Online and Remote Learning

Learn where and when you want.

SCS is committed to making learning as accessible as possible both locally and across the globe. We are continuously expanding our list of over 540 online learning opportunities. From languages to accounting, we offer flexible learning opportunities.

Our online courses are instructor-led and delivered through the University of Toronto’s Learning Management Engine – Quercus. Quercus uses weekly, real time modules and has tools for engagement and community building. Course preparation has built in flexibility so you can read, study, and complete assignments on your own time.

You will communicate with your instructors via discussion boards and/or email. Some online courses include live, interactive webinars. If you’re unable to attend the live webinar, you will be able to view a recording of the webinar on your own schedule.

You may also want to investigate funding opportunities available to you on our Financial Assistance page. Your path to lifelong learning is more attainable than you think!

In this course, you’ll learn how basic legal principles relate to architectural practice with regard to common law, judicial process, alternative dispute resolution, and professional liability. This course explains and illustrates that regardless of project type or size, architects should prepare and execute written contracts with both clients and consultants. This is an online, self-directed course, and you can work through the modules at your own pace. You can expect to complete the course in a month, but have up to two months to complete it. Quizzes In the course you will be asked to complete a Confidence Quiz, which contain a set of 20 multiple choice questions. This quiz functions differently than traditional quizzing, as they allow you to retake any question you are unsure about the answer and/or select an incorrect answer, and you may retake them as much as you'd like to. Successful course completion involves receiving a score of 100% on the quiz which is based solely on core module content.  Notes: The OAA Self-Study Series for Architects comprises training modules drawn from the mandatory OAA Admission Course each intern architect must complete as part of the licensing process. This material, while not new to those have completed the Admission Course, is valuable to practising architects and related audiences. OAA members can select the modules in which they’re interested, cover the material at their own pace (over a three-month period) and successfully complete a quiz to complete the course. Grade Report documentation is usually available 4 - 6 weeks after you have successfully completed the course. Once your grade is available, you will be informed by email, and given instructions on how to access your grade. Please use this documentation to claim Continuing Education hours with OAA. Whether you are an architect or architectural technologist wanting to review some foundational material, someone from outside of the province planning to work in Ontario for the first time, or an architectural practice staff member, participants benefit from the essential material covered in these à la carte courses. The self-study modules and correlating OAA continuing education hours are: Professional Responsibility, Ethics, and Membership in a Self-Regulating Profession (CE Credit Hours = 3.0); The Construction Act (CE Credit Hours = 3.0); Legal Aspects: Professional Liability and Architects’ Contracts (CE Credit Hours = 3); Planning and Development Approvals (CE Credit Hours = 3); Ontario Building Code Act and Building Permit Application Process (CE Credit Hours = 3); Ontario Building Code Compliance Data: Concepts and Code Analysis (CE Credit Hours = 6); Bid Theory and Bid Practice (CE Credit Hours = 3); and Construction Contract Administration and General Review (CE Credit Hours = 3). For intern architects, please note that taking the Self-Study Series for Architects does not count toward completion of the Admission Course. For more information on the Admission Course, click here. Identify the elements of the judicial process and the court systems; Describe the most frequently used methods for alternate dispute resolution; Distinguish key basic concepts of contract law; List the stages of a lawsuit in the context of professional liability; Outline the risk management measures in the context of professional liability; Describe the importance of contracts in the practice of architecture; Define the roles and relationships between architects, owners, consultants, and contractors; Identify an architect's responsibilities as reflected in OAA standard contracts; Explain how the administration of architect contracts relates to the practice of architecture; Differentiate standard versus non-standard contracts; and Prepare Standard Contracts OAA 600 and OAA 900.
  • Spring/Summer - 25
  • ON-LINE
