The College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPaCE) at CSULB offers high-impact learning opportunities to help individuals enter, advance, or transition into various careers. We provide programs, certificates, credentials, and non-degree enrollment in academic courses at CSULB.
We believe in lifelong learning to help our students stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. In doing so, our programs support continuous personal and professional development, ensuring you can adapt to changing career landscapes and achieve your goals at any stage of life.
We believe lifelong learning should also be inspiring! That's why we created CPaCE Inspires, a friendly initiative designed to help students and community members explore the future of work and career advancement opportunities. With our podcast, speaker series, and blog, we're here to support ALL students, no matter where you are on your journey.
CPaCE partners with industry leaders to create innovative success pathways, enriching California's workforce and economy, with programs to help you find a career or access higher education, no matter your starting point.
Offerings:
- Certificate programs aligned with industry standards
- Stackable certificates for multiple qualifications
- Short-term professional courses taught by top industry professionals
- Microcredentials and Digital Badges for skills and achievements
- Custom Training programs for organizations
Whether you want to gain new skills, advance in your current field, or explore new opportunities at any stage of life, CPaCE provides support for continued personal and professional development.
A certificate program is a short, practical course or series of courses aimed at enhancing your career skills. These programs focus on areas like project management, leadership, digital marketing, or data analysis. Completing the program means meeting attendance, participation, and assignment requirements, earning a certificate that validates your skills and is valued by employers.
Microcredentials are short, focused credentials designed to complement a certificate or degree program and provide immediate skills and knowledge to make you ready for the workforce. They can be stackable, meaning you can build up your qualifications over time and improve your career prospects
Digital Badges are online symbols of your achievements and skills acquired in a certificate or microcredential program. You can share them on social media, professional networks, and digital resumes to show your qualifications to employers and colleagues. Learn more on our Digital Badge page.
CPaCE offers a variety of custom learning opportunities to meet your organization’s needs! We provide short-term professional training and immersive English language programs tailored for industry partners, individual employers or visiting international groups. Learn more at our Custom Training page.
CPaCE Inspires Speaker Series
CPaCE offers expert speaker events showcasing diverse career opportunities across various industries. These presentations provide insights into career paths, industry landscapes, and the benefits of lifelong learning. Whether you're exploring new industries, seeking advice from experienced leaders, or looking for inspiration, our presenters offer valuable perspectives. Register for one of our events and get inspired!
Military Veterans: From Service to Supply Chain Careers
- Date: Thursday, January 29, 2026
- Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- Location: CSULB Campus, CPaCE Building, Room 100C
Military service can develop important skills—leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving—that are essential in today’s workforce.
The Harbor Association of Industry & Commerce (HAIC) and CSULB’s College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPaCE) invite you to a powerful panel discussion showcasing military veterans who are building successful careers in logistics, supply chain management, and related industries. Discover how technical training gained in the military translates into civilian roles—with insights on how companies are creating pathways for veteran talent.
Opening remarks by Dr. Tom O’Brien, CPaCE Associate Dean and HAIC President, will be followed by a discussion moderated by Patrick Wilson, president of Fast Lane Transportation, who founded the company after a two-year stint in the U.S. Air Force.
Hear directly from panelists including:
- Darren Acker, Director of Finished Vehicle Logistics Operations at Hyundai Glovis, a CSULB alum who served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 21 years.
- Martin Cresmer, Senior Labor Relations Representative at the Pacific Maritime Association, and a CSULB alum who served as an officer in the U.S. Army’s 1st Armored Division and 75th Field Artillery Brigade.
- Henry Rogers, Managing Principal of The Grey Pine Group and Executive Director of HAIC.
HAIC will award a scholarship at the event to a veteran enrolled in CSULB’s Global Logistics Professional program, helping a lifelong learner to transfer skills into the supply chain industry and take the next step toward a fulfilling career.
This event will conclude with networking opportunities with fellow veterans, business professionals, students, and alumni. Refreshments will be served.
Fill out the form below to attend this event in person. If you'd like to attend virtually, please register for the Zoom meeting and you'll receive a link to log on to the live webcast.
Darren Acker, Director, Finished Vehicle Logistics Operations, GLOVIS America Inc., Hyundai Glovis
Martin Cresmer, Senior Labor Relations Representative, Pacific Maritime Association
Henry Rogers, Managing Principal, The Grey Pine Group / Executive Director, Harbor Association of Industry & Commerce
Patrick L. Wilson, President, Fast Lane Transportation
Previous CPaCE Inspires Events
The Business of Quantum Computing
November 12, 2025
Did you know that 2025 has been declared the UN’s International Year of Quantum Science and Technology? This historic opportunity is inspiring a new generation of innovators, storytellers, and builders to help solve the world’s toughest challenges.
