Human resource development graduate certificate
in Organizational Leadership, Policy and DevelopmentHuman Resource Development is a growing field analyzing what organizations need in human capacity and what individuals need in order to feel capable and connected in their work. Our certificate focuses on the practical application of Human Resource Development theory and research.
Boost your organization's effectiveness through research-driven practices. Learn how to identify gaps in skills, knowledge, and technology for organizational units, and be able to understand and recommend a variety of development approaches and options.
Benefits
- Earn a credential that distinguishes you from other job candidates.
- 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
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. Courses not specifically listed below require advisor approval.
Required courses
- OLPD 5801—Survey: Human Resource Development and Adult Education (3 cr)
- OLPD 5615—Training and Development of Human Resources (3 cr)
- OLPD 5607—Organization Development (3 cr)
- Either OLPD 5696—Internship: Human Resource Development (4 cr) or OLPD 5296—Field Experience in Adult Education (4 cr)
Approved electives
- OLPD 5201—Strategies for Teaching Adults (3 cr)
- Human Resource Development coursework
How to apply
Admission Deadline
Applications are due:
- April 15 for summer session admission
- August 1 for fall semester admission
- December 15 for spring semester admission
Admission Requirements
GPA: Undergraduate 2.0 minimum
Admission is open to degree-seeking or non-degree seeking students
A score of 79 or better on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for admission to the minor/certificate.
TOEFL exemption policy
Please send an official report of TOEFL, IELTS, or MELAB scores to the Office of Admissions directly from the testing agency (from one set of exam results). The UMN TOEFL institutional code is 6874.
Freshman applicants may be exempt from the total score requirement if they have scored 430 or greater on the SAT critical reading (verbal) section; or scored 18 or higher on the ACT exam on the English and Reading sections. dditionally, a student may be exempt from the writing subscore requirement if they have a score greater than 470 on the SAT writing or scored greater than 20 on the ACT writing.
Transfer applicants may be exempt from the total score requirement if they have successfully completed 26 or more transferable semester credits at a two or four year post-secondary institution in the United States and have completed the full freshman English requirements at that school with a grade of C or better, or successfully completed 60 or more transferable semester credits at a two or four-year postsecondary institution in the United States.
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.
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, 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.
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.
Questions?
We’re here to help. Simply complete this form and a member of our department will be in touch.