YOUR STARTS HERE
FUTURE SUCCESS CAREER
REGISTER ONLINE
learn.pfw.edu
EMAIL WITH QUESTIONS
learn@pfw.edu
ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Classroom Locations Information is emailed to students along with a link to the campus map.
Online Courses — Classes will be facilitated by a live instructor during scheduled course times. Participants should have a computer with a strong internet connection and a working computer camera and microphone. Class sessions are not recorded.
Parking — You do not need a permit to park in any student parking area on the Purdue Fort Wayne campus. However, “A” lots (green lines) are open parking after 5 p.m. and on weekends. For a campus map, go to pfw.edu/maps.
Books — Included unless otherwise stated in the course description online.
Students with Disabilities — If you would like information about special services and accommodations, you may contact the Disability Access Center at dac@pfw.edu or email us at learn@pfw.edu.
Inclement Weather — If bad weather forces the campus to close, classes will not meet. Make-up meetings will be scheduled as needed. The weather line is 260-481-6050.
ALL COURSES OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY!
What is the difference between credit and noncredit?
Credit courses are for students interested in earning college units towards a degree. Students who take credit courses receive a letter grade at the end of the semester.
Noncredit courses are classes offered through the Division of Continuing Studies. They are intended for students who want to gain general knowledge, learn a new skill, upgrade existing skills, or enrich their understanding about a wide range of topics. Upon completion of a noncredit course, students will receive a grade of pass or no pass. Noncredit courses are not applicable toward a degree. Upon completion, students can earn a noncredit certificate of completion.
Who may attend a PFW Continuing Studies noncredit course?
Anyone 18 years of age or older.
Do I need to apply for admission to the university?
No. Admission to the university is not required to attend as a noncredit student. Students can register and pay online for noncredit courses.
When do I sign up for a course?
Register early. Courses are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. You must register online.
Can I get Financial Aid?
No. Federal Financial Aid is not available for noncredit courses. Students are responsible for the course registration fees and purchase of books and supplies (if applicable). Financial aid is not available for these materials.
Research shows that employees who feel valued by their employers report higher job satisfaction. Promote a positive, supportive work environment for your team by enabling their professional development, and reap the benefits. Purdue Fort Wayne Continuing Studies offers:
• More than 75 course options, available in-person and online
• Employer billing options available upon request
• 15% off registration cost for 3+ employees enrolling in the same course
Ways to Save
Social Media Professional Certificate
Learn how social networks are used to develop two-way communication and marketing strategies for your organization. Find out what you can and should be doing, and take back a plan to integrate social networks into your communication and marketing.
This class consists of seven modules designed to provide a practical approach to social media marketing. The key themes include:
• Overview: why social media matters and how businesses should respond
• 10 key principles to leverage social media for business
• A deep dive into each of the major social media platforms
• Risk management: how moderators should prepare for, and respond to challenges
• Social media strategy: putting it all together
In addition, participants will learn from a variety of guest speakers, each of whom has a significant depth of knowledge in social media. Participants may also have the opportunity to work on a social media marketing project in partnership with a local nonprofit.
23SBUS459 • April 11 – May 23 (7 meetings)
Tuesdays, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Anthony Juliano, instructor
$495 fee includes materials
Registration deadline: April 8
This class qualifies for the Professional Certificate in Digital Media.
Advanced Photography: Creativity and Storytelling - NEW!
Use your photography to tell your story. In this course, students will learn techniques and ideas that will enable them to grow as creative photographers and visual storytellers. In-class examples and demonstrations will enhance and challenge the participants to use photography as a tool for communicating a message.
Intended audience: Anyone interested in storytelling through photography – for personal enjoyment or business marketing purposes.
Prerequisite: Students should have a basic understanding of photography fundamentals before taking this course. All types of cameras are welcome, including cell phones, but DSLR cameras are recommended.
23SPER796 • April 27 - May 25 (5 meetings)
Thursdays, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Jim Gabbard and DJ E-Clyps, instructors
$209 fee includes materials
Registration deadline: April 20
Salesforce: Power User – NEW!
