The School of Extended Learning

The School of Extended Learning (SXL) at Governors State University serves as the center for continuing education and workforce development at the University. SXL offers learning opportunities for all ages, from youth camps to lifelong learning programs. Short-term training programs equip individuals with workforce-ready skills, support professional development, and provide continuing education opportunities for career advancement. SXL partners with local and regional businesses to customize training solutions by identifying workforce skill gaps and delivering practicall, results-driven programs, including grant-funded apprenticeship opportunities. 

Industry-recognized professional certification exam testing is offered through CLEP, DSST, Pearson, Prometric, and PSI exam partners at Governors State University’s Testing Center. The Testing Center provides a secure and professional testing environment for the local community and students.

English Language Learning Center (ELLC)

The English Language Learning Center offers a variety of programs for international students and community members who are interested in improving their English Language skills for personal, professional, and academic purposes. ELLC provides on-campus Intensive English Program, English classes to parents of local school districts utilizing Title III funding and local businesses’ employees.

Community Health Worker

Community Health Worker serves as frontline public health workers who are trusted members of the community they support. Students will learn to function as a liaison between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. 

The Knowledge Exchange

This lifelong learning program is for the retired and semi-retired in the Chicago southland. In a relaxed and friendly environment at Governors State University, participants enjoy a community of shared learning and a free exchange of opinions and ideas. Courses are non-credit and include topics such as History, Liberal Arts, Current Events, Foreign Policy (Great Decisions), Law, Philosophy and Special Expertise.

Youth Camps

Governors State University offers a variety of summer youth camps, including the STEAM Camp, established in 2014, which fosters creativity and innovation in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Other offerings include the Aviation Camp, which introduces youth to small airplanes, drones, and flight simulators (boots on the ground); Blues Camp, where young musicians learn to play the blues; camps serve children ages 10 to 17.

New Leaders Mentors Program

The New Leaders Mentor Program (NLMP) equips new principals, assistant principals, assistant superintendents, and directors with essential tools and resources to make informed, impactful decisions that benefit schools, staff, students, and the broader community. Designed to meet the unique needs of new administrators, the program provides 50 hours of individualized, one-on-one mentoring with experienced leaders through both face-to-face and virtual formats. Participants also engage in monthly virtual professional development sessions to support certification maintenance and receive an annual Administrative Academy Credit Course. Throughout the school year, monthly sessions focus on advancing leadership skills, building a data-driven culture, implementing school improvement plans and equity initiatives, conducting effective staff evaluations, and strengthening strategies to engage families and the community. 

Beginning Teachers Mentors Program

The Beginning Teacher Mentor Program (BTMP) is a research-based initiative built to support first-year educators through structured guidance, expert mentoring, and collaborative reflection. Our innovative model blends bi-monthly meetings with guided professional activities, aligned to the standards that matter most for teacher evaluation and growth. The Beginning Teacher Mentor Program is facilitated by education professors at Governors State University who work directly with pre-service teachers and bring more than 20 years of experience as classroom teachers, special educators, and school administrators in both public and private schools. This program is fully aligned with the Illinois Professional Educator Standards (IPES), the Stronge Teacher Effectiveness Standards, the Danielson Framework for Teaching, and the Illinois Beginning Teacher Induction Program Standards. 

Extended Learning Course Catalog

Aviation

Private to Commercial Pilot Training 

The objective of this course is to orient the incoming student to flight training and provide the theory and concepts needed for preparing for the FAA private pilot aeronautical knowledge test (airplane). Topics include: airplane systems, aerodynamics, flight instruments, procedures & airport operations, communications procedures, weather, regulations, weather services, aircraft performance, navigation, enroute flight, and cross-country flight planning 

Drone Training 

FAA Part 107 License Test Preparation Course 

Prepare to pass your FAA Part 107 License to fly commercial drones. There are a variety of freelance jobs available to individuals who are FAA Part 107 licensed and familiar with piloting drones. Whether you have experience in piloting drones or not, this class is for you! Students will have 5 Online Practice tests and FREE Online resources to prepare for the FAA Part 107 Exam. 

