
Workforce Development
At Commonwealth University, our mission is clear: equip you with in‑demand skills and credentials for success in today’s fast‑growing job market.
With Commonwealth University career training, you’ll gain the skills and expertise employers want — opening doors to high-demand professional careers. Whether you’re launching a career, switching industries, or enhancing your expertise, our comprehensive career training programs deliver the edge you need.
Our non-credit training programs are designed by industry professionals and delivered through effective face-to-face and online learning formats. Instructors and course mentors actively support your progress, answering questions and motivating you every step of the way.
Don’t miss out on in-demand training opportunities!
Stay informed with the latest from Workforce Development — join our mailing list today!
Questions? Contact us at 570-484-3128 or workforcedevelopment@commonwealthu.edu
You can easily register for any of our programs online by clicking the appropriate program links. If you have any questions or need help with the registration process, feel free to call us at 570-484-3128 or email us at workforcedevelopment@commonwealthu.edu. We’re here to provide the support you need to get started.
Thinking about getting a special certificate that helps you land a cool job super-fast? Awesome! We know paying for it can seem a bit tricky, but don't worry – there are lots of ways to get help. Think of it like finding different paths to pay for your education journey!
Here are some ways to get money for your short-term training:
Path 1: Sallie Mae Smart Option Student Loan
- What it is: This is like borrowing money from a special bank called Sallie Mae. You get the money to pay for your training now, and then you pay it back after you finish your program and start working.
- How to check it out:
- Go to the Sallie Mae website (just search for "Sallie Mae" online).
- Look for "Commonwealth University of PA Workforce Development."
- Our special ID code is 003315-97.
- Good to know: Loans are a serious thing because you have to pay them back. Make sure you understand how they work!
Path 2: Completing the Dream Scholarships!
- What it is: This is free money you don't have to pay back! Sallie Mae (the loan people) and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund are giving away 170 scholarships. These are meant to help you cover unexpected costs and finish your training.
- How much you can get: Up to $2,500! That's a nice chunk of change!
- Important Date: You need to apply by December 1, 2025, or until all the money is given away, so don't wait!
- How to apply: Head over to the "Completing the Dream Scholarship Program" webpage. Just search for that name online!
Path 3: Ask Your Local PA CareerLink!
- What it is: Your local PA CareerLink is like a helpful guide for jobs and training. They might have special programs (like WIOA, TAA, or OVR) that can pay for your training if you qualify.
- How to check it out: Call or visit your local PA CareerLink office. Tell them you're interested in workforce development training and ask about WIOA, TAA, or OVR funding! They're there to help people find jobs and training.
Path 4: Payment Plans (Sometimes!)
- What it is: Some of our teaching partners, like ED2GO Career Training and Center for Legal Studies by Barbri, let you pay for your program in smaller chunks over time instead of all at once. It's like paying for a cool new game in a few installments.
- How to check it out: When you enroll in a program offered by ED2GO or CLS by Barbri, ask them if they have payment plans available.
- Important Note: We (Commonwealth University) don't offer payment plans for these specific short-term programs ourselves. You have to arrange it directly with ED2GO or CLS by Barbri.
Path 5: PASSHE Foundation Scholarships!
- What it is: More free money you don't have to pay back! The PASSHE Foundation (which helps out all the state universities in PA) has scholarships specifically for some of these short-term certificate programs.
- How to apply: You can apply online through their "PASSHE Foundation Scholarship Manager." Just search for that name!
Don't feel overwhelmed! The best thing to do is explore these options one by one. Talk to your family, your school counselor, or reach out to the contacts mentioned for each option. You've got this!
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has created the opportunity for employers to train new and existing employees through the Workforce and Economic Development Network (WEDnet) program. Training is available to qualified in-state businesses and out-of-state companies relocating to the economic-friendly business climate of Pennsylvania — with funding accessed through WEDnetPA and made available by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).

Career Training
Explore our workforce development programs — crafted to give you the skills and knowledge to thrive in today’s job market. Whether you're starting fresh, advancing your career, or updating your skills, we have the right program for you.

Mansfield Public Safety Training Institute
Advance your career in public safety — train with Commonwealth University–Mansfield’s Public Safety Training Institute (MPSTI), a regional hub for professional development serving criminal justice practitioners, first responders, public safety professionals and the public.

