Adult education certificate
in Organizational Leadership, Policy and DevelopmentDeveloping a practice of lifelong learning helps others to feel fulfilled and inspires social change. With a certificate in Adult Education, you can advise on workplace or public policy and provide knowledge of best practices.
This certificate prepares you with specialized skills and knowledge of the unique challenges and opportunities adult learners face in educational growth, professional development, and personal enrichment. Learn about advanced strategies in teaching adults, and hone your own abilities in conveying facts and theories in a persuasive and motivational way.
Benefits
- Earn a credential that distinguishes you from other job candidates in a range of industries.
- Earn a credential while building credits toward a full Master’s program.
- Obtain specialized knowledge and feel confident and self-assured in your work.
Coursework
Coursework
14 credits minimum completed in 1-2 semesters for full time students.
Certificate coursework completed with undergraduate student status cannot be applied to graduate-level degree programs.
Required courses
- OLPD 5201—Strategies for Teaching Adults (3 cr)
- OLPD 5202—Perspectives of Adult Learning and Development (3 cr)
- OLPD 5296—Field Experience (4 cr required; no more than 6 credits count toward the program)
OR OLPD 5696—Internship: Human Resource Development (4 cr required; no more than 6 credits count toward the program) - OLPD 5801—Survey: Human Resource Development and Adult Education (3 cr)
Electives
- Any remaining credits can be selected from adult education coursework
OR OLPD 5607—Organization Development (3 cr)
How to apply
Admission deadline
Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and may be submitted at any time.
Admission is open to degree-seeking or non-degree seeking students.
Applications are not complete until ALL required materials and fees have been received.
Admission requirements
Degree: Bachelor's degree
GRE scores: Not required
TOEFL/IELTS Scores (Not required for U.S. students):
- TOEFL: Internet based = 79 or above
(21 writing/19 reading) - IELTS = 6.5
Readmission
If a graduate student in an OLPD program has become inactive they must follow the readmission procedures.
Whether you seek reactivation after accidentally being discontinued this term or want to return after a long absence these are the steps needed to re-apply.
- Complete the proper online readmission application.
If you have been away from the program less than five years use the Express Readmission Application and email it to olpd@umn.edu. All others must submit the Online Application for Readmission
- Once received, the department will forward your application to the appropriate admissions committee. Readmission decisions are normally determined by the program’s admissions committee, not any one individual faculty member.
Readmission is never guaranteed. Decisions for readmission are based on a review of previous progress toward degree completion, the proposed timeline for completion, the availability of faculty resources, and/or any additional application materials they may request from you. Individual programs/tracks reserve the right to readmit students under the current graduate program requirements, rules, and guidelines. They may also request an applicant to provide additional information prior to making a decision.
- Once the committee makes their recommendation, the department’s DGS will sign off on the decision and forward the result to the central Graduate Admissions Office for processing. Once processed, you will be notified of the decision.
Individual department programs and tracks reserve the right to require readmitted students to retake coursework if they deem it appropriate. Readmitted students are also required to abide by current time-to-degree policies as determined by the University, which may differ from the policy in place when they first started the degree program.
Individuals seeking readmission to the Ph.D., Ed.D., and M.A. program tracks in the former EDPA, WHRE, and WCFE majors can only reapply to the appropriate program track under the Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development (OLPD) major name.
Questions?
We’re here to help. Simply complete this form and a member of our department will be in touch.