The Institute for Extended Learning (IXL) at UMBC offers career-focused programs designed to help learners gain new skills, advance in their current profession, or prepare for entry into high-demand fields. Our programs are open to a wide range of learners, including:
- Career changers preparing for new roles
- Working professionals seeking advancement or specialized credentials
- Individuals entering workforce training programs
- Learners exploring pathways into UMBC academic degree programs
IXL courses and certificate programs are developed in partnership with UMBC faculty, industry experts, and workforce partners to ensure alignment with current employer needs.
Many courses are open to the public and do not require an application. The programs are primarily online or hybrid, and may be instructor-led or self-paced. Some courses, such as those in Community Leadership and Biotechnology, offer credits that can be applied to graduate programs if you are admitted later. Some programs, such as Sonography, require an application for admission. Read on for more information about our course formats.
Online Instructor-Led Training
Many of our programs are fully online, and are also led by instructors. These courses can be live (also called synchronous) and you’ll be logged into the class at a specific time with the instructor.
Online Self-Paced
IXL offers a variety of self-paced online programs, such as the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) and Cannabis Studies programs. These courses are self-paced, which means you’ll work through materials and complete assignments based on deadlines, without the need to meet at a pre-set time. Many self-paced courses also offer instructor support for guidance and feedback as well, while others can be completed completely independently.
In-Person/Hybrid
Some of our programs are offered in-person, such as Community Leadership, where you will typically be expected to attend classes in a UMBC classroom, on- or off-campus. Some courses are also hybrid, where there may be occasional online instruction instead of in-person meetings. The Sonography program is fully in-person, with an application process for admission.
Credits
IXL focuses on courses that are open to the public and do not require an application. This means that they typically cannot be used for credit towards a degree. However, some courses do offer articulation agreements, where they can be applied to a degree at a later date, based on the program director’s discretion. Programs like Biotechnology and Community Leadership offer articulation agreements so students can begin taking classes, then apply to the degree later and get the credits applied.