Continuing Education

LSU Continuing Education serves thousands of registrants each year through a wide variety of credit and non-credit programs. Since 1924, Continuing Education has provided flexible and relevant educational programs to meet the needs of both traditional and non-traditional students, whether on the LSU campus or across the globe. Last year, participants in our programs came from most parishes in Louisiana, every state in the nation, and 59 countries. From a world-class Management & Leadership Institute to programs designed for lifelong learners of all ages, LSU Continuing Education works to support, promote, and enhance LSU’s mission through both face-to-face and online delivery methods. All programs offered through Continuing Education follow the criteria for evaluation established by the Southern Association for Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). 

To address the diverse needs of lifelong learners, Continuing Education programs are administered by the following units: Online Distance Learning Programs, Professional Development, and Community Programs.

Online Distance Learning Programs

Through Online Distance Learning Programs, - learners can enroll in and earn credit for a wide range of LSU college courses, regardless of the learner’s location.  These courses are of particular interest to college students who are unable to attend campus classes or who need the flexibility of self-paced enrollment. In addition, college-level courses are taken by high school seniors or graduates who want to earn college credit, as well as individuals working independently toward professional and academic goals. With over 4,000 registrants annually, Online Distance Learning courses serve learners from all over Louisiana, the United States, and the world.

College-level Online Distance Learning courses are substantively the same in scope and content as those taught on campus, and are taught by qualified and approved members of the university faculty. s. All courses are online, and no synchronous attendance is required. Enrollment in an Online Distance Learning course may be made at any time, and students do not have to seek admission to the university.

Professional Development

LSU Professional Development includes non-credit programs offering open enrollment courses, certificates, and custom & onsite training designed to increase skills and knowledge of individuals working in business, industry, government, and professional organizations. Course areas include: business and management; project management, safety management; paralegal studies, Microsoft excel, and power BI. Courses & certificate programs target high-value, highly practical information that can be applied immediately.

Instructors include industry experts, practitioners, and LSU faculty, who specialize in content areas and provide best practices and latest research. LSU Professional Development provides workforce development opportunities and training throughout the state of Louisiana, the region, and beyond.

Professional Development Online

LSU Professional Development Online provides a comprehensive selection of online courses and certificate programs designed to enhance professional skills and career advancement.  Our programs provide practical, career-enhancing skills in high-demand topics such as leadership, business, project management, technology, and data analytics. With flexible online learning formats tailored for working professionals, learners can upskill at their own pace. Courses are facilitated by LSU faculty, industry experts and practitioners, ensuring cutting-edge insights and best practices. Learners completing a certificate will earn a digital badge and select certificates may even count toward a college degree through credit for prior learning opportunities.

Management & Leadership Institute

The Management & Leadership Institute showcases best practices and cutting-edge research in management and supervisory training, building on Continuing Education’s legacy since 1964 of delivering professional development in supervisory effectiveness and organizational leadership Understanding that today’s leaders must effectively manage both individual employees and overall business operations, these programs offer a comprehensive professional development experience. They cover a wide range of management competencies, including public speaking and finance, with options for customized and on-site training.  

Paralegal Studies

The LSU Paralegal Studies Program grew out of Continuing Education’s paralegal courses offered beginning in 1982. The program provides a path to a rewarding career in law through a series of non-credit courses that can be completed in as little as one year. The program is the only noncredit certificate program in Louisiana approved for paralegals by the American Bar Association. Most students complete their bachelor’s degree before earning a paralegal certificate; however, students will be considered for admission if they have at least 45 hours of college credit and a 2.3 overall grade point average. Courses are offered live-online to meet the needs of employed students and feature small class sizes and instructors with real-world experience.

A live-online notary public preparatory course is also offered. This course prepares students to take the state notary public exam administered by the Secretary of State’s office.

Community Programs

LSU Community Programs includes non-credit programs focused on providing instruction in areas of special interest to individuals of all ages seeking personal and academic enrichment. Programs include Louisiana Science Fairs and OLLI at LSU. 

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at LSU

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at LSU is one of a network of 124 university-affiliated programs developed for adults who are ages 50 and older. OLLI at LSU is affiliated with The Bernard Osher Foundation and is administered by LSU Online & Continuing Education. The OLLI at LSU program has over 1,100 members engaging in more than 245 programs. Our members are part of a nationwide membership 151,000 strong located throughout nearly 300 cities and towns throughout the U.S. Our mission is to foster lifelong learning and individual growth for learners ages 50 and over by creating intellectually stimulating learning opportunities that enrich lives. One of the most valuable benefits of OLLI at LSU membership is access to register in one of our non-credit courses, offered during the spring, summer, or fall semester. Non-credit courses include such topics as Art History, Basic Yoga, Film Stories, Flicks & Food, Bridge, Gardening, Spanish Conversation, Life Writing, Line Dancing, Italian Wine, and Shakespeare and many more, offered at convenient times and locations. Members attend courses as participants and also have opportunities to teach courses and serve on committees. In addition to courses, OLLI at LSU offers field trips, coffee discussions, and semester at a glance events.

Louisiana Science & Engineering Fairs

The Louisiana State Science & Engineering Fair and the Region VII Science & Engineering Fair are LSU Continuing Education-hosted educational programs that provide unique opportunities for public, private, and home school students in grades six through twelve. Through development and presentation of science and engineering projects, students enhance their abilities to make observations; ask questions regarding scientific phenomena; formulate ideas regarding the solution to a program; develop and carefully follow procedures related to finding an answer or solution to a problem; and effectively present their works to society.