In this course, you’ll learn about the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA), the self-regulating organization governed by the Architects Act, as well as the professional obligations of every architect in Ontario. This is the OAA’s opportunity to complement your education and training with some practical information relevant to your success as a licensed professional in the Province of Ontario. It addresses professional and responsible conduct for an architect, an architect’s responsibilities for projects or practices, and how to make a practice more productive. This is an online, self-directed course, and you can work through the modules at your own pace. You can expect to complete the course in a month, but have up to two months to complete it. Quizzes In the course you will be asked to complete a Confidence Quiz, which contain a set of 20 multiple choice questions. This quiz functions differently than traditional quizzing, as they allow you to retake any question you are unsure about the answer and/or select an incorrect answer, and you may retake them as much as you'd like to. Successful course completion involves receiving a score of 100% on the quiz which is based solely on core module content.  Notes: The OAA Self-Study Series for Architects comprises training modules drawn from the mandatory OAA Admission Course each intern architect must complete as part of the licensing process. This material, while not new to those have completed the Admission Course, is valuable to practising architects and related audiences. OAA members can select the modules in which they’re interested, cover the material at their own pace (over a three-month period) and successfully complete a quiz to complete the course. Grade Report documentation is usually available 4 - 6 weeks after you have successfully completed the course. Once your grade is available, you will be informed by email, and given instructions on how to access your grade. Please use this documentation to claim Continuing Education hours with OAA. Whether you are an architect or architectural technologist wanting to review some foundational material, someone from outside of the province planning to work in Ontario for the first time, or an architectural practice staff member, participants benefit from the essential material covered in these à la carte courses. The self-study modules and correlating OAA continuing education hours are: Professional Responsibility, Ethics, and Membership in a Self-Regulating Profession (CE Credit Hours = 3.0); The Construction Act (CE Credit Hours = 3.0); Legal Aspects: Professional Liability and Architects’ Contracts (CE Credit Hours = 3); Planning and Development Approvals (CE Credit Hours = 3); Ontario Building Code Act and Building Permit Application Process (CE Credit Hours = 3); Ontario Building Code Compliance Data: Concepts and Code Analysis (CE Credit Hours = 6); Bid Theory and Bid Practice (CE Credit Hours = 3); and Construction Contract Administration and General Review (CE Credit Hours = 3). For intern architects, please note that taking the Self-Study Series for Architects does not count toward completion of the Admission Course. For more information on the Admission Course, click here. Recognize the rationale behind the OAA Admission Course; Describe the legal instruments and regulations for the practice of architecture; Explain professionalism and professional obligations; Outline the structure and functions of the OAA; and Perform an architect's professional responsibilitie
  • Spring/Summer - 25
  • ON-LINE
Water is one of our most precious resources and managing it in a changing world requires new approaches. In this course, you’ll explore connections between water and broader economic and social issues, including food production, energy, transboundary conflict and health. You’ll examine the impacts of climate change and human demand in developed and developing countries. You’ll emerge with a greater appreciation of the benefits and limitations of current practices, and the challenges facing planners, managers, policy-makers, advocates and sustainability professionals. After completing this course you’ll be able to: Identify and explain current critical issues related to water resources management, Assess future evolving challenges to water resources, both due to human demands and environmental change, Analyze the similarities and differences between developed and developing countries,  Evaluate a variety of approaches which are used in managing water resources, including the benefits and limitations involved, and Assess the need for new approaches to water resources management in a changing world.
  • Fall - 25
  • ON-LINE
The world’s water resources are being taxed as never before. In this course, you’ll study the issues facing our water supply, including best practices for reducing demand and maintaining supply continuity. You’ll explore patterns of use, regulation and governance, different types of infrastructure in municipal settings, and supply vs. demand management approaches. You’ll examine the important role of water audits in planning and management, and emerge with the tools and resources you need to measure, manage and reduce water usage. After completing this course you’ll be able to: Identify and Describe the goals of water management: economic efficiency, social equity and environmental sustainability  Apply supply vs. demand management approaches to water resources Explain the theory and application of water audits at residential, commercial building, industry and municipal levels from a policy and technical perspective Explain and apply tools and processes to quantity and manage water usage Compare and contrast best practices and technologies to reduce water demand and maintain continuity of supply Analyze current and future trends that will affect water planning and management and the important role to be played by water audits
