The objectives an individual seeks is important when finding the right continuing education program. Some people simply want the information and do not require credit or certification for the course. Others require certification or credit because their employer requires it or because they are working toward a post-graduate degree. For individuals who want university credits, full courses are the best option; for those who simply want the knowledge, the best option may be auditing a course, which allows individuals to sit in on lectures, but does not require them to do homework. iTunes University also offers free courses on hundreds of subjects from universities around the world, which users can download for free and watch at their leisure.
Knowing what learning methods work best for an individual is also important in choosing a continuing education option. Some individuals can learn from on-line courses or simply by listening to lectures. Other students need a hands-on approach, where they participate in class with other students and the instructor, and need to do homework exercises to reinforce what they've learned. Because colleges offer a wide variety of different types of courses to meet various needs, all students should be able to find a course that suits their style.
Somewhat related to learning methods is the question of convenience. Colleges try to organize continuing education courses that meet the needs of busy professionals, but the needs of a particular individual may vary. Options available for courses include weekday courses for people who can take time off work, but weekend and evening courses are also available, especially at community colleges. The location of the school is another question related to convenience. Travel time to and from the school has an impact on whether or not the times of the courses are convenient. An increasing number of on-line courses can help solve the problems of both time and location.
For some individuals, their employer may cover part or all of the cost of continuing education. For nearly everyone, the cost is an important factor in finding the right course. Courses at government subsidized community, junior and state colleges are generally less expensive than continuing education courses at full universities.