Salesforce is the leading customer relationship management (CRM) software for sales and marketing automation. This online course will train you to be a Salesforce Power User, so you can navigate the Lightning interface, create and manage accounts, handle leads, and utilize opportunities. Become proficient in Salesforce to grow your business relationships.
Required software: Salesforce (Redeem a 30-day free trial offer of Salesforce to complete the optional labs.)
How you will benefit:
• Become familiar with successfully operating the Salesforce software
• Growth in operating Salesforce to become a power user
• Prepare for future Salesforce credentials as experience and expertise grows
23SCMP218 • Self-paced online
$795 fee includes materials
Project Management Certificate Program
The Project Management Certificate Program is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to be a successful project manager. The course topics are closely aligned with the Project Management Institute’s (PMI®) PMBOK® Guide and have been developed in collaboration with the Northeast Indiana Chapter of PMI’s Professional Development group.
Benefits include:
• Learn step-by-step skills you can use immediately
• Further your career by gaining familiarity with the latest edition of the guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide)
• Network with other project management professionals and make valuable contacts
• Receive ready-to-use project management templates
• Complete a Capstone Project to demonstrate your understanding of the key elements of Project Management. Student portfolios will be independently reviewed by a Project Management Professional (PMP).
23SBUS505 • April 12- May 24 (6 meetings)
No class May 17
Wednesdays, 6–9 p.m.
Bruce Hayes and Mike Ruiz, instructors
$875 fee includes materials
Registration deadline: April 10
SHRM ® Essentials of Human Resources
Gain the skills to confidently face today’s complex HR situations and compliance issues within an organization. Explore introductory HR topics in a condensed, easy-to-understand format.
The program covers six key HR topics and provides tools you can immediately put to use in your organization:
• Human Resources - Gain a clear understanding of the HR function.
• Talent Acquisition - Develop important skills for attracting and selecting employees.
• Total Rewards - Learn the key elements of a total compensation system.
• Learning and Development - Obtain an understanding of orientation, development, and training.
• Performance Management - Discover the purpose and process for performance evaluation.
• Employment Law - Enhance your ability to apply key HR legislation.
23SBUS311 • April 10 – May 8 (5 meetings)
Mondays, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Kimberly Nash, instructor
$725 fee includes materials
Registration deadline: April 1
Technical Writing for Business – NEW!
Learn the skills you need to succeed in the well-paying field of technical writing. Learn how to translate complex information into easily understood language and how to become a pro at combining the art of publishing with the science of technology. Learn technical writing conventions, interviewing skills, desktop formatting techniques, key tips for developing graphics and templates, documentation management, and how to publish documents.
23SBUS212
• Self-paced online
$135 fee includes materials
Nonprofit Management and Grant Writing Certificate
Learn everything you need to know to be successful in the nonprofit sector. Further the ideals and goals of your nonprofit by learning to compete more effectively for members, donors, clients, volunteers, and media attention. Learn to prepare grant proposals that get solid results for your organization or charity.
23SBUS415 • Self-paced online
$425 fee includes materials
Includes four modules:
• Introduction to Nonprofit Management
• Marketing Your Nonprofit
• Writing Effective Grant Proposals
• Advanced Grant Proposal Writing
Introduction to Nonprofit Management
Learn how to transform your good intentions into a professional plan of action. Develop strategies that will take your organization to new heights of prosperity and productivity. Gain a full understanding of the role of the executive director and the board of directors, special event and meeting management, and public relation strategies.
Marketing Your Nonprofit
Utilize powerful marketing techniques to compete more effectively for customers, donors, members, and volunteers. Learn how to persuade the media to communicate your organization's message and further its ideals and goals.
Writing Effective Grant Proposals
Preparing successful grant proposals requires careful research, meticulous preparation, and graceful writing. Gain the skills to assemble, write, and submit complete successful grant proposals.
Advanced Grant Proposal Writing
Learn how to research and write winning proposals that get funded. Become proficient in the proposal format used by the vast majority of public foundations - from which fonts work best to which buzzwords to include. Learn what to do and, more importantly what not to do on your cover sheet, narrative, background page, stakeholder, and third-party evaluation plan.
