Our Mission
Duke Continuing Studies invites individuals, organizations, and communities to engage in innovative, interactive, and transformative learning experiences.
A passion for learning infuses all that we do at Duke University Continuing Studies. Each year more than 10,000 people - ranging from adventuresome middle-school youth to focused working adults to inquisitive retirees - expand their horizons by participating in a noncredit course, workshop, certificate program, or summer camp. Whether you are looking for a professional certificate, enrichment opportunities, or corporate training, we can help you achieve your personal and professional goals by means of accessible, high quality, and challenging courses.
Our History
Launched by the Woman's College Alumnae Association in 1969, the Office of Continuing Studies was created to assist nontraditional female students to return to college and complete their undergraduate degrees. During the 1970s Continuing Studies broadened its scope and exploded in size, offering enrichment classes through the Short Courses program and the Duke Institute for Learning in Retirement. Summer conferences and academic residential camps emerged in the 1980s. More recently the office has broadened its outreach to include professional certificate programs, corporate training, and distance learning. Today Duke Continuing Studies serves not only the Durham/Triangle communities and the state of North Carolina, but individuals and organizations worldwide.