St. Thomas University Unveils New Center for Professional Growth and Continuing Studies

St. Thomas University (STU) has recently announced its exciting new venture, the Center for Professional and Continuing Studies, aimed at enhancing both educational opportunities and workforce skills. This innovative center will introduce six fresh certificate programs tailored to meet the evolving demands of today’s job market and prepare individuals for professional success. Leading these initiatives is Bruce Ozga, a seasoned academic administrator with a remarkable track record in culinary education.

The newly launched center offers a robust selection of certificate programs that allow students to embark on focused learning paths, each designed to enrich their expertise in various fields. Notably, the Applied Artificial Intelligence Certificate teaches participants about AI principles and applications, while the Homeland Security and Terrorism Control Certificate delves into critical analysis of terrorism's intricacies and how to handle them. The Criminal Justice Certificate focuses on the mechanics behind the criminal justice system, covering topics like criminal rehabilitation and the psychology behind crime.

In terms of format, the new certificate offerings are structured as asynchronous, online courses that can be completed over an eight-week period. Each program comprises 12 credits, presented at a competitive cost of $1,245, making them accessible to a broader audience.

In addition to the three aforementioned programs, the Center for Professional and Continuing Studies will also provide a Digital Instruction Online Certificate and a Culinary Arts Certificate encompassing essential courses in food and beverage management. The culinary program is particularly appealing, consisting of five courses priced at $999 each, ensuring participants receive comprehensive training in both foundational and advanced culinary skills.

STU does not plan to stop there; additional certificate offerings focusing on Nursing Leadership, Community Nursing, Grant Writing, and Culinary Medicine are set to debut in January, reflecting the institution's commitment to diversifying its Continuing Education curriculum. Moreover, summer culinary camps for children are in the pipeline, promoting early interest in culinary skills among the younger generation.

Corporate training also features prominently in STU’s new academic initiatives. Recognizing the increasing need for customized professional development, STU is creating tailored training solutions for businesses covering diverse topics from Ethical Leadership and Criminal Justice to Financial Literacy and Human Resources. This enables organizations to invest in their workforce effectively, enhancing employee skills and aligning with corporate objectives.

The growing trend towards continuing education is undeniable. Recent statistics indicate a significant rise in interest across the country, with students earning 670,665 non-degree certificates during the 2022-23 academic year alone—an increase of 4% from the previous year and 32% higher than in 2013-14. Employers are increasingly recognizing the value of certificates, with many opting to finance their employees' further education. From an estimated 50% of employers covering the cost of certificate programs to 63% subsidizing college tuition, the shift towards skill enhancement through education is becoming commonplace.

Highlighting this, Bruce Ozga explains, "Corporations, employees, and prospective workers are increasingly seeing the value of certificates for hiring marketability, promotions, skill building, networking, staying ahead of technological trends, and personal growth."

The Center for Professional and Continuing Studies is an effective response to this trend, building upon STU’s existing continuing education programs which include additional offerings such as Spiritual Companionship and several post-master's level certificates.

Ozga, with his extensive experience from Johnson & Wales University, where he served for nearly 24 years, brings a wealth of expertise to his new role. His accolades, including the Greater Miami American Culinary Federation's Educator of the Year award, underscore his dedication to fostering educational excellence and student success.

St. Thomas University has established its position as a leader in catering to the educational needs of diverse communities. With a commitment to academic excellence, affordability, and accessibility, STU's Center for Professional and Continuing Studies is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of adult education and workforce training, solidifying its mission to empower students as ethical leaders in a global society.

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