College of Education and Human Development

Department of Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development

Adult education certificates

in Organizational Leadership, Policy and Development

Developing 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.

We offer adult education certificate programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level, which will prepare you with advanced strategies in teaching adults, and hone your own abilities in conveying facts and theories in a persuasive and motivational way. You'll develop specialized skills and knowledge of the unique challenges and opportunities adult learners face in educational growth, professional development, and personal enrichment. 

  • 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.

    14 credits minimum completed in 1-2 semesters for full time students. View program details in UMN-Twin Cities Course Catalog

    Required Courses

    Complete these three courses and earn 9 credits from:

    • OLPD 5801 - Survey: Human Resource Development and Adult Education (3 Cr.) 
    • OLPD 5201 - Strategies for Teaching Adults (3 Cr.) 
    • OLPD 5202 - Perspectives of Adult Learning and Development (3 Cr.) 

    Complete a minimum of 4 credits of:

    • OLPD 5296 - Field Experience in Adult Education (1-6 Cr.)
      OR 
    • OLPD 5696 - Internship: Human Resource Development (1-10 Cr.)

    Electives

    If a student needs to take more credits in order to reach the 14 credit minimum for this Certificate, those remaining credits can be selected from the courses listed below.

    • OLPD 5607 - Organization Development (3 Cr.) 
      OR Additional OLPD courses with advisor approval

    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.

      Admission requirements

      Minimum Undergraduate GPA:  2.0

      TOEFL/IELTS Scores (Not required for U.S. students):

      • TOEFL: Internet based = 79 or above (21 writing/19 reading)
      • IELTS = 6.5

      Apply by submitting this form.

      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

      Application instructions

      Detailed application instructions for graduate-level certificates provided here [PDF].

      Where to apply

      Apply here

      Tuition and funding

      Tuition information: CEHD | OneStop

      Financial aid: CEHD | OneStop

      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.

      1. 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
         
      2. 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.
         
      3. 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.