end dates.

If I take a class through an SPU "partner," will I still receive SPU graduate-level credit?

Yes. Make sure to follow all directions when registering with an educational partner because you may also need to register with SPU to receive graduate-level credit.

How long will it take me to complete a professional development course?

You can expect it to take about 20 hours per credit. The courses are designed for you to work at your own pace, but check the course details for due dates and completion time.

What does "up to one year" mean in a course description?

For courses that list completion time of "up to one year," you will have 365 days from your course start date to complete the course.

Are there any additional costs for a course besides tuition?

Additional materials vary from course to course. The course materials you receive will include directions if you need to purchase anything additional.

How do I register for a course? Are there any registration fees?
You can register in several ways:

• By calling 800-348-3848.
• By downloading, printing, and mailing in a registration form (PDF).
• By using the registration form found in our printed course bulletin and mailing it in.
• By registering online.

There are no fees to register.

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