Continuing education is usually an outreach unit of a college or university. Its general mission is to provide opportunities for learning experiences to people whenever the need for such opportunities has been established or there is a perceived or forecasted need.  To accomplish this mission, it sponsors many classes, seminars, workshops, and off-campus courses. At most institutions, all of these activities are self-supporting and no state funds are used for the courses or their administration. This means that continuing education directors look for opportunities that provide new revenues and profits. 

There are different categories of classes which may be organized or offered through continuing education departments, briefly outlined below:

• Off-Campus Credit Courses: These courses are offered by individual college departments at off-campus locations. Special interest courses and educational needs are the primary motivators for such offerings.

• On-Campus Credit Courses: Regular courses are offered on campus to supplement tuition-based course offerings. Such classes include developmental classes and prerequisites for other courses. Classes may apply to degree programs, as well. Examples might be basic English or math class.

• Non-Credit Workshops, Conferences, and Institutes: The continuing education staff also organizes a wide scope of activities for various groups and organizations. Although no credit is earned, transcripts or records can be obtained.

• Interactive Video Courses, Workshops, Conferences, and Meetings: Many opportunities are made available through college or university area networks. These networks allow individuals from more than one location to see and hear each other as they participate in the same activity. These services offer educational opportunities to persons at all levels of education within a college or university service area that may otherwise not be accessible to them.