Accelerated Supervision
Frequently Asked Questions
- Should I take this course or certificate for credit or noncredit?
Things to consider when deciding to register for credit:
- You would be earning a letter grade for two credits per course.
- In order to earn credit, you have to follow the evaluative component of the syllabus (more work for you-papers, presentations, other).
- The cost is $650 instead of $550 (only $100 more for either grad or undergrad, which is a bargain!)
- If you choose to earn credits, you want to know why. For example:
- Do you want these credits to articulate to another degree? If so, please work with your advisor to ensure that these courses meet those requirements. Some programs have a ceiling for how many or what kind of credits you can earn external to their program.
- Are you choosing credit so that you can utilize your tuition reimbursement benefit from your employer? If so, please check your company's policy prior to registration to ensure that these courses meet their standards.
- If these reasons for taking courses for credit do not matter to you, take the course (or entire certificate) non-credit. You still earn CEUs for each course and a course completion certificate. You still earn the entire program certificate if you complete all courses non-credit (or credit for that matter.) You still learn a great deal.
The program was developed as a non-credit professional development program to help you learn today what you will use tomorrow to do better at your job.
- Do I need to apply to Portland State University in order to take your classes?
For Professional Development Center programs, admission to Portland State is not a prerequisite to enroll in classes. For PDC classes that are non-credit, formal admission to Portland State is not necessary. It is not necessary to be admitted to Portland State if the student is registering for less than 8 undergraduate or graduate credits per term.
- What if I have to miss a class session during the course?
These certificates are designed for the working professional. For an 40-hour course students can miss up to eight hours with no penalty and still earn the course certificate.
- What is a CEU?
The continuing education unit (CEU) is a nationally recognized method of quantifying the time spent in the classroom during noncredit learning. Ten hours of instruction equal one (1) CEU. The CEU provides a permanent record of the educational accomplishments of an individual who has completed significant noncredit education and career-enhancement experiences.
- Do I have to give my Social Security number when I register?
Providing your SSN (and consent to its use) is not required, and if you choose not to do so, you will not be denied any right, benefit, or privilege by law. Portland State will disclose your ID/SSN only if authorized by law. If you choose not to provide your SSN as your ID number, Portland State will assign an ID number for you. Also, if you choose not to provide your SSN as your ID number, Portland State will be unable to provide Enrollment Verification Reports (such as those deferring prior college loans) or other automated verification functions, and some financial arrangements (such as third-party billings) may not be available.
- Where can I get more information on the Lifetime-Learning Tax Credit?
Advising on a certificate path and the Lifetime-Learning Tax Credit is always available by appointment with the program manager.
- What should I do if I miss the first class and need course materials?
If you miss the first session, materials may be picked up at our offices, Suite 1050, 1515 SW Fifth Avenue, Portland. Please make prior arrangements for picking up materials between 4 and 5pm. If you have any questions concerning class materials, call 503-725-4820.
- What should I do in case of inclement weather?
All Professional Development Center courses and seminars are canceled when Portland State is officially closed due to weather. Please contact the office at 503-725-4820 for instructions on cancellations and make-up sessions. To determine if the campus will be closed, call 503-725-3000 (Portland State Information Line) or listen to your local radio news station.
- What is your refund and payment policy?
Noncredit refund
Notification of withdrawal or drop must be given and requests for refunds for noncredit courses must be received at least one week prior to the first class session. Refunds are not given after this time. Withdrawal or drop must be done by email to pdc@pdx.edu or to your program manager's email address.Payment
Payment for courses is the responsibility of the student. Full payment or approved company purchase order number must accompany the registration form in order to process registration. If payment on a purchase order is not received, the student is responsible for the course fee balance. - How do I get started?
If you know which courses you need, register today! There is no application process, and you do not need to be admitted to the University. If you are unsure which courses to register for, call Lori Silverman today and create a personal plan to earn a certificate: 503-725-5848 or email loris@pdx.edu
- Do I need to go through the admissions process at Portland State?
You do not need to be admitted to Portland State University to take our accelerated supervision courses.
- How do I register?
There are three ways to register:
- Go online to the Catalog page, register for courses and make an online payment.
- Download the registration form, fill it out, and mail the form with payment to PO Box 1491, Portland, OR 97207.
- Call Registration directly at 503-725-4832.
- How do I request my certificate?
Students who have completed the coursework and passed the required five classes to earn the Certificate of Completion should request the printed certificate. We will review the classes and mail your certificate within fourteen days from your request.



