Professional Degrees and Certificates, University of Wisconsin-Madison

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN–MADISON

Lifelong Learning: News & opportunities from the Division of Continuing Studies.

September 2026

The Wisconsin Idea in action: Reflections on fiscal year 2026

Every year, thousands of precollege, adult and professional students turn to the UW–Madison Division of Continuing Studies (DCS) to build new skills, pursue degrees and achieve lifelong goals. We’re proud to share our latest report highlighting how we accomplished our mission over the past year — and the impact we made on learners across Wisconsin and around the world.

From welcoming a record 18,926 Summer Term students to expanding online degree pathways with Wisconsin technical colleges, DCS continues to break down barriers to higher education. Together with campus partners, we are ensuring the Wisconsin Idea remains a vibrant, modern reality for Badgers on nontraditional pathways, at every stage of life.

illustration of people standing on arrow paths

5 tips to prepare for a midlife career change

Pivoting your profession later in life doesn't mean starting from scratch. By identifying transferable skills, leveraging tailored advising and stacking flexible microcredentials, adult learners can confidently transition into new industries. Here are five ways to prepare for your next career move.

Professional coaching program helps physician combat burnout

Witnessing the toll of provider burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Kristin O’Dell sought deeper support for health care workers. Through the UW–Madison Certified Professional Coach Program, "a new path forward emerged, allowing me to let go of limiting beliefs," inspiring her to help fellow clinicians build resilience and workplace well-being.

Featured Continuing Education course

Guiding Advance Care Planning with Motivational Interviewing

Starts Sept. 30 | Live online

Talking about end-of-life choices with loved ones or clients requires skill and care. In two interactive online sessions, you'll practice proven communication tools and explore how to guide these meaningful conversations with empathy, clarity and confidence. Learn more & register >>

Coming up

Sept. 2	Fall semester enrollment opens for Senior Guest Auditors
Sept. 10	Film premiere: Ugly Little Monkeys documentary
Sept. 15	Deadline to apply to UW–Madison Online for Oct. 2026 start
Sept. 15	Management Assessment for Personal Planning and Development course begins
Sept. 15	Tuesday Morning Booktalks: The Color Purple
Sept. 15	Teaching Smarter, Not Harder II: Responsible Student AI Use and Curriculum Integration course begins
Sept. 28	Union Skills Essentials class begins
October	UW Graduate Programs Virtual Open House (all month; live events Oct. 15)
Oct. 13	Webinar: MS in Engineering Management online degree overview
Oct. 28	Odyssey Project presents A Celebration of Voting
Nov. 1	Deadline to apply to Badger Ready for spring semester

Did you know?

UW School for Workers exhibit at the La Crosse Vocational School in 1938

We couldn’t let our year in review go by without celebrating this milestone: FY 2026 marked the 100th anniversary of the UW–Madison School for Workers! Housed within DCS, the nation’s oldest university labor education program celebrated a century of pioneering education, championing worker rights and bringing the Wisconsin Idea to life. Photo: UW School for Workers exhibit at the La Crosse Vocational School in 1938.