Center for Professional Education Programs
The Center for Professional Education (CPE) offers a variety of innovative, non-credit programs specifically designed to provide expertise in a variety of industry areas. From examination preparation courses to professional certificates, our flexible delivery formats—evenings and weekends on campus, accelerated intensive courses, and online study—are ideal for busy professionals.
Certified Management Accountant (CMA) Exam Preparation (online)
Offered online, the CMA Exam Preparation program prepares students for the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) CMA exams, enabling them to earn the CMA designation.
Students who earn the CMA designation are eligible for two course waivers in the Metropolitan College online Master of Science in Banking & Financial Services Management (MSBFSM) degree program.
Financial Planning (on campus and online)
The Program in Financial Planning—recently ranked among the top ten nationally by Financial Planning Magazine—has provided a comprehensive approach to financial planning education for over twenty years. The program offers a respected credential from Boston University, the rigorous academic foundation you need to advance your financial planning career, and excellent preparation for the Certified Financial Planner™ exam. Students who successfully complete the Program in Financial Planning and earn the CFP® certification are eligible for two course waivers in the Metropolitan College Master of Science in Banking & Financial Services Management degree program.
Genealogical Research (on campus and online)
Offered in both classroom and online formats, the Genealogical Research certificate program introduces current genealogical technologies and research methods, and reflects exacting industry standards. Taught by some of the premier genealogists in the country, the program trains students to identify and evaluate evidence, design research strategies, and write quality reports, while providing excellent preparation for certification through the Board for Certification of Genealogists®.
Interpreter Program: Community, Legal & Medical Certificates
The Community, Legal & Medical Interpreter certificate programs are designed for multilingual professionals who speak, read, and write fluently in English and Chinese (Mandarin), Portuguese, or Spanish. Linguistic competence in both languages is brought to professional levels, and students develop the skills, technical vocabulary, and professional ethics needed to perform various types of interpretation—simultaneous, consecutive, and sight translation—competently.
Paralegal Studies (on campus and online)
Offered in both classroom and online formats, the Paralegal certificate program introduces individuals to comprehensive legal theory. In addition, the program’s unique technology component provides students with relevant hands-on experience. The program covers topics in research, writing, technologies, real estate, business law, litigation, and probate and family law.
PMP® Certification Exam Preparation
The PMP® Certification Exam Preparation prepares project managers to earn Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI). This globally recognized credential signifies that a project manager has the experience, education, and competency to successfully lead and direct projects. The credential can lead to higher salaries and increased marketability. This preparation course provides an opportunity to engage in a thorough and complete review of the theory of project management as detailed in PMI’s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK).
Professional Fundraising (on campus and online)
Offered in the classroom or online, the Professional Fundraising certificate program provides the requisite skills and knowledge to succeed in the burgeoning and increasingly specialized field of fund raising for nonprofit institutions, and serves as preparation for the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) exam.
Professional Investigation (online)
Offered online, the Professional Investigation certificate program is ideal for current investigative professionals, those in related occupations, and those seeking to enter the field. The unique course of study focuses on the three primary areas of professional investigation: research, interviewing, and surveillance.
Real Estate Studies
Real Estate Studies offers four certificate programs to meet the diverse needs of today’s commercial real estate professional. Students may enroll in individual courses or choose to complete a series of courses to earn a professional Boston University certificate in one of four areas:
- Commercial real estate
- Real estate finance
- Facilities management
- Real estate sustainability
In addition, the center offers a FMP® Preparatory program that can lead to the FMP® designation.
Retirement Management (online)
Boston University’s Center for Professional Education has partnered with the Retirement Income Industry Association (RIIA) to offer the online program in Retirement Management. BU is the first academic institution to offer this program, designed to provide financial advisors and professionals with the training needed to earn an important credential in retirement income planning and management—the Retirement Management Analyst℠ (RMA℠) designation.
