What You Should Know About SoPA

Our name, Tulane School of Professional Advancement, reflects our commitment to helping working adults reach their full potential in their educations and their careers. Browse our site to learn more about our degree programs.

2023-2024 ACADEMIC YEAR IN REVIEW

History of the Tulane School of Professional Advancement

We offered our very first continuing education classes more than 130 years ago. Tulane offered freehand and mechanical drawing to men, as well as courses for teachers in 1886. A little over 50 years later, in 1942, Tulane's Division for Teachers merged with the College of Commerce and Business Administration’s Night Division to create University College.

In 2006, as part of the university-wide Renewal Plan in response to Hurricane Katrina, University College was renamed the School of Continuing Studies. We relaunched as the School of Professional Advancement, or SoPA, in April 2017 to better reflect our focus on helping adults access knowledge, credentials, and networks to achieve professional success.

Programs of Study

Our areas of study include Media+Design, Information Technology, General Legal Studies, Emergency and Security Studies, Public Administration, Humanities, Education, Business and Leadership Studies, Kinesiology, and Social Sciences.

Along with our bachelor’s degree and master’s degree options, students may further build skills through one of our certificate programs.

Start Your Application Online

At the Tulane School of Professional Advancement, our faculty and staff are devoted to your future success. Start your application process today and learn about financial support available to many students.