• Wildcat Community ESL

  The Wildcat ESL class provides English language classes for community residents and CWU employees who want to improve their English language knowledge and skills. Students can expect a wide variety of teaching and learning activities that will help them meet their language goals. Any language level is welcome.  

  Register here
• Water Wellness

  Announcement: CWU Continuing Education will no longer be offering the Water Wellness course.

Personal Enrichment Courses

• Discover Digital Photography

  Discover Digital Photography is designed for the novice photographer with no previous experience with digital cameras.

  This course will teach you all about digital cameras, from DSLRs to smart phone cameras and what different equipment is used for. You will learn about different display methods for your camera, including sizing, print options, online storage, and how social media factors into digital photography. If you have old slides, negatives, or prints, this course will also teach you how to scan those "old school" photo assets.

  After completing the course, you will understand how the process of composing photos has changed with the evolving capabilities of digital photography.

  Learn more here
• Drawing for the Absolute Beginner

  If you've always been interested in drawing but don't really know how to get started, then this is the course for you. Gain a solid foundation and understanding of the basics of drawing and become the artist you've always dreamed you could be!

  You'll become intimately familiar with paper types, drawing styles, rendering techniques, and the basic principles of perspective, layout, design, lighting, volume, and space. If you have an interest in learning what it's like to draw or would love to increase your current knowledge in the field of art and illustrating, then this course aims to fulfill all of your needs.

  Learn more here
• Intro to Digital Scrapbooking

  Learn to use digital editing techniques to show off your photos and memorabilia in Introduction to Digital Scrapbooking! Using Photoshop Elements, this course will teach you how to make the most of your scrapbooking talents and artistic ideas when you combine traditional and digital scrapbooking.

  Starting with simple projects, you'll quickly learn how to build pages, use artistic journaling, and produce sophisticated illusions. Photoshop Elements lets you build your own clip art, create frames, and develop multi-layer pages with an endless array of layouts and designs. You'll see how to draw and create your own art, build collages and scrapbooks to share, and work with both color and black and white. If you need to restore or age images—the tools are all available to you. Come take your scrapbooking to a new level!

  Learn more here
• Start a Pet Sitting Business

  If you're an animal lover, find out how you can start your own pet sitting business to translate your passion into a profitable career! In this course, you will master the essentials of running a cat and dog sitting business. You'll begin with pet care, including nutrition, exercise, first aid, and the identification of common diseases. You will learn the basics of first aid and find out how to administer pills, liquid medications, and injections to an uncooperative cat or dog. You will discover how to handle home visits and impress your potential clients. You'll also explore sticky situations that can arise, such as lost pets, pets that die unexpectedly, and pets that need immediate veterinary care.

  In addition, you will delve into finances and explore start-up costs, accounting, fee setting, business plans, and low-cost marketing. You will discover how to obtain required insurance, hire employees as your business expands, and entice financial institutions to loan you money. Then, you will look at opportunities for expanding your pet sitting services. Is a dog-walking service right for you? Can you train puppies? Do you want to look after other animals, including horses? By the end of this course, you will have all the knowledge you need to become a professional pet sitter. In addition, you will discover how your pet sitting business can grow to continually challenge and satisfy you.

  Learn more here
• Blogging and Podcasting for Beginners

  Blogging and Podcasting for Beginners will teach you how to plan and create your very own blog and podcast. Through hands-on exercises, you will discover the benefits of using free web tools like Blogger, WordPress, Audacity, and YouTube. You will find that creating a blog and podcast is much easier than you ever imagined.

  First, you will learn how to develop a plan for the content, setup, maintenance, and how to use free blogging software like Blogger and WordPress to put that plan into action. After that, learn how to record a professional-sounding audio podcast with a very simple recording tool you already have. You will edit the file with another free software program, add music to it, and then post it online for others to enjoy. Finally, you will find out how to record a video podcast. You will edit it, add special effects, drop in a podcasting-safe music file, and then publish it online.

  Learn more here
• Turn Your Passion for Animals into a Career

  This series contains three courses.

  Photographing Nature with Your Digital Camera

  Jump into the world of nature photography! In this course, you'll master taking beautiful outdoor photos of everything from landscapes to specific nature items such as water, flowers, trees, animals, and more. Along the way, you'll learn all about digital camera equipment, telephoto photography, and even macro photography. With plenty of examples and opportunities to share your work, you'll be shooting breathtaking photos in no time!

