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!
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!
As a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies, global investors, and high-growth startups, Eze Burts III brings industry expertise, market intelligence, and strategic insight to help organizations make scale disruptive technologies to stay ahead. With a proven record spanning aerospace, advanced manufacturing, quantum computing, AI, and emerging technology commercialization, Burts specializes in transforming bold ideas into market-leading innovations, bridging the gap between university research, corporate R&D, and market adoption.
Burts previously led the Duality Quantum Startup Accelerator, the world's first accelerator exclusively dedicated to quantum technology startups. In this role, he was responsible for operational leadership, stakeholder engagement, and long-term financial sustainability, positioning early-stage deep-tech ventures for commercial success.
Prior to that, he spent two decades at Boeing, where he held senior leadership roles in future production systems, technology adoption, supply chain and program management, environmental health and safety, digital transformation, and factory automation. He played a pivotal role in integrating cutting-edge technologies into Boeing's global operations, ensuring advancements in safety, quality, and manufacturing efficiency.
A Los Angeles native, Burts holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy, Management, and Planning from the University of Southern California, along with executive education credentials from the MIT Sloan School of Management and Harvard Kennedy School. A graduate of the Silicon Valley Founder Institute, he launched a deep-tech startup that applies AI and quantum computing to address industrial water treatment and sustainability challenges.
Previous CPaCE Inspires Events
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 .
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.
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:
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.
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.
