SDSU Global Campus launches online Career Skills Institute

As more employers seek workers with in-demand skills and many employees struggle to find workforce training tied to meeting the demands of today’s evolving workforce, SDSU Global Campus has launched an online Career Skills Institute designed to bring the two sides together.

The institute offers more than 500 courses designed to upskill and train workers to meet employers’ needs.The certificates and training are affordable and flexible and many courses are offered by industry leaders such as Google, Microsoft, IBM, and Meta. 

“The lifespan of a skill is shrinking rapidly — just five years on average, and only 2.5 years for tech skills,” said Ian Gibson, dean of SDSU Global Campus. “To avoid becoming obsolete, employers and employees are actively seeking learning opportunities to stay relevant. Micro-credentials, certifications, and targeted skill courses not only satisfy the crucial need for education that keeps pace with ever-changing industry demands but also offer a quick and flexible format that fits within the busy schedules of professionals.”

Statistics reveal a significant gap between employer needs and worker access to job training  for in-demand careers. One 2025 study from PwC found 74% of American workers want to acquire new workforce skills and training. But most companies are not equipped to offer up-to-date, in-house training, leaving many employees to seek external opportunities to build the skills employers require.

About the CSI

The SDSU Global Campus Career Skills Institute is San Diego’s leading career accelerator and offers professional training and skills-based learning for adult learners and establishing relationships with local businesses to align curriculum with industry needs. 

The institute is dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional education and the dynamic needs of the modern workforce. It aims to empower individuals with essential skills and competencies required to excel in today’s competitive job market. 

“The world isn’t short on talent, it’s short on preparation. The Career Skills Institute is here to fix that,” said Gibson. “When passion meets preparation, lives are transformed—impacting individuals, industries, and entire communities. The future of workforce education is clear: affordable, accessible, and focused on getting learners job-ready in months, not years.”

The focus of the Career Skills Institute is to integrate academic rigor with career-aligned practicality, ensuring that students are not only theoretically knowledgeable but also practically skilled.

Tied to In-Demand Skills

Job training in in-demand skills is essential for staying competitive in today’s increasingly challenging job market, local experts said.

“San Diego County has a diverse economy. If you are a job seeker, entrepreneur, or current employee, it is crucial to stay competitive in today’s workplace,” said John Maruri, Business & Community Relations Specialist for the San Diego Workforce Partnership. “SDSU is aligning educational programs with the needs of these industries to ensure a steady supply of qualified workers. Acquiring in-demand skills is crucial as it directly impacts individuals employability and career growth.”

The Career Skills Institute offers courses to address the skills that are in-demand in San Diego County, including project management, cybersecurity, software and information technology, accounting, marketing, finance and auditing. Additional skills, certificate programs and credentials can be found on the institute website.

Programs and credentials are offered in the following in-demand skills:

• Project Management
• Cybersecurity
• Software and Information Technology
• Accounting
• Marketing
• Finance
• Auditing
• Business Development
• Customer Relationship Management
• Invoicing
• Billing
• Sales
• Accounts Payable
• Accounts Receivable
• Process Improvement
• Construction Trades