Center for Professional Studies

some bushes next to the campus science building

Courses and Workshops

100% Online | Ongoing

Artificial Intelligence for HR Professionals

In this self-paced course, you will explore the different kinds of artificial intelligence (AI), including machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI, as well as how AI impacts talent acquisition, talent development, compensation and benefits, employee relations and engagement, and performance management.
Read more about: Artificial Intelligence for HR Professionals
Online and Hybrid | Jan. 15- May 16, 2025

MTEL Preparation Workshops

Are you struggling to pass the MTEL? Try one of the various MTEL Preparation Workshops offered in the evenings and on weekends to accommodate life’s busy schedule.
Read more about: MTEL Preparation Workshops
Online | Dec. 2024

Getting Started with Canva

Learn how to bring assignments and tasks to life with Canva for Education.
Read more about: Getting Started with Canva
100% online | January 2025

Using Technology to Support Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) in the Classroom

This course will focus on how technology tools and applications support SEI (Sheltered English Immersion) students in the classroom. 
Read more about: Using Technology to Support Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) in the Classroom
100% online | Jan. - Feb. 2025

Using Technology to Support Students with Disabilities: Special Education in the Classroom

This course will focus on how technology tools and applications support students with disabilities in the classroom.
Read more about: Using Technology to Support Students with Disabilities: Special Education in the Classroom
In-Person and Online | Feb. 4 - May 20, 2025

Sheltered English Immersion for Career and Vocational Teacher Endorsement

This course prepares teachers with the knowledge and skills to effectively shelter their content instruction for English learners. 
Read more about: Sheltered English Immersion for Career and Vocational Teacher Endorsement
Online | March 2025

Wilson Reading System® Introductory Course

This 16.5 hour introductory course provides participants with an overview of the Wilson Reading System® (WRS) and serves as the prerequisite for the WRS Level I Certification Training. 
Read more about: Wilson Reading System® Introductory Course
Online | March 3 - June 13, 2025

Supporting Students: Understanding Massachusetts’ Updated IEP Form

Participants will gain a detailed understanding of the specific changes made to the IEP form and their implications to the IEP development process.
Read more about: Supporting Students: Understanding Massachusetts’ Updated IEP Form
100% Online | Coming soon

Production Technology Certificate

The Production Technology Certificate program provides foundational knowledge and skills needed to work and advance in the manufacturing industry.
Read more about: Production Technology Certificate
Online | Oct. 29 - Nov. 19, 2024

Using Artificial Intelligence

This course will focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), ChatGPT and emerging technologies impact on education.
Read more about: Using Artificial Intelligence

Our courses, workshops and institutes provide an array of professional development opportunities including ways to earn PDPs (DESE-approved), graduate credit, and undergraduate credit.

We also collaborate with the School of Graduate, Online and Continuing Education, local organizations, and businesses to offer a variety of programs for professionals looking to grow through a certificate or degree program.

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Ongoing Programs

Online | Hybrid

MTEL Prep Workshops

Are you feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to focus your study time for the MTELs? Try one of our MTEL Preparation Workshops. They are conveniently offered in the evenings and on weekends to accommodate life’s busy schedule.

Ongoing | Online

Landmark Outreach Professional Development Partnership

Landmark Outreach helps educators broaden their thinking about how to teach students with language-based learning disabilities, which fall under the broader category of specific learning disabilities (SLD).

Ongoing | Online

Professional Development and Certificates

Programs for learners looking to advance in their current positions, explore career alternatives, earn a professional certification, or enhance their knowledge in their area of interest

ALFA

ALFA (Adult Learning in the Fitchburg Area) is a lifelong learning institute that serves adult learners in Fitchburg and the surrounding communities.

Community Music Program

The Community Music Program offers year-round programs (individual and group lessons, cello choir, chamber music fest) to the public. 

Wilson Language Training

Ongoing offerings for Wilson Language Training. 

Additional Resources

Interested in taking one of these courses? Looking to offer one of these or develop a new professional development course or workshop for your school, school district, business or organization? Contact us at cps@fitchburgstate.edu, 978.665.3636, or join our CPS mailing list to be notified of our upcoming offerings.

Advanced Placement Institutes (APSI) - Last offered: In-Person and Online | July 2024

Lesson Design with the Brain in Mind - 100% Online | June 20 - Oct. 11, 2024 - Cancelled

Sheltered English Immersion for Career and Vocational Teacher Endorsement Last offered: Online | Feb. 2024

Introduction to the LGBTQIA+ Student Experience Last offered: Online | Feb. 2024

Using Technology to Support Students with Disabilities: Special Education in the Classroom Last offered: Online | Jan. - Feb. 2024

Using Technology to Support Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) in the Classroom Last offered: Online |  Jan. 2024 

Differentiated Instruction for Students with Disabilities in the Vocational Classroom Last offered: 100% Online  | Jan. 21 - April 21, 2024

Getting Started: Canva for Education Last offered: Online | Dec. 2023

Using Artificial Intelligence: ChatGPT and Emerging Technologies to Enhance Learning Last offered: Fall 2023 | Online

The Workforce Training Fund Program helps address business productivity and competitiveness by providing resources to Massachusetts businesses to fund training for current and newly hired employees. In order for the Massachusetts economy to prosper, businesses need access to a pipeline of skilled workers so they can stay competitive and continue to grow. 

Deadlines for Course Submissions

Instructors interested in teaching a course through the Center for Professional
Studies should submit completed request forms and appropriate accompanying paperwork by the following deadlines.

  • Repeat courses previously approved by Fitchburg State University - Four weeks prior to the first class
  • New courses requesting credit for the first time - Six weeks prior to the first class

Faculty Forms

Refund Policy

Withdrawal Date       Refund
One week prior to the first class meeting   100%
Less than one week prior to the first class meeting 50%
After the start of the class     0%

Refunds are not issued after the start of the class for special-scheduled courses. To determine the refund amount due, the official date of the withdrawal is the date on which the Center for Professional Studies is contacted. In the event that a class is canceled by the University, a full refund of tuition and fees is granted.  

The Center for Professional Studies (CPS) has offered professional development to working professionals for over a decade, collaborating with school districts, businesses and other professional groups on continuing educational needs.

Fitchburg State University believes that excellence in education practice must be supported beyond the conferring of degrees or professional licensure. As such, the CPS is a key element of the University's total strategy, providing educational opportunities to working professionals during the critical years of induction into their profession and throughout their career.

Lisa Moison
Associate Dean
(She/Her/Hers)
978.665.3345
lmoison@fitchburgstate.edu

Dani Langdon
Assistant Director of Professional Studies
(They/Them and She/Hers)
978.665.4122
dlangdon@fitchburgstate.edu

Tracy McGrath 
Administrative Assistant for the Center for Professional Studies
(She/Her/Hers)
978.665.3636
tmcgrat3@fitchburgstate.edu

Dalia Marzuca
Administrative Assistant for Extended Campus
(She/Her/Hers)
978.665.3794
dmarzuca@fitchburgstate.edu

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Hours: Monday - Friday, from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.