Essential Skills Certificate: Goal Setting, Time Management & Communication
Enhance your professional and personal skills in this 11-week online course that provides flexibility and a learn-by-doing approach.
Course Description
This online, non-credit course equips you with essential, real-world skills in goal setting, motivation, time management, and communication.Core concepts include professional communication (written, verbal, non-verbal, and listening), techniques to align motivation with short- and long-term goal setting, and time management strategies for prioritizing tasks and adapting to change. The course features three customizable skill development levels and a work-based learning approach that encourages you to apply new skills in real-time while reflecting on your growth—both professionally and personally. Learners have flexibility to customize their learning in a way that best fits their goals.
There are no required books! All course content will be provided to you in the course. Learners who successfully complete the program will receive a certificate of completion and a Skills Achievement Record to document skill acquisition.
Who should take this course?
This course is designed for individuals at various stages of their personal and professional journey who are committed to growth and development. This includes:
Job seekers looking to stand out in a competitive market by showcasing refined communication, goal-setting, and self-awareness skills in applications and interviews.
Entry-level professionals aiming to build a strong foundation in essential workplace skills.
Current employees who want to elevate their performance.
Professionals in transition - whether changing industries, returning to the workforce, or stepping into leadership—who want to sharpen their skills and gain fresh perspectives.
Lifelong learners who are ready to reflect on their strengths, embrace feedback, and grow personally and professionally in a supportive environment.
Learners new to online or college-level learning who want a safe, encouraging space to build confidence and ease into the experience.
You Will Learn To:
Set and pursue personal and professional goals using motivation-based techniques
Manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and adapt to change
Communicate clearly and confidently across written, verbal, and non-verbal formats
Build resilience through increased self-confidence and self-advocacy
Upon successfully completing the Base Camp 1 level or above in all three skills, you will be awarded a non-credit Certificate of Completion in Essential Skills from the University of Denver.
Skills Achievement Record
The Essential Skills Certificate Program consists of three skill development levels – Base Camp 1, Base Camp 2, and Summit. Upon completion, all students receive a Skill Achievement Record (SAR). The SAR is customized to your level of skill achievement, highlights the skills you have learned in this course, and can be shared with colleagues and employers or posted to LinkedIn or other social media pages.
Course Start and End Dates: September 15 - December 5, 2025
Last Day for Full Course Refund: September 22, 2025
Skills Achievement Record and Certificate of Completion Delivery: December 15, 2025
Supporting Your Success
From the start, you'll have access to individual support with technology, time management, and course assignments to help you stay on track and succeed.
Once you are registered for the course, we invite you to participate in onboarding activities to ensure your success in the program! Meet with your academic advisor to learn about the structure of the program, answer your questions, and complete the Student Success Booster course that provides resources to be successful in the program. You will receive more information about these opportunities after enrollment.
Students enrolled in this course will be connected with an academic advisor who specializes in supporting students in the Essential Skills Certificate Program. Your advisor will walk alongside you during the course and help ensure you are successful.
Your faculty mentor is skilled at teaching and coaching essential skills and will support you throughout the course and help ensure your success, both in the course and your career!
