Build the skills you need to advance along any career path. You can earn a free certificate of completion for any of these online Professional Development courses.

In our Professional Development courses, you will learn to:

  • manage your time wisely and develop healthy work habits;
  • develop "soft skills" like interviewing, office etiquette, communication, and customer service; and
  • anticipate, prevent, and solve problems in the workplace.

PRDV002: Professional Writing

  • Time: 12 hours
  • Free Certificate
Learn how to perfect your professional writing skills to promote clear, organized, and engaging messages for print, social media, and digital environments.

PRDV003: Word Processing

  • Time: 4 hours
  • Free Certificate
Get an introduction to word processing using Microsoft Word and Google Docs in this course for people with little or no word processing experience. Explore word processing skills by creating common business documents.

PRDV004: Spreadsheets

  • Time: 4 hours
  • Free Certificate
Get a comprehensive introduction to spreadsheets in this course that covers everything  first-time users need to know.

PRDV005: Time and Stress Management

  • Time: 12 hours
  • Free Certificate
Learn how to use several time management tools and techniques that can be applied to most work and life situations.

PRDV006: Spreadsheets II: Formatting and Functions

  • Time: 6 hours
  • Free Certificate
Learn how to format spreadsheets with formulas and functions, build multi-page spreadsheets, chart data, create tables with database features, and create pivot tables.

PRDV007: Spreadsheets III: Presenting Data

  • Time: 5 hours
  • Free Certificate
Present data using charts, plots, graphics, and tables. Learn how to create and format charts and scatterplots, and how to add graphics to communicate and organize information better.

PRDV008: Preparing and Delivering Presentations

  • Time: 22 hours
  • Free Certificate
Learn how to prepare and deliver a presentation on any topic that demonstrates an organizational pattern, with supporting materials and appropriate references that support or establish credibility and authority. Explore how to use proper tone, volume, rate, and modulation of voice, body language, eye contact, and other forms of nonverbal communication. Discover how to present online, and strategies for managing public speaking anxiety and planning for the unexpected.

PRDV009: Writing Grant Proposals

  • Time: 12 hours
  • Free Certificate
Explore how to write a coherent, persuasive grant proposal to obtain funding for a project or initiative by focusing on topics like the basics of nonprofit organizations, how to interpret RFPs, the elements of a grant proposal, and how to find funding sources and build relationships with funders.

PRDV010: Evaluating Sources and References

  • Time: 6 hours
  • Free Certificate
Develop a criteria framework for evaluating, analyzing, and rating sources and references for currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, and purpose.

PRDV102: Resume Writing

  • Time: 5 hours
  • Free Certificate
Develop the application materials you need for today's job market by honing your résumé writing skills, learning how to create an impressive résumé or improve the one you already have, and get suggestions for writing an effective cover letter.

PRDV103: Interviewing Skills

  • Time: 4 hours
  • Free Certificate
Learn how to showcase your personality, strengths, interests, and abilities to potential employers through the interview process.

PRDV104: Professional Etiquette

  • Time: 6 hours
  • Free Certificate
Learn about typical workplace etiquette protocols, communication standards, and cultural awareness strategies in order to navigate common workplace obstacles as smoothly as possible.

PRDV151: Bitcoin for Everybody

  • Time: 12 hours
  • Free Certificate
Explore the fundamental concepts behind Bitcoin and how everyone can use this open-source, strictly limited digital money that operates on a peer-to-peer network.

PRDV200: Communicating with Data

  • Time: 8 hours
  • Free Certificate
Get a competitive edge in the marketplace by understanding data visualization, performing quantitative and qualitative data analysis, crafting data visualizations, and presenting results.

PRDV211: Foundations of Human Communication

  • Time: 19 hours
  • Free Certificate
Learn basic communication theories and practice the necessary skills for becoming a critical consumer and producer of messages by focusing on the concepts of messages, audience, medium, and cultural context.

PRDV212: Interpersonal Communication

  • Time: 14 hours
  • Free Certificate
Investigate interpersonal communication in formal and informal settings by building and managing personal and professional relationships through effective communication.

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PRDV213: Group Communication

  • Time: 7 hours
  • Free Certificate
Learn the principles of small group communication that will help you function more effectively in groups, both in your personal life and in the workplace.

PRDV214: Organizational Communication

  • Time: 13 hours
  • Free Certificate
Explore the tools and strategies needed to foster a positive and productive communication culture in the workplace.

PRDV217: Introduction to Sales

  • Time: 22 hours
  • Free Certificate
Examine the importance of creating honest and ethical sales relationships, communicating with customers, making a sales presentation, and using your leadership skills to motivate your sales team.

PRDV221: Introduction to Management

  • Time: 13 hours
  • Free Certificate
Explore management by investigating what management is and the role managers play in fulfilling an organization's objectives.