Credit for Prior Learning
Turn your work, training, and life experience into college credit at Commonwealth University. Earn credit for what you already know and apply it toward your associate's or bachelor's degree.

Work-Based Learning
Commonwealth University is engaged in a Work-Based Learning (WBL) initiative that focuses on bridging academic learning with real-world career experiences such as internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing and more.
Workforce Development
Training & Testing Locations
Abbreviations designating campus buildings are provided with each class description. Use the campus maps below to find the location and full name of the building.
Please note: Smoking is not permitted on university property.
Commonwealth University – Bloomsburg offers a supportive, easy-to-navigate campus with convenient access, helpful resources, and a welcoming environment. It’s a great place to build new skills or advance your career with workforce development training.
Commonwealth University – Lock Haven features a friendly campus with scenic river views, offering accessible facilities, support, and a positive learning environment — an ideal place to gain new skills or grow professionally through workforce development training.
Commonwealth University – Mansfield offers a scenic, small-campus environment with resources and support for those pursuing workforce development training to enhance skills or take the next step in their careers — all within a focused and friendly setting.
Commonwealth University’s Testing Centers provide national, graduate, professional certification and distance education examinations to students and community members in a professional, secure and accessible environment. We adhere to NCTA’s Professional Standards & Guidelines for college test centers and the CAS Standards in Higher Education.
Workforce Development Policies
Students who wish to confidentially disclose a disability and request accommodations are encouraged to complete the initial accommodation request form and submit supporting documentation, or contact the Office of Disability Services for more information.
All participants are expected to attend all scheduled classes, unless prior arrangements are agreed upon between the participant and the instructor.
It may be necessary to cancel some classes for reasons beyond our control. The decision to cancel may be made 5-10 working days prior to the start of class. If your class is canceled, we will notify you and provide a full refund.
Weather or other emergencies may require the university to close or delay opening. When this occurs, local radio and television stations are notified and the university website home page is updated with delay/closure. You may also email workforce@commonwealthu.edu for updates. Always be safe and make sound decisions about traveling in poor weather or other emergency conditions.
- If you drop a class at least 4 business days before the start of the first class, you will receive a full refund.
- If you drop a class within 3 days of the first class, you will receive a 50% refund.
- No refunds will be issued for cancellations after the class start date.
If you pay by credit card, the refund will be issued as a credit to your account. Please allow 2-4 weeks for refund processing.
Note: Refund terms for some special courses, workshops, seminars, and conferences do not follow this standard refund policy and are outlined in your registration confirmation. Please Contact Workforce Development for details.
When you register, please be ready to provide the following:
- Your full name (as it should appear on the certificate of completion)
- Mailing address
- Phone number(s) (day and evening)
- Email address
- Course title(s) and course number(s)
- Method of payment
- Check, money order, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or a letter requesting invoice from employer accepted.
Notices:
- Course registrations are accepted on a first come first serve basis.
- A person is not considered registered for a course until the course tuition is paid in full.
- All tuition and fees must be paid in full at least 7 days prior to the start of class.
- There must be a minimum paid enrollment in order to run a class. We reserve the right to adjust scheduled dates and times as needed to prevent cancelling classes.
Training Partnerships
Our programs are designed by a team of professionals from each respective field, providing you with effective face-to-face and web-based learning programs. Instructors/course mentors are actively involved in your learning experience, responding to any questions or concerns, as well as encouraging and motivating you to succeed.
- CE Shop
Real Estate education to begin or advance your career in real estate - CLS by BARBRI
Legal training courses to begin or advance your legal career - Consolidated Curriculum International
Face-to-Face (F2F) healthcare career training - ED2GO Career Training programs
Online career training programs that lead to industry recognized credential - ED2GO Fundamental Courses
Online personal and professional skills courses - Public Safety Institute
Regional training center providing education for criminal justice practitioners, first responders, public safety professionals and the public. - Sage Truck Driving School
CDL training and testing center
Explore Workforce Development
Our locations aren't the only thing that makes us special. It’s our commitment to provide students with an environment in which they can find themselves, build on their strengths and hone leadership skills that will carry them for a lifetime.