Liberal Arts & Applied Studies
(LAAS)
Who We Are
The Department of Liberal Arts and Applied Studies, as part of the UW-Madison Division of Continuing Studies, provides education to adult learners by: providing education to adult learners; conducting outreach on issues of societal importance; and undertaking scholarship on teaching and learning related to professional development and lifelong learning.
Our Learners
Our learners have diverse motivations to seek noncredit classes for professional development and personal enrichment. They include people who:
- Require professional education to stay current in their fields
- Seek classes for personal enjoyment
- Attend classes on the UW-Madison campus
- Participate in online classes
- Hold a college or professional degree or degrees
- Are enrolled in their first college-affiliated course
Our Programs
We offer classes in:
- Arts, history, and humanities
- Behavioral health
- Distance education practices for teachers, corporate trainers, the military, and others
- Independent learning
- Language and Culture
- Leadership, management, and workplace skills
Some of our faculty and instructional staff also teach credit classes in other academic departments at UW‑Madison.
Conferences
In addition to our classes, each year we host conferences that bring people together from across the country to learn from experts in fields ranging from distance education to leadership to creative writing and more.
Certificates
Looking to build and demonstrate your expertise? Whether online or in person, a certificate from UW-Madison Continuing Studies provides proof of your commitment to your profession.
Custom Training
Looking for top-quality training tailored to your industry’s needs? Want to focus on goals specific to your organization? UW-Madison Continuing Studies can help.
LAAS FACULTY & STAFF
Colleen Johnson
Director, Development & Community Relations, Odyssey Program