About UC Skills
Short-Term, Non-Degree Learning at the University of Cincinnati
UC Skills is the University of Cincinnati’s hub for non-credit learning. We offer short-term training and non-degree courses for professionals, community members, and lifelong learners.
Experts from across the university work together to offer flexible learning opportunities for working adults and lifelong learners. UC Skills makes university learning accessible without enrolling in a degree program. Learners can:
- Advance their careers
- Build new skills
- Prepare for college
- Explore personal interests
Courses are available online, in-person, or in blended formats. This flexibility helps you learn in a way that fits your schedule.
Built on UC’s Tradition of Workforce Learning
UC Skills courses are created by faculty, researchers, and industry experts from the University of Cincinnati. With a strong tradition of cooperative education and employer partnerships, UC combines academic expertise with workforce insight. This approach offers practical training that supports career growth.
Programs are developed in collaboration with industry and reflect the skills employers need today.
What You Can Learn Through UC Skills
| Professional Advancement | Educational Advancement |
Personal Enrichment |
|---|---|---|
| Build career-ready skills through short-term certificate programs, technical training, and continuing education courses. | Courses help learners get ready for college, build academic skills, or try new subjects. |
Explore new interests through courses designed for lifelong learning, creativity, and personal growth. |
Who UC Skills Is For
UC Skills courses are open to anyone—no university enrollment required. Our learners come from many backgrounds but share the same goal: building new skills through flexible, short courses.
Participants include:
- Working professionals seeking career advancement
- Individuals changing careers or entering new industries
- Adult learners preparing to return to college
- UC alumni looking to stay connected with the university through continued learning
- Lifelong learners exploring personal interests
What they share is a desire to build practical skills quickly through high-quality university instruction.
Why Learners Choose UC Skills
UC Skills programs help learners at all stages. We offer accessible training that fits into real-world schedules.
Our courses and programs help learners reach their goals by offering:
- Open Access Learning: UC Skills courses are open to the public. No admissions process is needed.
- Simple Registration: Sign up in just a few minutes. Choose a course, add it to your cart, and pay online.
- Flexible Learning Formats: Courses are available online, in person, or blended. Schedules fit the needs of working adults.
- Designed for Adult Learners: UC Skills courses emphasize practical skills and real-world use. This helps learners gain new knowledge quickly.
Learn from University Experts
UC Skills instructors combine academic expertise with industry experience. Many are University of Cincinnati faculty members, researchers, or professionals working in their field.
This combination helps learners develop practical skills backed by UC’s credibility.
Non-Degree Programs and Stackable Certificates
All UC Skills courses and programs are non-credit. You don’t need to enroll in a degree program to take them.
Many courses offer:
- Micro-credentials
- Preparation for industry-recognized credentials
- Stackable certificates that build toward advanced training
- Continuing education units to maintain professional licensure
These short-term programs help learners gain skills fast and earn credentials that can boost career growth.
Our Credentials
UC Skills offers several types of credentials to recognize learning and support career advancement. Each credential reflects a different level of learning and achievement.
Explore our credentials or learn more about how these credentials work below.
Understanding Certificates, Certifications, and Micro-Credentials
A certificate verifies completion of a course or training program. At UC Skills, we issue records of participation and records of completion. These certificates indicate that a learner has successfully completed training on a specific topic.
A micro-credential validates a specific skill or competency. At UC Skills, micro-credentials are issued by the University of Cincinnati and recognize demonstrated abilities that support workplace success. These credentials highlight job-relevant skills that learners can apply in professional settings.
A professional certificate is the most advanced non-credit credential offered through UC Skills. It recognizes completion of an in-depth non-credit program that validates knowledge, skills, and readiness for work in a professional area.
An industry-recognized credential is issued by a professional organization or certifying body. It validates specific skills and is typically accepted throughout the industry. UC Skills offers courses to help learners earn IRCs through training and exam preparation.
A certification is an endorsement from an external organization. It validates expertise in a specific field or industry. Certifications typically involve passing a standardized exam and may require ongoing renewal.
Many professions require continuing education to maintain licenses or certifications. These requirements can include Continuing Education Units (CEUs), Continuing Medical Education (CME), Continuing Legal Education (CLE), and other continuing education credits.
UC Skills offers continuing education in fields including pharmacy, dental hygiene, and education.
Time Commitment
UC Skills courses range from one-day workshops to multi-week training programs. Most courses require 10–50 hours to complete, allowing learners to gain skills fast while managing work and personal life.
Cost
UC Skills courses are priced based on the topic, duration, and program structure. Some introductory courses are free, while more in-depth programs have a fee.
Many learners get support or reimbursement from their employers for professional development. Discounts are also available.
Employer Recognition
The University of Cincinnati has strong relationships with employers across the Greater Cincinnati region. UC Skills courses focus on the skills that employers value, helping learners develop skills that are valuable in the workforce.
Training with UC Skills helps learners build practical skills backed by the credibility of the University of Cincinnati.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. UC Skills offers non-degree courses that are open to the public. You don't need university admission to participate. However, some may have prerequisites or enrollment requirements.
A course is a single learning experience focused on a specific topic or skill. A program is a group of related courses designed to build deeper knowledge.
Many UC Skills courses are offered online or in hybrid formats. This helps learners build skills while managing work and other commitments.
UC Skills courses and programs are designed to be completed in a short timeframe. A typical course takes 10 to 50 hours to complete. However, advanced ones might take several weeks to months.
A certificate shows that someone completed a training program. A certification, however, comes from a professional organization. It proves expertise in a field, usually after passing an exam.
Many UC Skills courses are developed with industry input and focus on skills that employers value.
Communiversity was a long-running UC program that offered non-credit community courses until 2024. You can find similar learning opportunities through UC Skills, the University of Cincinnati’s platform for short-term, non-degree courses.
UC Skills offers courses for learners at many different experience levels. Some courses are designed as introductions for beginners, while others support experienced professionals. Course descriptions provide details about the intended audience and any prerequisites.