Join us at CSULB for The Business of Quantum Computing—where corporate innovator Ezunial Burts III, a graduate-turned-instructor of the Global Logistics Professional (GLP) program, will lead a discussion on how rapid developments in quantum computing are revolutionizing industries including international trade, logistics, and the global supply chain. You’ll learn to demystify quantum computing, separate science fiction from science fact, and find opportunities for leadership in this expanding multiverse of hi-tech business.
- Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025
- Time: 6:00-7:30 p.m. (Pacific)
- Location: CPaCE Building, Room 100C, California State University, Long Beach
Ezunial (Eze) Burts III has been at the forefront of transforming scientific research into real-world breakthroughs—from leading Duality, the first U.S. accelerator dedicated to quantum startups, to heading Boeing’s External Technical Affiliations team, where he cultivated key alliances that fueled the formation and scale-up of Boeing’s pioneering quantum computing division. Join us as he shares how to bridge the gap between the lab and the marketplace, and what it takes to lead boldly in the second century of quantum innovation.
This presentation and Q&A session will be followed by networking opportunities with fellow quantum-curious business professionals, researchers, students, alumni, instructors, and industry partners. Refreshments and snacks will be served.
Be part of this historic moment as we explore how quantum computing is reshaping the world of business!
Come along with us to explore exciting careers in biotechnology and biomanufacturing with insights from industry experts!
Join us on March 18 for the next installment of our Career Pathways Speaker Series! Vicki Brannock, Senior Director of Workforce Strategy and Innovation at Biocom California Institute – the state’s most powerful life science advocate, will share insights into opportunities in biotech and biomanufacturing. As a leader in accelerating life sciences in California, the nonprofit believes that life science advances humanity, further representing over 1,800 member companies statewide.
Following the presentation, we’re honored to have the following discussants share their stories:
- Willie Zuniga, retired CEO of Grifols Biologicals
- Tom Mone, CEAO and VP of OneLegacy
Explore the latest biomanufacturing trends, their impact on jobs, and how Cal State Long Beach can help you launch an exciting career. Hear about the latest trends shaping biomanufacturing today and what those trends mean for employment in the industry.
Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to advance your career, you won’t want to miss this FREE opportunity to learn and grow with us!
Don’t miss this chance to plan your journey in life sciences and biomanufacturing!
Global Logistics Career Pathway Speaker Series
Explore careers in logistics and the supply chain at CSULB!
Join us to learn about the opportunities in and around the San Pedro Bay Ports. Hear about the latest trends shaping the supply chain industry today, what those trends mean for employment in the industry, and how the Global Logistics Professional (GLP) program can help you take advantage of those opportunities as part of an exciting career.
Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to advance your career, you won’t want to miss this FREE opportunity to learn and grow with us!
Date: Thursday, January 30, 2025
Time: 5 - 6 p.m. (Pacific)
Location: CPaCE Building, Room 100B
Featured Speakers:
Dr. Noel Hacegaba, Chief Operating Officer, Port of Long Beach
Dr. Tom O'Brien, Associate Dean, College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPaCE)
Light refreshments and snacks will be served, sponsored by LBS FInancial Credit Union.
PACE/ing Your Future Podcast
"PACE/ing Your Future" is our new podcast focused on helping you navigate your career by embodying PACE: Proactive, Adaptable, Creative, and Engaged. Each episode features discussions with industry leaders, career experts, and inspiring individuals who share tips on thriving in today's job market. Tune in for valuable insights and practical advice to empower your career and lifelong learning journey.
"PACE/ing Your Future" can be heard below and on most podcast platforms.
Listen to the most recent episode here:
Podcast Episodes
Episode 1
Dr. Thomas O'Brien is Associate Dean at the College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPaCE) at Cal State Long Beach and is also the Deputy Director of the METRANS Transportation Consortium. He directs the California Local Technical Assistance Program (CALTAP) Center, or CalTAP, and previously led CPaCE's Center for International Trade and Transportation. His work focuses on logistics, supply chain management, and transportation workforce. Dr. O'Brien holds a Master's and Ph.D. from USC and is an Eno and Eisenhower Transportation Fellow.
Come join us as we pick Dr. O'Brien's brain on the subject of Global Logistics and the many career paths anyone can take.
