Stand out in today's competitive job market with UW specializations

Two new specializations — with more planned for fall 2025 — recently launched at University of Washington Professional & Continuing Education.

What you need to know: Specializations are a short-format offering for students to develop a focused skill and competency in high-demand areas from expert instructors.

• These programs require less time commitment than earning a certificate or a degree — they can be completed in just three to six months.
• UX Research and Product Marketing join the roster of nearly 80 certificate programs and specializations offered at UW.

The reason: UW specializations are tailored to give learners expertise they can use to take on new, more complex projects in their current job — or move into a new role.

• "We've designed UW specializations so adult learners can fit world-class education into their busy lives," says Sandra Janusch, assistant vice provost of international and academic programs for UW Continuum College. "These specialized skills can give our graduates the edge they want to stand out in the job market and make a greater impact in today's changing professional landscape."

Why now: Upskilling is important to employers, according to data from the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025.

• 85% of employers surveyed plan to prioritize upskilling their workforce, with 70% of employers expecting to hire staff with new skills.

The deets: Peek inside the two newest specializations launched in the last year:

• 💻 UX Research: In this nine-week online program, students learn how to apply UX research principles and techniques to uncover user frustrations, needs and expectations.
• 📈 Product Marketing: In this 10-week online program, students explore how to identify and effectively communicate a product's value to maximize customer adoption and sales.

Plus, plus, plus: More specializations — Budgeting & Finance for Non-profits and Grant Management are slated to launch this fall.

What's in it for you: Students enjoy…

• Direct support from instructors, who guide individual online learning, small-group practice scenarios and real-world portfolio projects.
• Opportunities to network with leading employers, working professionals and a community of peers.

Here's what else: Learners who successfully complete a specialization also earn a certificate of completion and a digital badge, University of Washington credentials they can use to validate their specialized skills and new competencies.

More info: UW Professional & Continuing Education offers a path for those who don't fit the mold of a traditional full-time student.

• Choose from more than 80 certificate programs and specializations, nearly 70 degrees and two dozen courses designed with flexible options in the evening, on weekends and online.

Explore UW's programs and specializations.