  Start a Pet Sitting Business

  If you're an animal lover, find out how to translate your passion into a profitable career! In this course, you'll master the essentials of starting a pet sitting business. You'll begin with dog and cat care, including nutrition, exercise, first aid, and identification of common diseases. You'll also find out how to handle home visits and impress potential clients. In addition, you'll delve into finances and explore start-up costs, accounting, fee-setting, business plans, and low-cost marketing. By the end of this course, you'll have all the knowledge you need to be a successful pet sitter.

  Become a Veterinary Assistant

  Do you like animals? Would you like to prepare for a career as a veterinary assistant? This course, taught by a practicing veterinarian and college instructor, will give you the information you need to counsel veterinary clients on pet nutrition, vaccinations, worms, fleas, first aid, euthanasia, and alternative medicine. You will also get a taste of how a veterinary hospital ticks as a small business by focusing on billing, workplace safety, and marketing through client education programs.

  Learn more here

• Computer Skills for the Workplace

  Most jobs today require a working knowledge of certain computer skills. Employers seek and reward employees who can effectively send emails, create spreadsheets, manage databases, understand memory and network limitations, and recognize the function and features of modern computer components. Any job candidate who already possesses these skills will stand above those who do not.

  This course is designed to provide the fundamental computer competencies you need to survive and prosper in today's fast-changing workplace. You will learn how to implement the powers of modern office software to work faster and more efficiently. This course will also focus on practical applications for software most common to the workplace. By the time you finish, you will have learned why employers consider technological literacy so critical to the success of any organization.

  Learn more here
• Intro to Microsoft Excel 2019

  Do you manage large sets of numbers, names, dates, or other pieces of information? If so, then you need to create worksheets to manage, store, organize, and even analyze this information. Excel, Microsoft's powerful spreadsheet software, is the most widely-used program to handle this task. In fact, most workplaces require that new employees have a basic level of understanding of Microsoft Excel.

  If you want to learn the 2019 version of Microsoft Excel, this course will introduce you to the program's basic functions and uses. Through hands-on lessons, you will learn numerous shortcuts to quickly and efficiently set up worksheets. You will also learn how to use the function wizard to calculate statistics, future values, and more. In addition, you will get tips on sorting and analyzing data, creating three-dimensional workbooks, and automating frequently-repeated tasks with macros and buttons. By the time you're done, you will know how to use this vital Office 2019 tool.

  Learn more here
• Microsoft Office 2019 Value Suite

  Each course within the Microsoft Office 2019 Value Suite will introduce you to the basic features and functionality of Microsoft's 2019 software.

  Introduction to Microsoft Word 2019

  Across all industries, the ability to create documents in a word processor is essential in day-to-day functions. The Introduction to Microsoft Word 2019 course will teach you the basics of Word, so you can create, format, and organize professional-looking documents. By the time you're done with this hands-on course, you will be able to confidently use this popular word processing software at home or on the job.

  Introduction to Microsoft Excel 2019

  Introduction to Microsoft Excel 2019 includes new text and images based on the Excel 2019 update. You will learn a number of basic time-saving functions, including how to write basic formulas, design custom charts and graphs, and create three-dimensional workbooks. You will also be introduced Excel 2019's powerful charting capabilities like Quick Analysis and Flash Fill. When you finish the course, you will feel at ease creating worksheets and utilizing Excel's many features.

  Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint 2019/ Office 365

  The Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint 2019/Office 365 course will teach you how to use PowerPoint to create engaging, dynamic presentations. Each lesson includes instructional content, supplementary material, learning assessments, and an assignment to practice your newly acquired skills. With millions of PowerPoint presentations conducted daily, knowing how to effectively use this software is perfect for adding value to your professional profile.

  Learn more here
• Prepare for GED Test Series

  Prepare for the GED® test and master the skills required to pass the Mathematical Reasoning module. You will start off with a reviewing the four modules and then dive into math basics to build the foundation you need to solve math problems. In the process, you will develop hands-on experience with percentages, proportions, statistics, algebra, geometry, and more.

  In each lesson, you will apply your knowledge to practice questions similar to those used in the test series. You will know how, when, and why to use each math concept you learn. By the time you finish this course, you will be confident with your math skills and about taking the test.

  Learn more here
• SAT/ACT Prep Series

  SAT/ACT Prep – Part 1

  Both the ACT and the SAT contain verbal and math question types. SAT/ACT Preparation Part I will give you all the information you need to do well on the verbal questions of the ACT and the new SAT. The ACT verbal sections are called the Reading Test, the English Test, and the Science Test. The Reading Test and the English Test assess your knowledge of English usage, grammar, and reading comprehension. This course will provide you with a grammar and usage review specifically geared to the rules that you'll be tested on in the ACT. You'll also learn how to maximize your time on reading comprehension passages and the passages in the science test.