Episode 2
Dr. Noel Hacegaba is the Chief Operating Officer of the Port of Long Beach, managing its daily operations and leading key initiatives like the Supply Chain Information Highway. He played a crucial role in addressing the pandemic-induced supply chain crisis with innovative solutions such as the first "pop-up yard" and 24-hour terminal operations. With over 26 years of experience, he holds multiple degrees from USC and a doctorate from the University of La Verne, where he also teaches. Dr. Hacegaba is a Certified Port Executive and serves on several industry boards, contributing significantly to the goods movement sector.
Episode 3
Vicki Brannock leverages over 20 years of experience in higher education program development, workforce development, and digital marketing strategy to grow the talent pool in California's life science industry. As a key figure at Biocom Institute, she ensures first-to-market access to top talent through signature programs and strategic partnerships in education and industry. Previously, she held senior roles at Brandman University and the San Diego Workforce Partnership, building deep relationships with workforce development boards and educational institutions across California. Vicki also writes and consults on the future of work, organizational structure, change management, and program design.
Life Science Workforce Symposium
Certificate Programs at the College of Professional and Continuing Education
Episode 4
Tom Mone is the Chief External Affairs Officer and former CEO of OneLegacy, the largest organ recovery agency in the U.S. Since 2000, he has led OneLegacy to significant achievements, including doubling organ donation and tripling tissue donation. Under his leadership, OneLegacy implemented numerous innovations such as electronic donor records, real-time nucleic acid testing, and the Donate Life California DMV-linked Registry. Tom also spearheaded the creation of the Donate Life Rose Parade Float, which has become a major public promotion of organ donation .
Check out the OneLegacy website to learn more about what they do:
Look into the OneLegacy Ambassadors program.
Get involved with OneLegacy events.
Learn more about Dr. Sómone Washington and her book, The Best Of All Things: A Tapestry of Faith, Hope, Resilience, and the Human Connection.
Episode 5
Hannah Grieser is a thought leader and influential voice at Lightcast where she aims to start important conversations on workforce development and labor market trends. With an extensive background in both visual and written communication, Hannah now focuses her skills on researching, visualizing, and sharing data on labor market trends that are shaping the future of work. Most recently, she co-authored the insightful new report, The Rising Storm: Building a Future Ready Workforce to Withstand the Looming Labor Shortage, which sheds light on the demographic shifts, social factors, technological developments, and economic forces that are driving major misalignments and talent shortages across the labor market. Through this report and her ongoing work at Lightcast, Hannah hopes to equip educators, employers, policy-makers, and communities across the U.S. to make data-informed decisions as we face the workforce challenges ahead.
Check out Lightcast's website.
Episode 6
Willie Zuniga is a prominent figure in the biopharmaceutical industry, known for his role as the emeritus president of Grifols Biologicals LLC. Starting his career as a manufacturing technician in 1979, he advanced through the ranks while earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California State University, Los Angeles. Under his leadership, Grifols Biologicals LLC has made significant strides in producing life-saving therapies from human plasma. Zuniga is also dedicated to community service, supporting educational and workforce development initiatives in Los Angeles. His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including being named Cal State LA's Alumnus of the Year in 2022.
For more information about Grifols, check out their website:
Interested in a job with Grifols?
Episode 7
Jason Lee Morgan is a South Central Los Angeles native, 17-year Compton Unified educator, and Founder/CEO of twiGs Creation, Inc., committed to transforming education for historically underserved communities. Having experienced systemic inequities firsthand as a "bussed kid," Jason has dedicated his career to championing culturally sustaining, equitable, and joyful learning experiences that honor the assets of communities of color. His work to close the "Joy Equity Gap" has earned him numerous awards, including the Carlston Outstanding Teacher of America Award, Legacy Champion Educator Award, American Graduate Champion, CA League of Schools Regional Teacher of the Year, and Compton Unified Teacher of the Year. Jason also advocates for educational equity at the local and state level as a Teach Plus CA and Ed-Trust West Policy Fellow and Advisor, while mentoring early career teachers and supporting leadership development through the Above & Beyond Teaching public charity.
Get a certificate in Applied Data Analytics for Higher Education through CSULB.
Learn more from EdSource about how Data Science is helping students of color.
Watch this video of Jason Morgan talking about Combating Math Trauma.
Listen to more of Jason Morgan on Annenburg Learner's podcast.
Learn about the Department of Defense STEM Ambassador Program.