A to Z Grant Writing
Gain hands-on experience and knowledge to successfully begin writing grant proposals, including real-world scenarios, and the opportunity to improve your work by reviewing previous grant proposals completed by peers. Learn how to utilize trusted grant-research databases to locate funding opportunities, expedite and navigate the grant planning process and engage stakeholders, and outline information needed for the executive summary. You will also learn the process and benefits of getting peer reviews.
23SBUS115 • Self-paced online
$189 fee includes materials
A to Z Grant Writing IIBeyond the Basics
You will learn how to create a fundraising plan for all types of grant makers. You will go through every aspect of strategic funding research, preparing a fundraising plan, writing an award-winning plan of operation, and creating a project budget without red flags. Then you will journey into the world of grants available for your projects. By the end of the course, you will be prepared to continue tracking future grant-writing and funding trends, bounce back successfully from rejection notices, and manage your grant awards proficiently.
23SBUS116 • Self-paced online
$189 fee includes materials
Certificate in Applied Leadership
The Applied Leadership certificate is designed to support professionals working in a community-based setting who desire to develop their capacity as innovators, problem-solvers and effective community leaders. Participants may complete each track separately, but must complete all four program tracks to earn the Certificate in Applied Leadership.
Who Should Attend:
Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree required. Nonprofit organizations and community-based organizations working in human services, social services, or education-related settings. Prior experience working in a nonprofit or community-based setting is recommended, but not required.
Track I: Growing Responsive Organizations through Applied Leadership | 23FBUS500
The impact of community-based organizations is the outgrowth of leaders who understand the importance of inclusion and innovation. Examine how leaders leverage self and team awareness around leadership preferences and personalities to achieve their mission. Organizational behaviors that contribute to inclusive cultures and the importance of belonging as an emotional outcome (associated with personal and professional purpose) are analyzed in the context of community development.
Module 1: Becoming a Responsive Organization – September 18
Module 2: Achieving Innovation through Inclusion – October 2
Module 3: Establishing a Thriving Culture – October 16
Track II: Leveraging the Power of Emotional Intelligence | 23FBUS501
Emotional intelligence reflects the capacity of leaders to recognize their own emotions and the emotions of others. Leverage emotional awareness to guide thinking and behaviors and adapt to changing environments. Examine the common components of emotional intelligence, analyze four distinct emotional intelligences, and learn strategies for leveraging emotional awareness to achieve organizational mission, vision, values, and goals.
Module 1: Why Emotional Intelligence is Essential to Leadership – October 30
Module 2: Understanding Self and Social Recognition & Regulation – November 13
Module 3: Increasing Capacity and Influence through Emotional Intelligence – November 27
Track III: Strategic Thinking and Execution | 24SBUS502
Strategic thinking and execution are far more important within organizations than simply publishing a strategic plan. Learn the importance of lateral thinking as a means of collaboratively analyzing organizational health and effectiveness of organizational programs around four areas: growth, systems and processes, finances, and governance. Moreover, learn how to utilize lateral thinking to establish goals, develop strategy, identify key performance measures, create healthy accountability, and evaluate organizational impact.
Module 1: Lateral Thinking – January 22, 2024
Module 2: Developing Goals and Strategy – February 5, 2024
Module 3: Lagging & Leading Measures – February 19, 2024
Track IV: Project Management for Beginners | 24SBUS503
Project management is the practice of leading teams to achieve goals, implement mission-aligned strategy, and meet success criteria within a specified time period. Learn how to organize large projects into a series of desired results and deliverables. Moreover, learn how to create task tables that allow leaders to delegate responsibility, monitor task completion, and resolve issues that emerge in the process of project implementation. Examine how project management contributes to a cadence of healthy internal accountability and organizational credibility with solving and/or addressing community-based needs.
