Faculty-developed online programs begin this fall and provide flexible pathways for career advancement, teacher preparation, and lifelong learning.

Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) is expanding its workforce education offerings with the launch of a new portfolio of Professional Certificate Programs beginning this fall. Developed and taught by SAU faculty, the fully online programs provide learners with flexible, career-focused educational opportunities designed to help meet the evolving workforce needs of North Carolina and beyond.

“Throughout our history, SAU has remained committed to transforming lives through education,” said Sophie Gibson, Chair of the SAU Board of Trustees. “These new programs reflect that enduring commitment by expanding educational opportunities that prepare learners for meaningful careers while responding to the workforce needs of our communities and state. We are proud to support initiatives that strengthen our mission through innovation, collaboration, and service.”

The initial portfolio includes Professional Certificate Programs in Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Python for Data Science, Java Programming, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, and Community-Level Public Health, fields that prepare learners with practical knowledge and skills aligned with today’s growing life sciences and healthcare industries. Each program is designed to provide accessible, high-quality instruction that learners can immediately apply in professional settings while earning a SAU Professional Certificate.

The initiative reflects a vision initially proposed by SAU Interim President Dr. Verjanis A. Peoples, who joined SAU in 2025 in her previous role as Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs. Recognizing the growing demand for flexible, workforce-focused educational opportunities, Dr. Peoples championed the development of faculty-led professional certificate programs and alternative career pathways that complement the university’s longstanding tradition of academic excellence. Her vision continues to guide the university’s efforts to expand access to high-quality educational opportunities that prepare learners for success in today’s evolving workforce.

“SAU has always been committed to preparing students for lives of leadership, service, and meaningful careers,” said SAU Interim President Dr. Verjanis A. Peoples. “These new programs build upon the expertise of our outstanding faculty while expanding educational opportunities that meet learners where they are and prepare them for the needs of today’s workforce. This initiative reflects our commitment to innovation, access, and academic excellence as we continue serving students and communities throughout North Carolina and beyond.”

In addition to its new Professional Certificate Programs, SAU will continue offering its Teacher Residency Licensure Program for Elementary Education and Health & Physical Education in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI). The program provides an alternative pathway for aspiring educators to earn teacher licensure while helping school districts address North Carolina’s ongoing need for qualified classroom teachers.

The Professional Certificate Programs were developed by SAU faculty, combining academic expertise with practical, workforce-relevant learning experiences. Designed for working professionals, recent graduates, career changers, and lifelong learners, the fully online format allows students to balance coursework with professional and personal commitments while earning a credential from SAU.

The launch of these programs represents an important step in the university’s continued operational efforts to expand educational opportunities while responding to workforce needs across North Carolina. The university also continues to explore future partnerships with employers, industry leaders, and community organizations to help ensure its educational offerings remain aligned with emerging workforce demands.

In addition to its faculty-developed Professional Certificate Programs, SAU will continue offering hundreds of online continuing education courses through its longstanding partnership with ed2go. While the ed2go catalog provides a broad range of professional development and personal enrichment opportunities through an external education partner, the university’s Professional Certificate Programs are developed and taught by university faculty and culminate in a SAU credential.

As SAU continues its operational and strategic planning efforts, the university remains focused on providing educational programs and services that benefit learners, strengthen communities, and contribute to North Carolina’s workforce needs. The launch of these programs reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to serving students and communities through practical, mission-driven educational opportunities while continuing its more than 158-year legacy of transforming lives through education.

Click here to explore available programs and enrollment information.