• Total Courses
    6 required, 2 electives
  • CEUs | Contact Hours
    4.8 CEUs | 48 Contact Hours
  • Cost
    $3,600
  • Format
    Fully online
  • Time to Complete
    4–5 months
  • Funding Resources

Build a Culture of Collaboration Across Your Organization

Collaboration is essential in today’s dynamic workplace. The Cross-Functional Collaboration Certificate equips professionals with the tools and knowledge to foster meaningful collaboration across teams, departments, and organizations. By developing the ability to work effectively with business partners, stakeholders, clients, and peers, you can help drive business success, influence positive change, and create a more inclusive, engaged workplace.

What You'll Learn

Throughout this program, you will:

  • strengthen your collaboration skills to work seamlessly with diverse teams.
  • overcome common challenges that hinder workplace collaboration.
  • improve emotional intelligence to build stronger, more trusting relationships.
  • resolve conflicts productively, creating deeper communication.
  • communicate clearly and effectively in team settings and meetings.

Who Should Enroll?

This program is designed for:

  • professionals in management, business, finance, media, communication, and administrative support roles.
  • anyone responsible for working across teams, departments, or organizations.
  • individuals looking to enhance their ability to collaborate, influence, and lead in their workplace.

Cross-Functional Collaboration Certificate Core Courses

  • Negotiate for Agreement - Professional Development course tile

    Negotiate for Agreement

    Achieve mutually satisfying agreements.
    Next start dates:
    • Feb. 11-12, 2025 | Online | Waitlist
    • Mar. 26-27, 2025 | Online
    • June 24-25, 2025 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Team Communications - Professional Development course tile

    Team Communications

    Communicate effectively during team projects and meetings.
    Next start dates:
    • Feb. 20-21, 2025 | Online | Waitlist
    • April 1-2, 2025 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Conflict Resolution - Professional Development course tile

    Conflict Resolution

    Become a confident and effective conflict manager by learning the basic strategies for resolving interpersonal conflict.
    Next start dates:
    • Feb. 26-27, 2025 | Online | Waitlist
    • March 27-28, 2025 | Online
    • May 21-22, 2025 | Online
    $480.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Emotional Intelligence - Professional Development course tile

    Emotional Intelligence

    Use emotional intelligence to increase your professional and personal success.
    Next start dates:
    • March 4-5, 2025 | Online
    • April 30-May 1, 2025 | Online
    $480.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Principles of Collaboration - Professional Development course tile

    Principles of Collaboration

    Explore the core principles of collaboration, including communication, conflict resolution, and cross-functional teamwork.
    Next start date:
    • April 10-11, 2025 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving - Professional Development course tile

    Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
    Next start dates:
    • April 15-16, 2025 | Online
    • June 3-4, 2025 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours

Electives

  • Leading Change, Transitions, and People - Professional Development course tile

    Leading Change, Transitions, and People

    Lead yourself and your team through change.
    Next start date:
    • Feb. 12-13, 2025 | Online | Waitlist
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Effective Meetings - Professional Development course tile

    Effective Meetings

    Transform the way you use meetings to engage meaningfully with colleagues and produce excellent work. 
    Next start date:
    • May 15-16, 2025 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Change Management Foundations - Professional Development course tile

    Change Management Foundations

    Explore the critical role of change management in driving business outcomes, aligning initiatives with strategic goals, and fostering a culture of adaptability and innovation
    Next start date:
    • May 20-21, 2025 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Allyship: Creating an Inclusive Workplace - Professional Development course tile

    Allyship: Creating an Inclusive Workplace

    Learn how to promote a workplace culture of diversity, inclusion, and acceptance.
    Next start date:
    • May 20-21, 2025 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Mentorship - Professional Development course tile

    Mentorship

    Learn how to identify and recruit a mentor, along with strategies to make these relationships effective in advancing each mentee toward their goals
    Next start date:
    • June 4-5, 2025 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours

Career Outlook

Funding and Discounts

The U's professional development programs are affordable because they can be completed in relatively short order—sometimes within a few months—which can save you both time and money. What's more, there are other opportunities you can explore to potentially bring the cost down even further.