DJI Mini 3 Pro Cinematic 

Cinematic Drone Flight with Video, Picture, Features, Settings, AI, Safety, Return To Home, Software, lens and filter theory, earn money, GIS, and so much more. Prerequisite: None Required 

DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise Thermal  

Thermal Drone (Fire/Heat) with 56 X Zoom, Law Enforcement (Loudspeaker and RTK centimeter accuracy), Mapping, Waypoint, Roof Inspection, Solar Panel Inspection, Features, Settings, AI, Safety, Return To Home, Software, lens and filter theory, earn money, GIS, and so much more. 

Bridge Programs

• Jaguar Jumps 1: Post High School Advancement for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities CEPD-JJ01HY

Introduces college readiness concepts to individuals with intellectual disabilities who are striving for college readiness. Must pass initial interview with ASSD staff and have completed high school hours.

• Jaguar Jumps 2: Post High School Advancement for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities CEPD-JJ02HY

Introduces college readiness concepts to individuals with intellectual disabilities who are striving for college readiness. Must pass Jaguar Jumps 1001.

Jaguar Jumps Summer Program

Governors State University offers specialized summer experiences and camps that serve young adults with disabilities, providing enriching experiences for participants of various age groups. Participants engage in field trips utilizing public transportation like PACE and Metra, with engaging information programs provided by the RTA Chicago. These programs also incorporate cooking and daily living skills development, alongside art and recreational activities.

Health & Human Services

• Certified Peer Recovery Specialist Success Program CEPD-CPRS

The Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) Success Program will provide high quality recovery support training with supervised practical experience and wrap-around support. Coordinated by post- secondary educational institutions for individuals with lived experience of mental health, substance use, or co-occurring mental health and substance use recovery. The 3-course program contains 28 four-hour modules totaling 110 hours. All registrations must be approved before enrolling by GovState’s Addictions Program.

• Clinical Medical Assistant Certification Program CEPD-JDCMOL *

This program prepares students to assist physicians by performing functions related to the clinical aspects of a medical office. Instruction includes preparing patients for examination and treatment, routine laboratory procedures, pharmacology, taking and documenting vital signs, technical aspects of phlebotomy, the 12-leadEKG and the cardiac life cycle.

• Kinesio Taping Workshop CEPD-KINSOL

Kinesio Taping Workshop The Kinesio Taping Foundations Course will present all the concepts and techniques of Kinesio Taping in an expedited course format. This course will be held over an 8 Hour two- day period with a 4 Hour Pre-course.

• Medical Billing & Coding Certification Program CEPD-JDBCOL *

Medical billing and coding is one of the fastest-growing careers in the healthcare industry today! The need for professionals who understand how to code healthcare services and procedures for third-party insurance imbursement is growing substantially. Physician practices, hospitals, pharmacies, long-term care facilities, chiropractic practices, physical therapy practices, and other healthcare providers all depend on medical billing and coding for insurance carrier reimbursement.

Home Inspection & Real Estate

• Illinois Home Inspector Training CEPD-IHITOL

Join us for a self-paced home inspector course. This course satisfies all the State of Illinois requirements to earn your license in home inspection. Once enrolled, you will be connected with your home inspector instructor to receive materials and begin your training. You have up to 3 months to complete your 60 hours of online curriculum. Upon completion you will coordinate with your instructor to set up 5 field inspections.

SHRM Certification 

Master the skills you need to gain an entry-level position in human resources and prepare to take the SHRM-CP (Society for Human Resource Management’s Certified Professional) certification exam. 

Information Technology

• Information Security Training (Vouchers Included) GES359 *

Prepare for three globally recognized certifications: ISACA’s Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), and (ISC)2’s Certified Information Security Professional (CISSP).