Episode 8
Matt Schrap is the Chief Executive Officer of the Harbor Trucking Association (HTA), where he has served since June 2021, leading the organization through a transformative period in the drayage and logistics industry. A recognized voice in transportation policy, Matt has appeared on national platforms such as 60 Minutes, PBS NewsHour, and Bloomberg TV, offering insights on port congestion, regulatory challenges, and fleet electrification. Prior to HTA, he was Vice President of Government Programs at Velocity Vehicle Group and Director of Environmental Affairs at the California Trucking Association. With a Master’s in Public Policy Administration from CSULB and a BA in Government from CSUS, Matt combines deep policy expertise with a passion for sustainable freight solutions. He also lectures part-time at the Center for International Trade and Transportation, continuing to shape the next generation of logistics professionals.
Check out the Harbor Trucking Association.
Contact the Harbor Trucking Association for information about internships, scholarships, and more: info@harbortruckers.org
Check out the Global Logistics Professional (GLP) program.
Episode 9
Bo is the Director of Economic Development for the City of Long Beach, where he leads five key bureaus: Business Development, Real Estate Development, Workforce Development, Business Operations, and Waterfront Development. With a distinguished career across major U.S. cities — including Miami Beach, Denver, Broomfield, and Phoenix — Bo has championed initiatives in community revitalization, small business growth, and transit-oriented development. He brings deep expertise in business retention and attraction, public-private partnerships, and talent development, driving sustainable economic growth at both local and regional levels. Recognized as one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers by Consultant Connect, Bo holds a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Colorado.
Learn more about the Grow Long Beach Initiative.
Check out Long Beach's talent and workforce development and resources.
Episode 10
Miia Rasinen (pronounced Raz-uh-nen) is the Director of Education at the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA), where she leads both in-person and virtual educational initiatives, including the Future Leaders of Intermodal Program (FLIP) and the Joanne F. Casey Scholarship Program, which proudly includes California State University, Long Beach. A lifelong advocate for learning, Miia has held various roles in the training and education space across sectors such as transportation, accreditation, and real estate, and previously taught middle school math through Teach For America. She holds a Bachelor's degree in American Studies from the University of Notre Dame and a Master’s in Instructional Design and Technology from the University of West Virginia.
Global Logistics Professional (GLP) program.
Intermodal EXPO, Sept 15 – 17 in Long Beach, CA.
Future Leaders of Intermodal Program
Joanne F. Casey Scholarship Program
Episode 11
As Executive Director of the Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network (LBWIN) within the Long Beach Economic Development Department, Jaime Gutierrez leads the Workforce Development Bureau, which operates the City’s Adult Career Services Center and the Youth Career Services Center (aka Future LB), while advancing major personnel initiatives to strengthen talent pipelines. He provides strategic workforce and economic development leadership through planning, resource development, and investments in collaboration with business, industry, academia, federal, state and nonprofit partners. With 25 years in public service, Mr. Gutierrez most recently served as Chief Deputy Director for the California Employment Training Panel, where he managed a variety of complex, specialized programs. While at the State, he also held multiple executive-level positions and brings 13 years of workforce development experience, including five years administering the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) for California.
Check out the programs offered at CPaCE.
Episode 12
With over 18 years of experience in operations, business development, and strategic leadership across transportation, logistics, and maritime sectors, Samantha delivers innovative, results-driven solutions. At the Port of Long Beach, she led the Commercial Operations Bureau, enhancing the Port’s value proposition and expanding market share through strategic customer engagement. Her background includes key leadership roles at BNSF, where she managed industrial sales and port development strategies across the southern half of the network. More recently, she held executive roles at InductEV and Fleetzero, overseeing commercial operations, customer success, and decarbonization initiatives. Samantha brings deep expertise in rail and port business development, innovation, and electrification strategy — driving sustainable growth and transformation at the intersection
Check out the Global Logistics Professional (GLP) program.
Learn more about Rail.
Check out Russell Kroese.
Learn about all things intermodal from IANA.
Financial Assistance
- Payment Plans: Flexible payment options that allow you to spread the cost of your training program over time to make it more manageable and affordable. For more information, visit the Student Services Center.
- Career Training Loans: Financial loans are specifically designed to cover the costs of career training programs. These loans often have favorable terms and conditions to support your educational and professional development.
- Scholarships: Numerous scholarships are offered by industry associations and organizations for students enrolled in programs offered by CPaCE and the Center for International Trade and Transportation (CITT). Learn more on the CITT Scholarships page or view the CITT General Scholarship Application form.
Resources
- Bob Murphy Access Center for students with disabilities
- Veterans Services
- Student Services Center
- Academic Catalog