Module 1: Desired Results and Deliverables – March 25, 2024
Module 2: Developing Goals and Strategy – April 22, 2024
Module 3: Lagging and Leading Measures – May 6, 2024
Mondays, 9:00 a.m. - noon (3 meetings per track) Brad Oliver, instructor
More than 4,000 nonprofit organizations contribute to our thriving community in Northeast Indiana, and nonprofit professionals represent one of the fastest-growing employment sectors in our region.
Certified Corporate Event Planner
Gain the skills needed to plan and design corporate events. Learn how to execute a successful corporate event and how to set budgets and charge for event planning services. Upon completion of the course, you will be awarded a Certified Corporate Event Planner certification from the Wedding Planning Institute.
How you will benefit:
• Become a Certified Corporate Event Planner
• Gain the skills to plan and design successful corporate events
• Learn to execute any corporate event by implementing critical path methodologies, timelines, and project management best practices
• Learn how to set budgets and charge for services to more effectively run your own business
23SBUS245 • Self-paced online
$995 fee includes materials
Paralegal Certificate
This nationally acclaimed online course is for legal professionals in any phase of their career. Practice-oriented instruction teaches participants how to interview clients and witnesses, investigate complex fact patterns, research the law, prepare legal documents, and assist in preparing cases for courtroom litigation.
23SONL111 • Self-paced online
$1895 fee includes materials
SMALL BUSINESS OWNER NORTHEAST INDIANA SBDC WORKSHOPS
Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the State of Indiana, and our many local partners. All opinions, conclusions, or recommendations expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. Reasonable accomodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance by calling your local SBDC.
Each workshop is one meeting. Multiple date options available!
Launching Your Own Business
Take your first step towards small business ownership. Based on the premise that every successful business is built on a solid foundation, this workshop will help you evaluate your business idea and prepare you to create a sound business plan, manage expectations, and increase chances of accessing capital for your new business.
Wednesdays
April 5, May 17, June 14, or July 12 (5:30 - 7:00 p.m.) May 24 (11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)
$25 fee includes materials
Business Plan Fundamentals
How does your business plan stack up? To implement growth strategies or start a new business, entrepreneurs use business plans to manage the direction and expectations of their business. This workshop covers the basic elements and includes tips for writing a business plan to fuel success.
Tuesdays
April 18 or July 18 (5:30 - 7:00 p.m.)
$25 fee includes materials
Finding Funding
Where is the money? This workshop reviews a variety of funding sources and local programs. The workshop is intended for individuals starting a business, as well as owners of existing businesses who are investigating financing options.
Tuesdays
March 21 or June 20 (5:30 - 7:00 p.m.)
$15 fee includes materials
Marketing Strategies for Business
The heart and soul of a business is its marketing plan. This workshop highlights the critical elements of market research and provides tips and resources for developing sound marketing strategies. Attendees will learn the basics for evaluating products and services, pricing, market potential, and competitive analysis.
Tuesday May 16 (5:30 - 7:00 p.m.)
$15 fee includes materials Visit isbdc.ecenterdirect.com for more information and to register.
Blogging and Podcasting 101 – NEW!
Learn how to create your very own blog and podcast using the tools already available on most computers. Through hands-on exercises, discover the benefits of using free web tools like Blogger, WordPress, Audacity, and YouTube. Creating a blog and podcast is much easier than most people ever imagined. Students will also learn how to develop a plan for the content, setup, and maintenance to put that plan into action.
23SCMP235 • Self-paced online $140 fee includes materials
Video Production
Learn to record and produce videos using Adobe® Premiere® Pro. This course is designed for those with no prior knowledge of video production. The course will be hands-on and project-based, teaching the fundamentals of planning, shooting, editing, and exporting videos. Students will create 3-4 short videos during the course.
23SCMP509 • May 25 – June 15 (4 meetings) Thursdays, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
John Nicklin, instructor $249 fee includes materials
Registration deadline: May 19
Video Game Design and Development
In this comprehensive training course, learn skills that open doors to the growing video game industry. By the end of the course, students will have designed and created their own video game for the PC and will stand ready to join a team working on projects with larger scope or pursue independent development.
