Fall brings new opportunities for growth at Concordia Continuing Education
Isabel Dunnigan: “When learners realize they can succeed at something new, you see their confidence change completely. That’s when they understand they can take the next step, and then the next one.”
Fall is a season of dynamic change. At Concordia Continuing Education (CCE), it marks the start of a fresh academic year filled with new opportunities for professional and personal growth. The Fall 2025 term introduces new courses and updated programs designed to propel learners toward their goals while helping them meet industry demands.
And when it comes to those demands, few topics are more pressing than Artificial Intelligence (AI). To complement its existing AI offering, CCE is launching courses in generative AI and AI in manufacturing to equip professionals with the knowledge and tools to understand and apply fast-rising technologies.
To build on its focus on innovation, CCE has revamped its Human Resources Management program to include HR Data Analytics and Technology, helping HR professionals incorporate data into decision-making. CCE’s offering will also continue to feature in-demand topics such as cybersecurity, project management, leadership, business communication, and UX design.
“These initiatives are about preparing people to thrive in a world of constant change,” says Isabel Dunnigan, associate vice-president of professional education and valorisation du français. “It’s not just about the content you learn — it’s about learning how to learn, how to adapt with confidence, and applying those skills to create value and drive impacts within organizations.”
Learning designed for transformation
Programs at CCE are built with adaptability in mind. The instructors, who are working professionals chosen for their industry expertise, work closely with curriculum designers to ensure courses blend theory with hands-on application. Many programs feature short, stackable courses that can add up to larger certificates. This makes it easier for learners to elevate their skills without disrupting their lives.
“Learners today seek more than content; they’re seeking transformation,” Dunnigan notes. “Some are pivoting into new fields, others want to lead better, and many are navigating uncertainty or seeking purpose. Our learners know we are listening, evolving, and remaining deeply invested in their journeys.”
CCE’s programming also reflects Concordia’s deep roots in Quebec society. The new French Communication Essentials program helps professionals from all backgrounds integrate confidently into the province's business landscape.
“Concordia is very Montreal and very Quebec, but also very global,” Dunnigan says. “I think our strength is in how we connect to communities here in Montreal, in every region of Quebec, and across Canada, while looking beyond our frontiers.”
A digital makeover that simplifies learning
To celebrate its commitment to innovation, CCE has revamped its website with the aim of simplifying the pathway to learning opportunities. The new site makes it easier for individuals and organizations to find courses and programs, understand their options with greater ease, and explore industry news and alumni success stories that showcase the benefits of continuous learning.
“CCE is often where people take their first step back into learning after many years away,” she said. “We have to make that step welcoming, flexible and relevant.”
Free events happening this fall
Beyond courses and programs, CCE is expanding ways for prospective learners to explore topics before committing. Starting this fall, a new series of free Lunch & Learn webinars will give attendees the chance to meet the instructors, interact with peers, and gain useful insights to apply right away. The first of these webinars takes place September 18 and will explore how to overcome the psychological barriers that sometimes get in the way of learning French.
“These events are about opening doors,” Dunnigan notes. “They let people discover the communities they’ll encounter in our programs and leave with practical ideas and a sense of possibility.”
For Dunnigan, CCE’s mission is to help learners build the confidence and self-belief to adapt and grow.
“When learners realize they can succeed at something new, you see their confidence change completely. That’s when they understand they can take the next step, and then the next one.”
Her message to new and returning CCE learners this fall is an invitation to invest in themselves.
“Whether you’re starting a new chapter, deepening your expertise, or exploring a personal interest, know that we are here for you,” Dunnigan offers. “At CCE, you’ll find skilled instructors, a supportive community and a team dedicated to your success. Let this season of learning be the beginning of something positively transformative, for you and for the world around you.”
Explore Concordia Continuing Education courses and programs.