The DCDE, as one of academic units of Haramaya University, is organized to coordinate four education programs, namely Continuing, Distance, and Summer.

Undergraduate Education Programs, and Continuing and Summer Postgraduate Program.

Haramaya University Directorates of Continuing and Distance Education, (DCDE) was established 30 years ago  with Continuing  Education  Program (CEP) .It started with   Certificate and Diploma Programs in the fields of Agriculture delivering education at Haramaya University and Harar centre. After few years, other/additional CEP centres were established at Dire Dawa and Jigjiga .

Summer Undergraduate Education Program (SEP) was opened in 1990 E.C. aiming to deliver education for teachers during summer vacation. After two years, in 1993, The distance education program was initiated to deliver education (to the level of diploma) in several fields of education  jointly with the then Faculties of Education and Business Economics.

In 1996 E.C.  Continuing & Summer Postgraduate Program was opened .From the period1996 to 1999, it was the period   that faculty of continuing and distance education established.

Distance education centres were Dire Dawa city council and Harari regions, and solmali reginal state. These centres   were:-

Harar, Dire Dawa, Jigjiga, Godey, Kebridahar, Shinile, Fike, Afdher, Degahabour, Warder and Liben.