  • Winter - 26
  • ON-LINE
If your organization needs to boost productivity and improve service quality, it must build its service design capabilities. In this course, you’ll study the history and key principles of service design. You’ll learn to build long-term value by better understanding your customers’ needs. You’ll create customer journeys that unfold over time, identifying key opportunities for meaningful interaction through multiple channels. You’ll emerge better equipped to analyze your organization’s existing services and apply service design principles to help it remain competitive. Within 4-6 weeks of successfully completing this course, you will receive your micro-credential indicating achievement of the outlined learning outcomes and competencies/skills. Micro-credentials are tamper proof, verifiable, blockchain-based and 100% digital. They can be shared on social media, including LinkedIn and Facebook, embedded in websites or downloaded as PDFs. By the end of this micro course, you'll be able to: Describe what Service Design is and how it differs from User Experience (UX) Design and Customer Experience (CX) Design Identify and explain the principles of Service Design and compare with Design Thinking Recognize service as a customer journey and distinguish the key moments in that journey Analyze an existing service in order to judge its efficacy and value Plan to start practicing Service Design Competencies/skills developed in this micro course include: Client Focus Design Thinking Strategic Thinking Leading Change
  • Fall - 25
  • ON-LINE
If you’ve completed the Introduction to Service Design I – Principles and Concepts, you’re ready to delve further into a discipline that can dramatically improve productivity and quality and help your organization remain competitive. In this course, you’ll adopt a more systematic and creative approach to enhance your strategic design capabilities. You’ll use proven brainstorming techniques to generate rapid, meaningful prototypes of experiences you can evaluate. You’ll learn how to avoid common mistakes and create meaningful journey maps that allow stakeholders to share your vision. Within 4-6 weeks of successfully completing this course, you will receive your micro-credential indicating achievement of the outlined learning outcomes and competencies/skills. Micro-credentials are tamper proof, verifiable, blockchain-based and 100% digital. They can be shared on social media, including LinkedIn and Facebook, embedded in websites or downloaded as PDFs. By the end of this micro course, you'll be able to: Understand what tools and methods are commonly used by Service Design, and how they align to principles of the practice Create meaningful Journey Maps to visualize how a person interacts with touchpoints in order to achieve a goal Construct an artifact to organize the components of a service into a blueprint Create new ideas by using effective brainstorming techniques Develop rapid, low fidelity prototypes of experiences to evaluate ideas and present them to stakeholders Competencies/skills developed in this micro course include: Journey Mapping Service Blueprinting Ideation Facilitation Prototyping
  • Fall - 25
  • Spring/Summer - 25
  • ON-LINE
Discover the benefits of an embodied movement practice to help participants integrate past trauma. In this course, you’ll acquire the basic tools to practice in a group with ample time for experiential learning. By combining theory and practice, you’ll gain direct experience of mindful movement practices, including Trauma-Informed Yoga and Somatic Experiencing (SETM). You'll study the impacts and neuroscience of stress and trauma so you can share gentle movement practices in a safe environment and adapt them for various populations.  Identify and explain the basic tenets of Mindful Movement.  Describe the impacts of trauma on the nervous system and the basic elements of the stress response system.  Learn and practice interoception during gentle Mindful Movement practices.   Explore how to share a simple movement practice while creating a safe as possible environment. Learn how to adapt the practices for various populations.  Discuss and demonstrate the use of inquiry while facilitating Mindful Movement.
  • Fall - 25
  • ON-LINE
The University Lecture Series invites leading scholars, thinkers, experts and leaders to address an eclectic range of topics in a short, accessible format. All the recorded presentations of the University Lecture Series from the St George Campus are now available to explore and revisit as often as you like. Hear thoughtful insights, critical analyses and provocative ideas. Dating back to 2018, these 45-minute lectures can be viewed on a subscription basis. Learn more about new interests or hear new points of view on topics you care about. Listen at your own pace for a period of two months. Renew your subscription if you would like to continue your access. Hear about issues and events that are new to you. Challenge yourself with the opinions of thought leaders who address current realities. Evaluate new perspectives on topics that are familiar to you. Gain background on important Canadian and international news.