Funding

  • CCAPS offers scholarships of $500 to $2,500 to Minnesota residents who meet eligibility requirements.
  • If you're not employed, you may be able to take advantage of federal or state funding. Contact your CareerForce center to inquire.
  • Your organization may have funds set aside for employee education. Read about the benefits of employer investment in career development.

 Discounts

  • When you register and pay for all courses in the certificate at once, you'll receive up to a 10% discount.
  • University of Minnesota Alumni Association members receive a 10% discount.
  • U of M staff get 50% off most professional development programs.

See Discounts, Scholarships, and Other Funding for more information and possible exclusions to discounts.

Enroll

The cost of the Cross-Functional Collaboration Certificate is $3,600, but if you register and pay for all courses at once, we'll give you a 10% discount, a savings of $360! 

If you have any questions about the registration process, payment options, or need to transfer or cancel your registration, please contact the registration team: 

612-625-2900 | [email protected]

Option 1

Enroll, Register, and Pay for All Courses Now

  • Earn a 10% discount
  • Enroll for free
  • Register and pay now, make needed changes later
  • Get program updates

Enroll & Register for All Courses Now

Option 2

Enroll, Register, and Pay for All Courses Now

  • Earn a 10% discount
  • Enroll for free
  • Register and pay now, make needed changes later
  • Get program updates
     

Enroll in Certificate Now

Your Enrollment Advisor

Shanta Bhoelai, enrollment advisor

Shanta Bhoelai

I can help you choose which professional development programs are the best fit to meet your career goals. I am here to answer your questions regarding specific programs, courses, or other career topics you have on your mind. 

Don’t hesitate to send me an email or schedule an online appointment. I'm here for YOU!

Freqently Asked Questions

What is cross-functional collaboration?

Cross-functional collaboration refers to the process of bringing together individuals with diverse expertise, roles, and perspectives from different departments or sectors to work toward shared goals. It emphasizes leveraging the unique skills and insights of team members to address complex challenges, foster innovation, and enhance overall organizational performance.

This form of collaboration is essential for addressing today's multifaceted problems, which often require insights from various disciplines. For example, successful cross-functional teams rely on clear communication, mutual understanding of roles, and equitable participation to build trust and ensure the success of collaborative efforts. They often use strategies like shared project management tools and inclusive decision-making processes to align everyone’s efforts effectively​.

Why is cross-functional collaboration important in today’s workplace?

Cross-functional collaboration is vital because it fosters innovation, enhances efficiency, and improves employee engagement. By bringing together team members from diverse departments and backgrounds, organizations can solve complex challenges more effectively. This approach helps to break down silos, streamline workflows, and encourage knowledge sharing, leading to more innovative solutions and higher productivity. It also promotes employee engagement by allowing individuals to work on varied and impactful projects, keeping their roles dynamic and fulfilling​. 

How does getting skilled in cross-functional collaboration improve teamwork and communication?

Developing skills in cross-functional collaboration significantly improves teamwork by enabling employees to understand and appreciate different perspectives, leverage diverse expertise, and align on shared goals. It strengthens communication by teaching individuals how to navigate varied communication styles and create clear channels for sharing ideas. These skills are particularly crucial in today’s complex work environments, where projects often involve multiple stakeholders from various disciplines. Improved collaboration and communication contribute to smoother workflows, reduced misunderstandings, and a more cohesive team dynamic​.

Moreover, cross-functional collaboration not only drives results but facilitates personal growth among team members by developing leadership capacities such as reflective listening, strategic leadership, and the ability to navigate diverse viewpoints effectively. It promotes a culture where different perspectives are seen as assets, resulting in more sustainable and innovative solutions​

How will I receive my certificate upon completion? 

CCAPS will email a PDF of the certificate with your name on it, once you’ve completed all the requirements. You’ll also receive a digital badge that you can share in your email signature, on LinkedIn, or anywhere else you have an online presence.

Visit the Professional Development Certificate FAQs page for general questions about the process for completing a certificate program.

Sources:
Deloitte Insights
The Forum For Youth Investment
Coursera
Stanford Social Innovation Review
McKinsey & Company
MIT Sloan Management Review

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