Continuing Education
Director: Robert Krumwiede
403 Darland Administration Building
Continuing Education serves as UMD’s major point of access and educational opportunity for adult learners. As a University outreach unit, CE develops and delivers a variety of credit and noncredit courses, workshops, conferences, and certificate and degree programs offered at on- and off-campus locations. Its programs are designed especially for continuing, nontraditional, part-time, and professional students; many are working adults seeking degrees or developing skills and expertise for professional or personal reasons. Dedicated to enhancing lifelong learning opportunities for Minnesotans, CE draws on telecommunications, information technology and networks, and a variety of support services to augment instruction, outreach, and learning.
CE offers its programs in collaboration with other UMD colleges and departments. Students who plan to use credits earned through CE to meet certificate and degree requirements must meet all UMD curricular requirements as stated in this catalog. In addition, students must contact their chosen major department and apply for admission to the appropriate UMD school or college through the Office of Admissions. Credit courses taken through CE are included on UMD billing statement and billings and are automatically added to transcripts. There are restrictions on the total amount of credits transferred into a Graduate School degree; students should contact the Graduate School well in advance of beginning studies for information about these restrictions.
For more information, contact Continuing Education, 403 Darland Administration Building (218-726-6361; www.d.umn.edu/ce).
Support Services
Continuing Education offers academic counseling for CE students. Counselors are available to assist with course selection, registration, planning for a certificate or degree program, career counseling, applying for admission and financial aid, dealing with academic difficulties, and learning job-seeking skills. Students can visit with CE Counselors at 104 Darland Administration Building (218-726-8965; nolsen@d.umn.edu).
CE Registration Center staff provide online, phone, fax, in-person, or mail-in service for students needing assistance with registration or general information about CE and UMD programs.
Certificate Programs
Many employers regard CE certificates as valuable preparation for employment and promotion. With careful planning, a certificate can be a stepping stone to a baccalaureate or graduate degree. CE offers the following certificate programs: human services (undergraduate), 34 credits; liberal arts (undergraduate), 30 credits; educational computing and technology (undergraduate, graduate, noncredit), 16 credits; environmental education (post baccalaureate), 18 credits; general business administration (undergraduate) 24–29 credits; autism spectrum disorders (undergraduate, graduate) 12 credits; American Sign Language (undergraduate) 18 credits; Geographic Information Science (undergraduate) 17 credits; Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (undergraduate, graduate) 18 credits.
Certificates can be completed through day, evening, Individualized Instruction (INI), and summer term coursework. Transfer credits from other accredited institutions of higher education may also apply, although a minimum of 25 percent of the credits required must be earned at UMD.
Certificates are awarded by CE upon completion of a specified program with a 2.00 minimum overall grade point average (GPA), including a 2.00 GPA in UMD courses. Certificate requirements may occasionally be modified and students are bound to the requirements in force at the time of official admission to the certificate program. If a certificate is discontinued, CE makes every reasonable effort to assist students in completing their program. For specific information about CE certificate programs, call a CE counselor at 218-726-8965, or refer to the CE certificate programs brochure. To request a brochure, call 218-726-8101.
Individualized Instruction Courses (INI)
Individualized Instruction Courses give students the flexibility of taking credit courses outside a classroom setting. Some INIs are online, while others are correspondence courses.
Credits earned in INI courses may be applied toward major, minor, or liberal education requirements. INI coursework may not apply toward Graduate School program requirements (contact the Graduate School for more information). For general information about INIs, call 218-726-6797 or refer to Continuing Education’s INI brochure. To request a brochure, call 218-726-6797 or email jgerber@d.umn.edu.
Post Secondary Programs for High School Students
Minnesota’s Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) Act enables eligible high school juniors and seniors to attend college tuition-free. For more information, contact UMD’s PSEO counselor at 218-726-8149 or sgonia1@d.umn.edu.
College In The Schools (CITS) is a cooperative program linking area high schools with UMD. The program enables high-ability students to take college courses for credit while remaining in high school. In addition, it gives qualified high school teachers the opportunity to teach at a college level. Participating in this program helps teachers and students gain an understanding of the skills and knowledge necessary for higher education success. For more information about CITS, contact 218-726-6938 or bperushe@d.umn.edu.
Elder Learner Programs
University for Seniors (US), an Institute for Learning in Retirement, provides opportunities for intellectual and cultural exploration and development for adults aged 50 and older. US members, having diverse backgrounds, meet to share interests and develop appreciation and knowledge. The only program admission requirements are an interest in continuing education and support through participation and a membership fee. US was developed by its members with the support of Continuing Education.
For more information about US, contact 218-726-6347 or dscott@d.umn.edu.
Summer Programs
CE annually coordinates UMD's summer term. For summer term information, refer to the UMD Summer Term Catalog or visit www.d.umn.edu/goto/summer.
Professional Conferences, Workshops, and Training
Continuing Education offers a variety of professional development conferences, workshops, and training opportunities to meet community needs. These programs range from one-half day to several weeks in length and are generally publicized through advertisements and direct-mail brochures. Some programs are offered for credit, while others are offered noncredit and may be eligible for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or Hours (CEHs).
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