Center for Professional Studies

some bushes next to the campus science building

Courses and Workshops

100% Online | June 20 - Oct. 11, 2024

Lesson Design with the Brain in Mind

This course culls the latest cognitive science to provide an overview of how the brain processes, stores, and retrieves information.
Read more about: Lesson Design with the Brain in Mind
Online | August 2024

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
In-Person and Online | July 2024

Advanced Placement Institutes (APSI)

The Advanced Placement Summer Institute workshops are designed to support all aspects of AP courses, including methodology, curriculum, class assignments, and examinations. 
Read more about: Advanced Placement Institutes (APSI)
Online | August 2024

Wilson Reading System® Level 1 Certification

This online course presents, in detail, the multisensory structured language (MSL) instruction that is required for teaching students in grade two and beyond with significant world-level deficits.
Read more about: Wilson Reading System® Level 1 Certification
Online | Oct. 21 - 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
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 | 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

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.

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.