  Beginning March 2016, the SAT verbal questions changed. The lessons in this course will prepare you for those changes. You'll learn how to answer the questions types in the most time-efficient manner.

  SAT/ACT Prep – Part 2

  Both the ACT and the SAT contain verbal and math question types. SAT/ACT Preparation Part 2 will give you all the information you need to do well on the math questions of the ACT and the new SAT. The ACT math tests your knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and basic statistics. This course provides you with a complete math review of all these subjects. We'll also show you how to use your time wisely so that you finish as many math questions as possible in the 60 minutes the ACT gives you for the math test.

  Beginning with the March 2016 exam, the SAT math questions have changed a bit. The lessons in this course are designed to prepare you for those changes.

  Learn more here
• Resume Writing Workshop

  Create an effective resume or improve the one you already have. Transform your resume into a powerful tool that will get you interviews. Learn different resume formats and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

  Make the most of your work experience and discover how to use references to your advantage. This course includes the use of online resumes and is invaluable for anyone who wants to create their own resume, or learn how to write resumes and cover letters for profit.

  Learn more here
• Real Estate Investing

  Have you ever heard the old saying, "Buy low, sell high?" News stories about the softening real estate market might scare away some novice investors, but experienced investors recognize weak markets as opportunities to pick up bargains. In many areas, now is the time to buy before prices start climbing again. In this course, you will learn how to make money in any area, in good times and bad, even if you have little money to start with.

  Real Estate Investing includes specially designed worksheets and hands-on activities to take the guesswork out of your investing efforts. Start developing a plan for your own investing efforts based on proven methods used every day by full-time, professional real estate investors. You will learn how to invest in foreclosures, manage a rehab project, and build your team of real estate professionals (title officers, lawyers, accountants, mortgage brokers, appraisers, and more). This course also explores the effects of higher interest rates and cover alternative strategies for a changing market. By the end of the course, you will be working toward your first (or next) deal.

  Learn more here
• Leadership Suite

  Achieving Success with Difficult People

  Do you know people whose behavior makes completing even the simplest tasks difficult? Would you like to learn how to have more successful relationships with difficult bosses, co-workers, students, neighbors or family members? Join this class and get helpful information for understanding yourself, solving people problems, and improving your relationships and personal and professional productivity.

  Leadership

  Leadership skills can help you gain the respect and admiration of others, while also allowing you to enjoy success in your career and more control over your destiny. Contrary to popular belief, leadership skills can be learned and developed. Even if you don't hold a leadership position, this course will teach you how to use the principles of great leaders to achieve success in almost every aspect of your daily life.

  Building Teams That Work

  In this course, you'll learn the components of a successful team and the stages of its development. Along the way, you'll follow real-life examples and scenarios to help you identify with the team-building process. Are you eager to develop your leadership qualities and be a quality team participant? Many of today's teams rotate leadership roles, so it's crucial to understand both perspectives as you learn the best ways to communicate and work together for positive change.

  Skills for Making Great Decisions

  Learn how to make excellent everyday decisions from an experienced counselor and life coach. You'll discover the steps necessary to achieve your goals, as well as the power that ordinary, everyday decisions can have over the quality of your life. You'll develop some important guidelines for when to take risks, when to trust your luck, and what to do if you make a mistake. The goal of this course is to give you the power to live the best life you can and make the very most of every opportunity.

  Learn more here
• Start Your Own Small Business

  Learn how to take your dream of starting a business and put it into action. In this class, you will learn everything you need to know about starting a business. You will begin by discovering the tricks to picking the right opportunity for you. Next, you will learn how to develop proven marketing techniques to easily build sales. Since every business needs money, this course discusses traditional and nontraditional financing options. Finally, you will learn easy-to-implement employee-management procedures and how to write business policies that help you build your business.

  You, as a business owner, need to manage all your limited resources. One resource that often gets overlooked is your time. Throughout the course, you will learn time management techniques especially for entrepreneurs. While taking this course, you will discover the secrets that separate the successful entrepreneurs from the struggling ones.

  Learn more here
• Twelve Steps to a Successful Job Search

  Get the job you want in any economy. In this course you will learn to identify the job that is best for your needs. You will then be given complete step-by-step instructions on how to get that job, regardless of your level of expertise or state of the economy. You will learn how to build rapport with any interviewer, both verbally and non-verbally, while mastering the six phases of a successful job interview. This motivational course will increase your confidence, help you feel great about yourself, and provide you with the foundation you need to get the job you want!

  Learn more here