Upgrade Your Skills in 2026 through KU Advance, Discounts Available for KU Alumni

February 19, 2026
Aerial photo of campus

KUTZTOWN, Pa. – KU Advance is the Extended Learning and Workforce Development division of Kutztown University focused on non-credit, career-focused training and professional development for learners of all stages.

KU Advance offers 4,000+ courses and certificates including AI Academy (prompting AI, boosting productivity, and enhancing customer service), Leadership and Management, Sales and Negotiation, Customer Service, and Entrepreneurship and Strategy.

Discounts are available for KU alumni through the KU Foundation website.

KU Advance includes a strategic partnership with Coursera's Career Academy, providing students and learners access to:

  • Flexible, affordable online and in-person programs tailored to workforce needs.
  • Professional certificates and non-credit courses designed to develop job-aligned skills.
  • Career-Focused Programs: Certificates and training to support advancement or career pivoting.
  • Professional Development: Resources for adult learners and employers.

Many of Coursera's most popular programs align strongly with workforce demand. Popular options include:

  • Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate – job-ready skills in data analytics.
  • Google IT Support Professional Certificate – foundational IT and tech support skills.
  • Google Project Management Professional Certificate – key skills for managing complex projects.
  • Google UX Design Professional Certificate – design and user experience fundamentals.
  • Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate – essential cybersecurity skills.
  • IBM Data Analyst & Data Science Certificates – analytics and data science skillsets.
  • Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Certificate – data visualization and business intelligence expertise.

High-Interest Individual Courses (Skill Boosters):

  • Machine Learning and AI Essentials
  • Python & Data Science Foundations
  • Digital Marketing and E-Commerce

For more information, visit the KU Advance website or email Lori Lentz, director of Extended Learning, at extendedlearning@kutztown.edu.