Continuing Education

Learning is a life-long journey, and the office of Drake Online and Continuing Education offers everything to help you make the most of it—from individual courses to complete certificate programs. Add a professional credential, start on your way to a second degree, or simply explore a new area of interest.

Programs for Executives

The Drake University Executive Education Center offers a variety of innovative and effective solutions for your organizational and personal leadership development needs. Our signature Leading Others program accelerates your leadership growth, helping senior executives to lead in times of stability and change. We also work closely with individual organizations to customize programs and deliver measureable outcomes for any business, nonprofit, or government entity.

Programs for Working Professionals

The Center for Professional Studies in Drake’s Zimpleman College of Business offers opportunities that will meet your needs if you are a working professional looking to sharpen your skills and position yourself for leadership. The Center’s programs immerse you in a group learning environment as you move through your studies with a team of other experienced business people. Through the Business Leadership Certificate Program, the Certified Public Management Program, and the Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Administration Program, you can gain a key credential as you pursue ambitions in either the public or private sector.

Programs for Business & Nonprofits

For businesses or non-profit organizations looking to help employees develop their talents and grow professionally, Drake offers Customized Certificate Programs available through the Center for Professional Studies. We will craft an educational solution tailored to your organizational objectives and the needs of your adult learners.

Programs for Teachers & Educators

If you are a teacher or educator interested in professional development, consider the courses and programs offered through the Continuing Education & Professional Development division in Drake’s School of Education. These include online and video courses for classroom teachers, an online teaching certificate, and video courses for coaches and physical education teachers.

Programs & Events for Local Community Members

If you are member of the Des Moines community hungry for new ideas to discover, check out the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Drake University. Recent courses have ranged from the Great Readings Discussion Group to Daily Life in Ancient Egypt. Most courses cost only $25. The Bucksbaum Lecture Series, which is free and open to the public, welcomes world-class thinkers and leaders, from Jimmy Carter and Nicholas Kristoff to Maya Angelou and Salman Rushdie.