Continuing education is good for employees—and for employers. When companies promote professional development and skill-building, it demonstrates how much they value their employees. In turn, employee turnover is reduced, which saves companies the time and money involved in recruiting, hiring, and training new employees. Learn three reasons accredited online universities are a great choice for companies that want to empower their employees.
- Accreditation means quality.
Look for an accredited university to help ensure quality education. Accredited colleges must meet or exceed minimum quality standards. According to The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), “Institutional accreditation validates the quality of an institution's academic programs at all degree levels, whether delivered on-site, online, or otherwise. Institutional accreditation also examines the quality of the institution beyond its academic offerings and evaluates the institution as a whole, including the soundness of its governance and administration, adherence to mission, the sustainability of its finances, and the sufficiency of its resources.”1 In terms of professional development courses, those that allow you to earn credit might be able to be used toward degree, certification, or licensure requirements, so selecting an accredited university is important. Accredited universities may also offer quality non-credit courses that provide training in new skills. - Online education is convenient.
Traditional education requires students to drive to a campus and take classes at a specific time. Online education is much more flexible. Coursework for many online classes can be accessed any time of day or night, enabling working students to complete it when and where it’s most convenient for them. - Professional development can be quick.
Many employers are interested in upskilling existing employees. If an employee needs to learn new skills quickly, online learning is a great option. Courses can often be started anytime—even today! Some accredited universities offer online micro-courses that can take as little as one hour to complete. Employees can learn Excel, budgeting, or management skills in just a few hours through online universities. As employees learn new skills, they can immediately apply them in their job.
Walden University’s School of Lifelong Learning was created to support working adults with unique opportunities to grow and succeed through online learning. Most coursework can be completed at any time of day from anywhere with an internet connection. And HLC-accredited Walden offers quick options for professional development, including impactful micro-courses that can be started soon after registration.
Walden’s professional development offerings include a one-hour micro-course on improving workplace writing (AMPlify Your Professional Writing); a three-hour Google Analytics micro-course that can earn the learner continuing-education units (CEUs); and a nine-hour series of micro-courses that leads to a Certificate in Emerging Technology for Managers, which covers artificial intelligence, robotics, and blockchain. Walden’s for-credit courses include Data Science Essentials, Ethical Leadership, and Interpersonal Communication for Personal and Professional Success. These courses are all at the undergraduate level and can be completed in six weeks. Graduate-level courses are also available.
Hundreds of online courses and dozens of certificate programs are available through Walden, in areas including business, health, education, counseling, psychology, and IT. Walden can even design custom learning solutions for your organization. By partnering with Walden, your company can enjoy tuition-reduction benefits, professional development events hosted by Walden, virtual education fairs, and more.
In today’s world, where new technologies emerge constantly and job duties shift regularly, it’s critical to provide opportunities for employees to improve their skills. Online learning through an accredited university is a smart way to meet professional development needs. Walden’s School of Lifelong Learning offers quality education options to empower employees.
Walden University is an accredited institution offering online courses for credit, professional development courses, and tailored employer training programs through its School of Lifelong Learning. Degree seekers may wish to explore Walden’s suite of online degree programs, offered at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level. Learn new skills in a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.
1Source: www.hlcommission.org/accreditation/accreditation-overview.html
Note: Consult with the institution to which you intend to transfer the credits you earn to determine specific transfer requirements before registering for a Walden course. Walden does not guarantee that its credits will transfer to any particular institution.
Learners are responsible for consulting with the appropriate licensing, credentialing, or certifying authority; local school district; employer; or other organization to determine whether a course will be accepted by that organization. Walden does not guarantee acceptance by any third party for any specific purpose.
Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.
