Unlock Your Potential: Workforce and Lifelong Learning at Southern Connecticut State University. Whether you're advancing your career, exploring a new passion, or seeking to stay ahead in a rapidly changing world, our diverse range of programs and innovative learning approaches are tailored to meet your unique aspirations.
What is Non-Credit Training?
Learning experiences that do not result in a learner earning academic credit and do not appear on the academic transcript. Non-credit training cannot be a degree or certificate credit-based program graduation requirement. However, faculty may assess non-credit training through the formal governance process to be accepted as Credit for Prior Learning toward a credit-level degree or certificate programming.
To register for an OWLL-sponsored training:
- Go to https://owll.southernct.edu
- Click on “Sign Up” on the left menu bar. Complete the “Create Account” page and “Save.” You will be asked to verify your email address with a code sent to the email address you entered.
- After entering your code, sign in using your email address and password. (Note: If you get a blank screen after signing in, please re-enter the catalog: https://owll.southernct.edu)
- Click on the class you would like to enter and then “Buy Now.”
- Click on the “TouchNet” and enter your payment method (Discover, Visa, MasterCard). If you have a payment code, enter it in the “Payment Code” box and click “Validate.” This will set the balance to “$0” and complete the registration. Do NOT enter your credit card information. You will receive a confirmation email.
Registration Video:
If your training is through one of our partners, you will see payment and login directions directly on their site. Contact us with any questions!
To Enter Your Training in Blackboard
To enter your class, visit Blackboard. Students access their OWLL Blackboard training using this link: https://southernct.blackboard.com/ultra/course. Sign in using the same username (email address) and password you used to purchase the training.
Once inside Blackboard, there are a variety of student resources to help you if you are new to Blackboard:
https://help.blackboard.com/Learn/Student/Original
https://help.blackboard.com/Learn/Student/Original/Quick_Start
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If your training has a specific start date, the training will not be accessible until that date. <
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If your training does not have a specific start date, you can access it immediately.
Micro-Credentials
Micro-credentials are non-credit programs based on industry-recognized competencies or skills that allow learners to gain knowledge and demonstrate mastery learning in a very particular area. Micro-credential programs are typically smaller than certificates but may be stackable for credit towards a certificate or degree program. A micro-credential can also be embedded in a for-credit course. Micro-credential programs are not displayed on academic transcripts, but upon successful completion, a verifiable digital badge and non-credit certificate will be awarded to the student by Southern Connecticut State University.
For all non-credit and workforce training, learners do not need to apply to SCSU and can simply register and pay through the OWLL website. There is no application fees, no need to submit proof of immunization, and no transcripts required!
MindEdge
For some of our online, self-paced courses, Southern has partnered with MindEdge Learning to offer a variety of online, self-paced career-building courses. MindEdge was founded in 1998 by Harvard and MIT educators, and courses have a 96% student satisfaction rating. Many MindEdge courses have been externally approved for The International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) approved CEU credits.
- Affordable – Training start at $39
- Convenient – Log in anytime, anywhere, from any internet device
- Self-paced – Learn when it is convenient for you.
- Interactive – Engaging videos, exercises, games, case studies, and simulations.
- Rewarding – Complete a training and receive a digital badge.
For-Credit Courses and Certificates
Interested in one of our for-credit graduate degrees and programs? To see what programs we offer, visit Graduate Programs.
For-credit programs are learning experiences resulting in a learner earning credit on the academic transcript. Lifelong learners who wish to enroll in a credit-level course but not pursue a full degree or certificate program can learn more about Visiting and Non-Degree Students.
Certificate programs are for credit and based on a free-standing body of knowledge at the undergraduate, graduate, or professional level. Certificate programs have at least eight academic credits and may be stackable for credit toward a degree program. Certificate programs are displayed on academic transcripts, and upon successful completion, a certificate is awarded to the student bearing the official seal and signatures from the Connecticut Board of Regents and Southern Connecticut State University.
For all credit-level certificate programming, learners must apply to SCSU. Please visit our Tuition and Fee webpage for tuition and fee information for credit-level courses.
Adapted from Closing the Credit-Noncredit Divide from the Lumina Foundation
| Credit | Non-Credit |
| Intended to result in a degree (associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate) or a credit-level certificate | Intended to result in short-term workforce training and/or industry-recognized/occupational credentialling |
| Eligible for federal financial aid, such as Pell grants, as long as the student meets all requirements. Tuition and fees are predetermined by CSCU Board of Regents. | Not eligible for federal financial aid. Cost is determined by various factors, including market demand. Some learners may be eligible for reimbursement. Some programs may be eligible for State or Federal workforce funding. |
| Often require prerequisite courses, entry exams, or evidence of prerequisite course performance | Typically (but not always) do not require prerequisite courses, entry exams, or basic skills testing |
| Typically offer a wide variety of general education, occupational courses, and electives courses | Focus mainly on niche skills or competencies necessary for a specific job or for employment in a particular industry |
| Measured in “credit hours” (i.e., bachelor’s degree programs typically require at least 120 credits or eight semesters of full-time enrollment) | Measured in “seat time,” (hours learners are required to attend training), which varies greatly, though most can be completed in less than a year |
| Programs often accredited by regional and industry-led accrediting bodies | Trainings are not traditionally accredited, but may be approved by accrediting bodies if being used for CEUs |
| Credit Terminology: Academic Course Certificate/Degree Outcomes Syllabus Student Professor/Instructor Tuition |
Noncredit Terminology: Auxiliary Training/Module Workforce Credential Skills/Competencies Training Outline Learner Trainer Cost |