Center for Professional Education Programs

The Center for Professional Education (CPE) offers 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, blended-classroom programs, accelerated intensive courses, and online study—are ideal for busy professionals.

Financial Planning (on campus and online)

The Program in Financial Planning 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.

Genealogy Studies (online)

The Genealogy Studies program reflects exacting industry standards and introduces current genealogical technologies and research methods. The Certificate in Genealogical Research course is intended for the experienced researcher looking to elevate their skills to a new level. The Genealogical Principles course is ideal for the newer researcher looking to learn more about the field and how to properly cite data. 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 (blended, on-campus intensive, and online)

Offered in both blended-classroom and online formats, the Paralegal Studies 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 law, business law, litigation, and probate and family law.

Professional Fundraising (online)

The Professional Fundraising certificate program provides the skills and knowledge to succeed in the burgeoning and increasingly specialized field of nonprofit fundraising. Students examine the key components of a comprehensive development program and build expertise in strategic planning, prospect research, volunteer leadership, and all forms of giving and stewardship. In addition, the program provides the 84 continuing education points required for the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) exam.

Real Estate Studies (on campus and online)

Students may take a single course for personal growth or several courses that lead to a professional certificate. Those who earn the certificate can expect an improvement in their personal and organizational effectiveness. On-campus certificate programs include Commercial Real Estate, Real Estate Finance, and Facilities Management. For students who prefer online study, a certificate program in Commercial Real Estate Practice is available.

Students who successfully earn an on-campus CPE certificate in Commercial Real Estate or Real Estate Finance may apply their coursework toward the waiver of three elective classes (12 credits) in the Metropolitan College Master of City Planning degree program.

Test Preparation

PMP® Certification Exam Preparation

The PMP® Certification Exam Preparation course readies project managers for the exam required 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. This preparation course provides an opportunity to engage in the theory of project management as detailed in PMI’s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®).

Evergreen

Evergreen enables students age 58 and over to tap the rich vein of knowledge at one of the world’s top-ranked universities. Evergreen students can take advantage of auditing undergraduate and graduate courses at Boston University. Continuous growth opportunities are also available through seminars that are designed specifically with the “evergreen” in mind.