Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose Continuing and Professional Studies at The City College of New York?
If you are looking for an effective way to move your career forward, a CPS certificate program will help you meet your goals. Our certificate programs are designed to increase your knowledge and skills when the time commitment necessary to complete a standard degree program is not an option. CPS certificate programs are structured to fit the schedules of busy individuals by concentrating on the fundamental aspects of a given field. A program certificate from CCNY's Continuing and Professional Studies is an impressive credential that will help you achieve success in your chosen area of specialization.
How do I register for a course?
You can register for a course or certificate program by choosing one of the following options:
NEW! Online Registration: You can register online and pay by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover). In Person: You can register in person at the office of Continuing and Professional Studies located on The City College campus, Shepard Hall, Room 2, Ground floor. Please stop by the office during our business hours for personal assistance in registering.
Office Hours:
Monday through Thursday 9:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 9:00am - 7:00pm
Saturday 9:00am - 1:00pm
Call the CPS office if you need more information or directions: (212) 650-7312.
By Phone: Call the office of Continuing and Professional Studies at
212-650-7312. Please be prepared to provide the course name, section, and your MasterCard/Visa/American Express credit card number and expiration date.
By Fax: Download our
registration form. Complete the form and and fax it to CPS at 212-650-6614. Please include your credit card number and expiration date.
By Mail: Download our
registration form. Complete the form and mail it with (1) your credit card number and expiration date
or (2) money order as payment to:
Continuing and Professional Studies
The City College of New York
160 Convent Avenue
Shepard Hall, Room 2
New York, NY 10031
What forms of payment will CPS accept?
CPS accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express credit cards, business checks, vouchers or money orders. Checks and money orders must be made payable to The City College of New York.
Personal checks and cash are not accepted.
How will I receive confirmation of my registration?
Confirmation of registration and payment will be sent to you by email within one (1) business day after payment is received.
Is financial aid available to CPS students?
Loans: Many CPS students are eligible for loan programs and/or training vouchers. Payment for personal loans for certificate programs can be made in manageable monthly installments. To apply for a personal loan please visit: Sallie Mae.
ITG Vouchers: Individual Training Grant vouchers are issued by Workforce1 Career Centers located in Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island. A potential student must first apply for an ITG voucher. If the student is eligible for the voucher, he or she then comes to the CPS office for a proposal letter regarding the certificate program the student wishes to enroll in.
VA Training Vouchers for Veterans: The Veterans Administration offers Training Vouchers for veterans, including service men and women recently returned from active service overseas. These funds are available through the GI Bill and can be obtained by visiting the New York City VA Regional Office at 245 West Houston Street (in the Greenwich Village area of Manhattan), by calling 800-827-1000, or by applying online on the Veterans Website. The federal stimulus package also provides for a one-time emergency Education Benefit Payment in the amount of $3,000 for veterans presently unemployed.
CCNY Student and Employee Discount: If you are currently a full-time employee with CCNY, or a currently registered student at CCNY (part-time or full-time), you are eligible for a 10% discount on CPS tuition costs. You must present a valid CCNY ID card to receive the discount.
Where is my class?
Your registration letter will include your official class schedule and a receipt for payment of fees. The schedule confirms your registration and indicates your course days, times, and classroom location (if a room has been assigned). Please carry your schedule to your first class as proof of registration. If your classroom location has not been assigned, call the CPS office at (212) 650-7312 the day before your class starts or the morning of the first class.
Do I need a CCNY ID?
Yes. All CCNY CPS students enrolled in a certificate program are issued CCNY photo ID cards. Continuing and Professional Studies students enrolled in workshops, seminars, and individual courses must present a registration receipt and state ID to enter any building on campus.
What are the CPS cancellation and refund policies?
Students who withdraw on or after the first day of a class are not entitled to a refund. Please note: we do not accept withdrawals by telephone. All requests to withdraw from a course must be made in writing and received in the CPS office 10 business days prior to the start of classes. You may send a written request via fax or email, or deliver it in person. (For more information see Course Cancellations and Refund Policy on the How to Register page of our catalog.)
What are the requirements for enrolling in a course? In a certificate program?
There are no requirements for enrolling in courses taken for personal development. The minimum requirement to enroll in a certificate program is a High School Diploma or GED.
Does the cost of a course or a certificate program include the cost of books?
No. The cost of tuition does not usually include the cost of required texts (there are some exceptions). Detailed information about course books will be provided at the time of registration.
Do I purchase course books directly through CPS or do I get them elsewhere?
Students have the option of purchasing course books through CPS, at the CCNY campus bookstore, or from another bookseller of their choice. The ISBN numbers for all required textbooks are noted on your registration confirmation receipt.
How do I receive my grade for a completed course?
You may obtain a copy of your transcript once the instructor submits grades. Instructors have until one week after a course has ended to submit grades. You may pick up your transcript in person or request that it be sent to you via email or fax, or mailed to your home address.
Do you help students find employment in their areas of interest?
Yes. Upon completion of required courses, a student may make an appointment to meet with our Employment Specialist by emailing us at: cpsworkforce@ccny.cuny.edu, to discuss employment opportunities.
Are there any free courses or programs at CPS?
We do not offer free courses or programs.
Will I receive a license after I complete a certificate program?
Completion of a certificate program prepares you to take the state examination that you must pass to attain a license. Further information about the examination and the license will be provided by the course instructor or program adviser after you complete the certificate program.
How long will it take to complete a certificate program?
The required courses for any given CPS certificate program are structured so that you may complete most programs within two semesters.
If I cannot make it to class who do I notify?
If you are unable to attend a scheduled class, you must call the CPS office (212-650-7312) and the office personnel will inform your instructor of your absence. Please note: Students are responsible for any course work missed.
Where can I find a listing of the courses and certificate programs offered by CPS?
Information about our certificate programs and courses can be found in our online
Course Catalog as well as in our printed catalog available in the CPS office.
How big are classes, on average?
On average, a class usually has between 20 and 25 students.
Can I earn a college degree through Continuing and Professional Studies ?
Currently Continuing and Professional Studies does not offer degree programs. However, City College offers bachelor and master degree programs designed for adults through the Division of Interdisciplinary Studies at the Center for Worker Education. The mission of CWE is to provide and excellent and affordable education to adult learners. CWE offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master of Arts (MA) degree in The Study of The Americas. CWE's courses and degree programs are designed especially for older students who want to pursue their education but also have work responsibilities, and/or family obligations. Please visit their
website for more information about their programs.