• Certified Ethical Hacker (Voucher Included) GES338 *

This online Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) course will teach you the valuable details that every information security professional needs to know.

• CompTIA Network+ Training Boot Camp LBC112

In this Boot Camp, you will learn how to configure, troubleshoot, and oversee networks! It provides the most comprehensive approach to earning your CompTIA Network+ certification, one of the most popular certifications an IT professional can attain.

Credit for Prior Learning toward GovState’s CPSC-4342

• CompTIA™ A+ Certification Training (Vouchers Included) GES328 *

CompTIA A+ certification is the industry standard for validating the skills of entry-level computer technicians. It opens the door to an exciting career in computer technology, and this online course makes training convenient and interactive.

Credit for Prior Learning toward GovState’s IT-3110

• CompTIA A+ with ITIL 4 Foundation (Vouchers Included) GES353

This online training program is perfect for students wanting to enter a career in Information Technology. You will learn CompTIA A+ and ITIL principles and prepare for certification.

• CompTIA Certification Training: Network+, Security+ (Vouchers Included) GES3036

This course provides training aligned to the CompTIA Network+ and Security+ certification as a comprehensive foundation for IT professionals It incorporates network and security-focused training to prepare you to expand your information technology skills as an IT professional.

Credit for Prior Learning toward GovState’s CPSC-4342 & CPSC-4580

• CompTIA™ Security+ Certification Training (Voucher Included) GES330 *

CompTIA Security+ is the certification globally trusted to validate foundational, vendor-neutral IT security knowledge and skills. This Security+ training course will assist you in preparing for the CompTIA Security+ certification SY0-601 exam.

Credit for Prior Learning toward GovState’s CPSC-4580

• Cybersecurity Boot Camp GES3048 *

The Cybersecurity Master Boot Camp is an immersive and accelerated training course with a focus on creating the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

Lean Six Sigma

• Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Program CEPD-LSSBOL *

Students will complete a Lean Six Sigma project from inception to completion. Dates and times are flexible. .

• Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt CEPD-LSSGOL *

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certificate program will focus on both Advanced Lean Techniques and Six Sigma “Green Belt” methodologies. Detailed and real-world examples of lean thinking will be reviewed with hands - on examples to enhance the learning experience. Learn how to integrate theories of business, statistics, and the elimination of waste with the goal of achieving tangible results. Six Sigma methods will include project planning and various statistical tools to equip the student to be Green Belt certified and a practitioner of Lean Six Sigma at their organization. The course is offered 100% online. Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt for Health Care Professionals CEPD-LGHBOL *

This certification will give healthcare professionals the tools to improve patient care delivery processes, quality of patient outcomes, and patient satisfaction through Lean and Six Sigma quality and process improvement methodologies. In the ever-changing landscape of healthcare, this course offers detailed and real-world examples of lean thinking coupled with exercises to enhance your learning experience. Learn how to define and implement strategies for healthcare delivery processes and identify opportunities to reduce variations to optimal processes. Use Six Sigma methodology and various statistical tools in project planning to become a recognized practitioner of Lean Six Sigma in hospital or healthcare facilities.

