New professional development programs and a new location have helped fuel substantial growth at Emory Continuing Education (ECE).
For more than 60 years, ECE has served as Emory’s continuing education division, educating Emory employees as well as individuals from throughout the metro Atlanta community and beyond.
Recently-developed certificate programs in Big Data and Health Information Technology have further enhanced ECE’s focus on professional and workforce development and align with Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal’s "High Demand Career Initiative" in the areas of IT and health care, says Katharine Foster, director of administration and operations for ECE.
“Employers have indicated a tremendous need for qualified data analysts and health IT professionals — we’re working to fill that gap, helping to prepare individuals for successful careers in these areas," Foster says.
ECE also has seen increased demand for Project Management and Human Resource Management certificates, as well as individual management skills classes, says Foster. Popular courses include Emotional Intelligence, Managing Your Time and Productivity, Better Business Writing, Strategic Communications and Managing Multi-Generations.
ECE’s Health Coach certificate program, which combines self-paced learning with both independent and mentored coaching practice, often fills to capacity.
The certificate — recently approved as a transition program by the National Consortium for Credentialing Health and Wellness Coaches — includes health-related topics covered by experts in diabetes, cancer survivorship, older adults, heart health, exercise and movement, healthy eating, mental health, pain and work-life balance.
Broad range of courses
ECE students can now choose from more than 20 certificate programs and hundreds of professional and personal development courses, covering topics such as business communications, grant writing, event planning and digital marketing. ECE offers on-site delivery of these classes, as well as custom-developed courses tailored specifically to the content and scheduling needs of individual corporate clients.
ECE also continues to host the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Emory program for students ages 50 and older, which offers low-cost classes on interesting topics ranging from literature and art to politics and retirement planning.
“OLLI at Emory membership reached an all-time high last year with more than 1,300 members — these classes provide an excellent academic and social experience for those seeking to maintain and sharpen their minds as they grow older,” Foster says.
New location and resources
Since January, ECE has offered its courses at its new 6 Executive Park Drive-Suite 100 location, having moved from its previous location next door in Building 12 to help accommodate the Emory Brain Health Initiative expansion.
As part of the transition, ECE increased both the number and size of classrooms and social spaces while improving the technological and Wi-Fi capabilities.
“Our new space is fantastic,” Foster says. “We are continually trying to enhance the student experience and providing a comfortable learning environment is essential.”
ECE’s convenient Executive Park location, off I-85’s North Druid Hills Road exit, offers free parking in the surrounding surface lots and in the deck between Buildings 6 and 12.
For more information, or to register for classes, visit ece.emory.edu. Emory employees receive a 10 percent discount by using promo code EAGLE12 at checkout.