  • Winter - 25
  • ON-LINE
The School of Continuing Studies is an Authorized Training Partner (ATP) with the Project Management Institute (PMI). The Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification demonstrates a command of and a commitment to project management. It indicates you have a skill set that is highly desirable in a wide range of professions and industries.  The PMP® certification is the industry standard for project management excellence and is respected by employers around the globe. This PMI® Authorized PMP Preparation course will prepare you to write the PMP® Exam.  What is Unique About our Course? •    6 simulated PMP® practice exams (180 questions each), and over 2,000 additional practice questions let you test your knowledge and skills •    Practice with a total of 3,100 questions to build your confidence, hone your readiness for the exam, and demonstrate project management mastery subsequently on the job.  •    Access the practice questions and exams for 12 months (includes the time you take the course.) Course Features: •    Our instructors are certified by PMI as Authorized Training Partner Instructors. They are top project managers with expertise in waterfall, agile and hybrid practices. They are also popular and experienced online instructors, dedicated to student success. •    Live and engaging instructor-led webinar sessions provide expert advice and coaching to help you be exam ready. Webinar sessions are recorded for your convenience. •    Instructors provide insights on the application preparation process.  •    Network with like-minded, success oriented project professionals. •    Fulfill the 35 education hour requirement to write the PMP® exam. What’s the Value of the PMP®? The PMP® delivers value far into your career, so it’s worth the time, money and overall investment. It provides professional credibility, deep knowledge and increased earning potential. PMI reports that PMP® certification holders earn up to 25% more than noncertified project management professionals. Project managers who have proven skills and experience can find opportunities in a wide range of fields. Additionally, PMI research indicates that employers will need to fill nearly 2.2 million new project-oriented roles each year through 2027. This means project managers will be in high demand for years to come. Increase your competitive edge in the project management field with PMP® certification. Set yourself up for PMP® success with this PMI® authorized course with the School of Continuing Studies! This course is based on the PMI PMBOK® Guide - Seventh Edition, which is one of ten reference books, aligned to the current PMP® exam. SPECIAL NOTES: A. A $200 (plus tax) mandatory, non-refundable fee for PMI course materials will be charged in addition to the tuition fee. B. Registration in this course gives you 12 month (one year) access from the course start date to the course materials, the webinar recordings, the practice questions and practice exams.  Should you require access to the course materials for more than 12 months, we can provide a one-time extended access period for another 6 months (total of 18 month maximum) for a $500 fee.  The extended access fee will be non-refundable, and non-transferrable. C. If you write the PMP® certification exam after completing this course and are unsuccessful in passing the PMP® exam, you can re-take the course, with instructor approval, for a reduced fee of $500. You may also need to purchase a new $200 student workbook/digital key to re-take the course.  This offer is valid for six months from the conclusion date of your original course. •    Create and manage high-performing teams •    Plan, tailor and manage the project •    Execute and assess the project work •    Evaluate and deliver project benefits and value •    Hone your strategies to succeed in timed exam •    Acquire tips and tricks to remember and navigate key concepts •    Review practice exams to be PMP® certification ready
  • Fall - 25
  • ON-LINE
Look over the shoulder of a Roman emperor and a Vietnamese Zen monk. Revisit the 2nd century A.D. and the 1960s in the US and Vietnam. These are the times of the Antonine plague, the Marcomannic wars, and the Vietnam war. Both  journal-keepers witness close up the darkness of the human heart. Yet, the Stoic philosopher-emperor and the Buddhist monk ("Thay") pen journals that are deeply life-affirming. Marcus and Thay offer us handbooks for living with resilience, purpose and joy.  Examine both journals in the context of their life and time. Discuss journals as a literary form and as a way of self-exploration.  Learn principles of Stoicism, Buddhism and artistic creativity as a way of life. If you wish to do so, keep a journal for the duration of this class and receive optional journaling guidance and prompts weekly.   
  • Fall - 25
  • ON-LINE

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