Using a comprehensive and analytical approach to game development, this course teaches students how to effectively implement technical game ideas, assuming no prior training or experience. The curriculum is divided into four major areas of study: programming languages, mathematics skills, game asset creation, and modern real-time game engines. It will conclude with an independent study phase where students design, document, and create their own game using the programming and game art skills learned in the core classes.
23SCMP589 • Self-paced online $2295 fee includes materials
CompTIA™ A+ Certification Training
This course will prepare you for CompTIA™ A+ certification. You can earn this certification after you pass two exams. The CompTIA™ A+ Certification Exam 220-1001, covers mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing, and network troubleshooting. The CompTIA™ A+ Certification Exam 220-1002 covers installing and configuring operating systems, expanded security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures.
CompTIA™ A+ Certification is vendor-neutral and internationally recognized, giving you a competitive advantage no matter your location or hardware utilized.
23SONL323 • Self-paced online
$2195 fee includes materials
Web Design Professional Certificate
Prerequisite: Knowledge of Microsoft® Office products, basic computer skills, and proficient keyboarding skills.
Are you creative and technical? The Web Design Certificate may be a great tool to boost your career, learn a new hobby, or gain skills for a side gig. This certificate will prepare beginners to make their client’s vision for a website a reality. You’ll learn everything from coding basics to adding media elements and embedded forms. Learn the skills to create an engaging user experience across multiple display devices.
Job opportunities for web designers and developers are expected to grow nearly 30% by 2024. Freelance web designers typically charge about $75 per hour. Get the credentials and skills you need to begin in this potentially lucrative line of work.
Learn to use the most current web page language to structure web content. In this fast-paced program students will discover how to control design and layout using cascading style sheets while incorporating links, images, tables and lists. Explore effective web site planning, as well as, learn how to build interactive forms, embed audio and video, and advanced features using Custom Style Sheets (CSS).
This course will allow students to design their own websites using the latest version of HTML. The skill will adapt to other programs such as Dreamweaver® and WordPress® Basic. Students will create or update an existing website to apply skills learned throughout the course and will present their final Capstone Project at the end of the program.
23SCMP300
• April 12 - June 14 (10 meetings)
Wednesdays, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Todd Raines, instructor
$650 fee includes materials
Registration deadline: April 7
This class qualifies for the Professional Certificate in Digital Media. Choose to participate fully in-person or fully online.
QuickBooks™ Online: Introduction and Intermediate
Learn to use QuickBooks™ Online to record income and expenses; enter checks and credit card payments, track your payables, inventory, receivables, and much more.
Software Access: When your course starts, you will be directed to access and utilize the free QuickBooks™ Online practice site to complete the lessons. No subscription or purchase is needed.
23SCMP248 • Self-paced online $229 fee includes materials
Microsoft®
Excel® 2021: Part 1
By applying the robust functionality of Excel® to your organization’s raw data, you will be able to gain a level of insight into the data that would have been nearly impossible two decades ago. Excel® can help you organize, calculate, analyze, revise, update, and present your data in ways that will help the decision makers in your organization steer you in the right direction. This course aims to provide you with the foundational Excel® knowledge and skills necessary to begin that journey.
23SCMP716A • April 17 and 24 (2 meetings)
Mondays, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Todd Raines, instructor $189 fee includes materials
Registration deadline: April 12
23SCMP716B • June 6 and 13 (2 meetings)
Tuesdays, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Todd Raines, instructor
$189 fee includes materials
Registration deadline: May 31
Choose to participate fully in-person or fully online.
Microsoft® Excel® 2021: Part 2
Prerequisite: Microsoft® Excel® Part 1 or functional knowledge of Basic Excel®.
This course builds upon the foundational knowledge presented in the Excel® Part 1 course and will help start you down the road to create advanced workbooks and worksheets that can help deepen your understanding of organizational intelligence. The ability to analyze massive amounts of data, extract actionable information from it, and present that information to decision makers is foundational of a successful organization able to compete at a high level.
23SCMP717 • May 9 – 23 (3 meetings)
Tuesdays, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Todd Raines, instructor
$230 fee includes materials
Registration deadline: May 3
