Washington State University’s Carson College of Business has launched Carson Pro, a new lifelong learning initiative offering flexible, noncredit certificate programs designed to help working professionals quickly build in-demand skills and help employers develop talent from within.
Many mid-career professionals may find themselves hitting the books once again after serving twenty-something years in the workforce. While reasons may vary — from total career resets to upskilling — certificate programs are an option for workers to meet their needs without the cost of earning a full degree.
“We are bringing to market what our learners are asking for at specific moments in their professional lives,” said Cheryl Oliver, Carson associate dean for professional programs. “These offerings reflect our land-grant mission to provide practical education that makes an immediate difference in real communities and workplaces.”
Current Carson Certificate Programs offerings include certificates in finance, management, marketing, accounting, business of aging, and wine business management. The certificates are modular, fully online, and have no prerequisites, allowing professionals to select training that fits their work and life circumstances. Modules may be purchased individually or packaged.
Certificates are shaped by industry employers and offer unique features
The certificates are developed by Carson faculty and shaped by insights from more than 260 employers. For example, Adam Clark, president of Aegis Development and chair of the Granger Cobb Institute’s Innovation Leadership Council, guided a refresh of the asset management and technology modules in the Business of Aging certificate to include real-world examples. Currently, three companies are advising on the creation of a supply chain certificate slated to launch sometime in spring 2026, Oliver said.
The marketplace and learning platform supporting Carson Certificate Programs offers unique features including embedded social media tools, program-level reporting, and branded corporate portals that appeal to both employers and learners. A shopping cart experience allows convenient, streamlined purchasing.
“The portals enable employers to invest in their employees through focused content that deepens knowledge and specialized skills relevant to the industry,” Oliver said. “The value-add is twofold: certificate learners gain skills that may increase their promotion potential, salary, or access to increased responsibility, and employers feel more confident their workers have the necessary skill to manage projects effectively and are committed to long-term learning and professional development.”
Plans are in the works to add AI, digital marketing, and program management certificates.
“Most professionals retrain or retool every seven years at a minimum,” said James Montalto, Carson manager of lifelong learning. “Our approach with Carson Pro is to encourage people to invest in education over their lifetime.”