Legal Studies

• Advanced Legal Research & Writing Certificate Course CEPD-ALRWOL
  • ​The Advanced Legal Research and Writing course examines advanced and specialized approaches to using the legal resources available in a law library and elsewhere. Get valuable training to understand the conceptual differences between computer-assisted legal research and hard copy research. Plus, learn how to formulate WESTLAW search queries and effectively and efficiently use WESTLAW and other online legal research methods as timesaving devices in research and writing. Coursework in Advanced Legal Research and Writing is equivalent to 50 clock hours of study. 
• Employment Law Certificate Course CEPD-ELCCOL
  • ​Employment law is a branch of contract law that deals with relationships between employers and employees. Our Employment Law Certificate Course will enable you to deal effectively with labor-related legal issues in the workplace through an exploration of statutes such as the National Labor Relations Act, the Railway Labor Act, and other various statutes dealing with public employees. Topics to be included are master and servant, wages and hours, anti-discrimination in employment, minimum wages and maximum hours, and regulation of working conditions.   
• Legal Nurse Consultant Training Course CEPD-LNCTOL
  • ​Due to a rise in lawsuits, more nurses are playing a larger role in the legal system-consulting on various medical legal issues, working in law offices, or starting their own businesses. Building on medical education and clinical experience, this course provides nurses the fundamental skills needed to advise on medical-related issues and to appear in court as an expert witness. Stand out in a competitive industry, increase your earning potential and gain expertise in the legal field-Get started today! This nursing continuing professional development activity was approved by Colorado Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. 
• Paralegal Certificate Course© CEPD-PLCCOL *
  • This course will provide you with comprehensive knowledge of the American judicial system. It will also teach you practical skills including how to assist trial attorneys, interview witnesses, investigate complex fact patterns, research the law, and assist in preparing cases for courtroom litigation. Gain working knowledge of legal authority: how it is used in the litigation process and how to locate it through legal research. You will also learn the basics of law office management, substantive law (such as criminal law, domestic relations, real property law, and bankruptcy), and informal and formal advocacy.

• Victim Advocacy Certificate Course CEPD-VACCOL
  • Participants will be prepared to work in victim advocacy arenas, such as domestic violence shelters, crisis centers and crisis hotlines, and with state and county governments to assist crime victims in progressing through the criminal justice system and toward successful recovery. ​
• Advanced Paralegal Certificate Program CEPD-APCPOL *
  • ​Our advanced paralegal topics provide training in a wide variety of specialty law topics to help you stand out in a competitive field, increase your earning potential, and grow your career. 

Project Management

• Certified Associate in Project Management Preparation Course-CAPM® online CEPD-CAPMOL2 * GovState Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® Exam Preparation online Course breaks down complex topics for anyone who is interested in or are just starting out in project management. This online course is a hands-on approach covering a wide range of topics, all reinforced through pre-recorded videos on each of the knowledge areas and practical examples with comprehension being tested at the end of each area with sample exam questions.

Project Management Professional (PMP)® Test Preparation 100% Online CEPD-PMPCOL *

Prepare to earn your PMP Certification by taking our 100% online, on-demand preparation course. Our prep course will aid you in your efforts to go on to take the PMP Certification Exam.

Credit for Prior Learning toward GovState’s IT-3310

Supply Chain Lean Process

• LS3C: Certified Lean Six Sigma for Supply Chain CEPD-LSSSOL

Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM)

• ASCM: Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD) CEPD-ASCMOL
• Certified Global Business Professional Workshop CEPD-CGBPOL
• Level 1 Principles of Distribution and Logistics CEPD-PODLOL
• Level 1 Principles of Manufacturing Management CEPD-POMMOL
• (APICS) Certified in Production, Inventory Management (CPIM) CEPD-CPIMOL

ACSM Bundled Programs

• Supply Chain Certification; Level 1, 2 & 3 Logistics, Transportation & Distribution CEPD-PDCLOL
• Supply Chain Certification; Level 1, 2 & 3 Manufacturing Management, Production, & Inventory Management CEPD-PCPMOL
• Institute for Supply Management (ISM)
  • ISM Certified in Professional Supply Management (CPSM) CEPD-CPSMOL

SCPro

SCPro Certification Test Prep: Level 1 CEPD-SCPROL

SCPro Level One is the only industry certification that covers the comprehensive supply chain, from end- to-end, and requires candidates to demonstrate their knowledge of the eight Cornerstones of Supply Chain Management via a multiple-choice exam. It was developed in partnership with supply chain experts and academics and is recognized by both companies and educational institutions as the most comprehensive certification available in the industry.

• SCPro Fundamentals Certification: Customer Service Operations CEPD-SCF2OL