Shockers never stop learning

President’s Message

At Wichita State, our number one priority is access and affordability. We believe education is an investment that never stops paying dividends. It opens doors, builds confidence and prepares us for whatever comes next. And that belief doesn’t end with graduation.

As a proud member of the Age-Friendly University Global Network, Wichita State is committed to meeting the personal, educational and career needs of learners at every stage of life. That means creating flexible, accessible programs that fit different goals and lifestyles — whether advancing a career, returning to finish a degree or exploring new interests simply for the joy of discovery.

Here are just a few ways Shockers are continuing to learn and grow:

Spero: Launched by the Barton School of Business in 2024, this program helps participants, especially those new to the workforce, develop meaningful skills for lasting careers. With input from 22 companies, Spero offers the world’s first 1EdTech TrustEd Micro-credential certified tracks in entrepreneurship and career readiness.

Badges: Short, online courses designed to build targeted skills and demonstrate expertise without the time commitment of a full degree.

Academic certificates: Academic certificates provide specialized knowledge to advance careers, open new opportunities and, in some cases, stack toward a degree.

Shocker Comeback: This program helps former students return to WSU, offering support to re-enroll, access financial aid and complete an unfinished undergraduate degree.

Graduate school: From business and engineering to health professions and fine arts, Wichita State offers more than 50 master’s degrees in more than 100 areas, a specialist in education degree and 14 doctoral degrees for those ready to take their education — and their professional careers — to the next level.

Lifelong learning: Adults 60 and older can take credit courses tuition-free, exploring topics from art and history to science and current events.

Community education: Noncredit courses in cooking, photography, personal finance, learning to speak another language and other fun courses are affordable, low-pressure ways to learn something new at any age.

For alumni and retirees, the message is simple: Your learning journey didn’t end at commencement. Whether building skills or feeding your curiosity, Wichita State is here to walk with you every step of the way.

Go Shockers!

RICK MUMA

President

Wichita State University