Explore Sterling Courses Through Continuing Education
Each semester, Sterling College welcomes students of all ages to join select undergraduate courses through our Continuing Education program. Whether you're a life-long learner or seeking professional development, these courses offer hands-on, place-based learning in a supportive academic environment. Dive into topics alongside degree-seeking students, and experience the rigor and creativity of a Sterling education, no matter where you are in your journey.
Continuing Education Courses are Available to People of All Ages and Experience Levels
Sterling College offers Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for individuals seeking personal or professional development. CEUs are available for $300 per credit and can be earned through select undergraduate courses. This is a great opportunity to deepen your knowledge and skills in a focused, accessible format.
Fall 2025 Continuing Ed Course Offerings
-
Farmstead Arts
3 Continuing Ed Units
September 8th - December 15th 2025
Mondays: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
In this dual enrollment class students explore their relationship to the landscape through craft. Ancient and modern traditions of turning raw materials from plants and other components of farm and forest systems have long sustained communities. The ecosystems we call home provide materials for both the utilitarian objects we need for survival and the celebration of place that comes from these arts. Students in Farmstead Arts will learn to make utilitarian crafts rooted and useful in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, with materials that can be grown here. Examples include making brooms, salves, candles, and baskets.
Students will spend time reflecting through written assignments and a final portfolio on the techniques they are learning with various skills, as well as their eco-cultural context. Work will be displayed at the end of the semester in conjunction with the December art show.
Course Materials Fee: $50
Meal plan available: $205 for 13 evening meals on day of class (served between 5-6 pm in Dunbar Dining Hall)
-
Natural Dyes and Dying
6 Continuing Ed Units
August 28th - September 19th 2025
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:00am - 4:00pm. Wednesdays: 9:00am - 12:00pm
In this intensive course we’ll explore the practical modern use of natural dyes. We’ll examine their role in cultures, and the way this craft connects its practitioners with place. We’ll spend some time with the conceptual ideas around the role these practices play in history, modern society, and cultural traditions including interrelated concepts within agriculture, wildcrafting, ethnobotany, and chemistry. Predominantly, though, the course will be about hands-on practice of techniques. We will begin by focusing on dyeing protein fibers (fibers that come from animal sources like wool, silk and mohair), and then shift into dyeing cellulosic fibers (plant derived fibers). Within each type of dyeing there are a variety of modern and traditional techniques to explore. We will discuss the effects of and utilize different mordants and assists. We’ll employ multiple indigo dye vats and discuss and practice cultivation and preparations of plant and insect dyes. Dyeing yarn and fabric, we will use immersion techniques as well as printmaking techniques and resist dyeing methods. Work will be exhibited at the end of the intensive.
Course Materials Fee: $50
Meal plan available: $240 for 15 lunches on day of class (served between 12-1 pm in Dunbar Dining Hall)