Graduate Certificate in Professional Development
In order for our preK-12 students to master the knowledge and skills they need for continued academic success, first our teachers must continually adapt and develop new strategies and practices for our evolving classrooms. OLPD's certificate in professional development is designed to prepare leaders in education with specialized knowledge in designing, implementing, and evaluating professional learning opportunities for preK-12 educators and staff. Learn to create and modify programs that leverage the latest research, identify needs for staff development policies and practices, and evaluate development programs for their effects on student learning.
Throughout the program, students reflect on their learning, make explicit connections between theory and practice, and design staff development processes and materials for use in their own work contexts.
Through the program, you will:
- Learn to apply research-based standards for staff development.
- Be able to articulate effective staff learning principles, designs, and strategies.
- Learn to work effectively with groups, including both facilitation and training models of learning.
- Gain awareness of individual strengths and areas for continuous improvement as a professional educator and leader of staff learning.
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
Required coursework
10 credits
- OLPD 5201—Strategies for Teaching Adults (3 cr)
- OLPD 5374—Leadership for Professional Development (4 cr)
- OLPD 5501—Principles and Methods of Evaluation (3 cr)
Additional elective coursework (2-5 credits)
With certificate program faculty approval, students choose and complete 2-5 credits of coursework focusing on a topic that interests them. Students can complete this requirement in one of two ways: independently designed study or project [OLPD 5095] OR focused elective coursework.
Independently designed study or project: OLPD 5095
OLPD 5095—Problems: Educational Policy and Administration (1-3 cr).
Students submit a proposal for an independently designed study or project to the certificate coordinator for approval by submitting the Proposal for Independent Study or Project as Elective Option.
Examples of independently designed studies or projects include:
- Comprehensive site-level design for staff development, including learning, implementation, and evaluation components
- Evaluation of a current staff development or curricular initiative
- Internship focused on staff development research, policy, or practice with personnel in school districts, state departments,or higher education
- Individualized study or research review of a staff development-related topic
- Attendance at a national conference with documentation, reflection on learning, and specified follow-up application
Focused elective coursework
In consultation with the certificate coordinator, students can choose elective coursework that aligns with individual interests and best practices in the staff development field. Students may choose from the wide range of offerings at the University of Minnesota, including coursework with the following course designators:
- Curriculum and Instruction (CI)
- Educational Psychology (EPSY)
- Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development (OLPD)
- Public Affairs (PA)
- Sociology (SOC)
The Certificate Coordinator must approve elective coursework. Courses taken before formal admission into the program may be accepted as program credits at a later date. Relevant graduate coursework from other graduate institutions may be approved to fulfill the elective requirement after review of relevant course syllabi. However, all coursework must have been taken within seven years from the date of program completion.
How to apply
Application 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.
This program is not offered full-time and therefore is not intended for international students needing a visa to study in the United States.
Admission requirements
Degree: Bachelor's degree
GPA: Undergraduate 2.8
Experience: At least three years of experience working as an education or related professional in preK-12 education
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.
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, and refer to "program specific questions" below to avoid repetition]
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.]
Program Specific Questions: Answer each question listed for these specific programs. Limit your response to 2 pages. Upload in the “Program Specific Questions” area:
1. What are your major areas of interest related to professional development?
2. What have been your past experiences in the area of professional development?
3. What is your current involvement in the area of professional development?
4. What is your anticipated or desired career interest related to professional development?
5. Why are you interested in the graduate certificate in professional development?
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.