Adult education certificates
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.
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.
- Obtain specialized knowledge and feel confident and self-assured in your work.
- The graduate-level certificate allows you to earn a credential while building credits toward a full Master’s program.
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 3202—Introduction to Strategies for Teaching Adults (3 cr)
- OLPD 3601—Introduction to Human Resource Development (3 cr)
- OLPD 5202—Perspectives of Adult Learning and Development (3 cr)
Choose from one of the following two course options and earn 4-6 credits from:
- OLPD 5296 - Field Experience in Adult Education (1-6 Cr.)
OR - OLPD 4696 - Applied Experience in Business Marketing Education & Human Resource Development (4 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.
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
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
Where to apply
Graduate Certificate: Detailed Application Instructions
Click here to access the online application for admission.
Required fields in the application for admission are: Personal Information, Application Information, Educational Background, Languages, Awards & Activities, Employment/Residence Information, Financial Support, Applicant Statements #1 & #2, Program Specific Questions, Recommendation Letters (limit 2), and Resume or CV. All other fields or application materials are optional, but will be taken into consideration if submitted.
Fees: Review information about application fees here.
Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts or academic records should be uploaded directly to the online application. Please do not mail in paper copies of your transcripts, there is no need for official transcripts or academic records for initial review. If you are admitted, the University will then request official copies of this material. Click here for more information about transcripts and credentials.
GRE scores are not only not required, they are not considered for applications to this program.
Statement #1, Personal Statement (required): Please provide a statement outlining your immediate educational and long-range career objectives in relation to your chosen field. If there is a particular faculty member with whom you wish to study, please give that person’s name and explain why you want to study with that person. You may also wish to include other information, such as any undergraduate research experience, internships, or other experiences you may have had to document your preparation for advanced study in your chosen field. [Please do not exceed two pages]
Statement #2, Diversity Statement (required): Enrolling and graduating a diverse student body is central to the University of Minnesota’s mission. Please write a statement that identifies the distinctive qualities, characteristics, and life experiences you would contribute to your graduate program and to the education of fellow students at the University of Minnesota. You may wish to include examples that address your contribution to the diversity of the student body and illustrate your motivation to succeed by setting high standards for accomplishing intellectual and other goals, overcoming obstacles to achievement, and/or helping others to gain access to the resources necessary for success. [Please do not exceed one page.]
Statement #3: Extenuating Circumstances (optional): If your grades and/or test scores are not strong, and you would like to provide an explanation, please do so. [Limit 1200 characters.]
Two letters of recommendation (required). The strongest recommendations typically come from current or former professors who can assess your potential for graduate work. Other recommenders, such as employers, are also acceptable.
English Language Test Scores (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.) Click here for more information about TOEFL Scores.
Readmission (Graduate Certificate)
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.