PSU's Center for Executive and Professional Education

Schedules matter. Budgets matter. Scope definitely matters.

But projects often succeed or fail based on how people communicate, make decisions and work through conflict.

BP115: Project Leadership and Conflict Management helps project professionals strengthen the people side of project delivery. You will build skills for navigating disagreement, leading teams and keeping work moving when priorities collide.

Because a perfectly formatted project plan cannot resolve tension between two stakeholders who have both marked their request "urgent."

The next session runs August 20 through September 3 in person at CEPE.

Artificial intelligence is changing how organizations innovate, compete, and lead.

Join us in person at Portland State University's School of Business on September 11 for Strategic Leadership in the Age of AI, an immersive executive-level program designed to help you navigate the opportunities and challenges of AI.

You'll explore major AI trends, experience live demonstrations of generative AI tools, work through practical and ethical scenarios, and connect with executive peers and PSU experts.

Leave with the insight, tools, and confidence to lead strategically in an AI-driven world.

Early Bird Discount: Apply SB20 at checkout and save 20% when you register by August 15, 2026.

Date: Friday, September 11, 2026
TIme: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm PT
Location: Karl Miller Center, Portland State University, 615 SW Harrison Street

Learn more: https://www.pdx.edu/professional-education/strategic-leadership-age-ai-0

A change in one part of an organization rarely stays there.

A new process affects roles. New roles affect communication. Communication affects trust. Trust affects performance. And suddenly, the "simple change" has invited twelve more problems to the meeting.

Systems thinking helps you see those connections before they become costly surprises.

In our Systems Thinking Course, you will explore practical frameworks for understanding the people, processes, and structures that shape organizational performance.

The course runs August 12 through September 2 with live virtual sessions and guided self-study.

There’s still time to jump into CEPE’s Project Management certificate program this summer.

Step into the classroom in downtown Portland and learn by doing, working through real-world scenarios, collaborating with peers, and learning directly from experienced instructors who’ve led projects in the field.

Whether you’re building your foundation or leveling up your leadership, these hands-on courses are designed to sharpen your skills, expand your network, and give you tools you can use immediately on the job.

Explore the summer schedule and enroll: https://www.pdx.edu/professional-education/project-management-course-schedule

CEPE’s mission is simple: serve the community by providing high-quality, inclusive professional education.

That means creating learning opportunities for people who are building their careers while balancing work, life, and everything in between. It means offering practical programs that help professionals grow their skills, expand their confidence, and take a clear next step.

Because professional development should feel accessible, relevant, and worth your time.

And we’re into that.

Growth you can actually feel at work. Imagine that.

After taking a CEPE course, Emily gained skills she could use in her current position and felt supported enough to come back for another class.

That is the goal: practical learning that helps you grow into your career, not just add another line to your resume.

For more than 40 years, PSU’s Center for Executive and Professional Education has helped working professionals build practical skills, strengthen their confidence, and take the next step in their careers.

That kind of experience matters.

CEPE programs are designed for people who are balancing work, life, ambition, and probably at least one calendar invite they should have declined. Courses are built to be practical, relevant, and immediately applicable, so you can bring what you learn back to your role right away. Yeehaw.

Your job description said one thing.
Your actual job had other plans.

Project management. Data analysis. Team leadership. HR responsibilities.

CEPE certificate programs help you build the practical skills your work is already asking you to use.

Leadership often shows up before your title changes.

You may be asked to guide a project, manage people, navigate conflict, or make decisions before anyone officially calls you a leader.

CEPE’s leadership programs help you build the practical skills to lead with more clarity and confidence.

Explore programs: https://www.pdx.edu/professional-education/certificate-programs

Not sure where to start?

Start with the part of your work that keeps creating friction.

CEPE offers practical certificate programs across project management, data analytics, HR, leadership, organizational development, business analysis, and more.

Find your next skill: https://www.pdx.edu/professional-education/certificate-programs