Application Deadlines
You will receive an admission decision four to six weeks after the application deadline.
Program | Fall | Spring |
---|---|---|
Addictions Counseling, MPS | March 1 | October 1 |
Applied Sciences Leadership, MPS | June 1 | November 15 |
Arts and Cultural Leadership, MPS | June 1 | October 1 |
Biological Sciences, Master | March 15 | October 15 |
Civic Engagement, MPS | June 1 | November 1 |
Horticulture, MPS | March 15 | October 15 |
Human Sexuality Certificate | March 15 | October 15 |
Integrated Behavioral Health, MPS | March 1 | October 1 |
Leadership for Science Professionals Certificate | June 1 | November 15 |
Regulatory Affairs for Food Professionals Certificate | June 1 | November 15 |
Sexual Health, MPS | March 15 | October 15 |
Sex Therapy Certificate | March 15 | October 15 |
Transgender and Gender Diverse Health Certificate | March 15 | October 15 |
Recommended Timeline
2-3 Months Before Deadline:
Start compiling your application materials
2 Months Before Deadline:
Request unofficial transcripts
1-2 Months Before Deadline:
Draft professional statement
4-6 Weeks Before Deadline:
Request recommendation letters, if required
4 Weeks Before Deadline:
Select and review any supplemental materials required for your program (writing samples, portfolio, etc.)
4 Weeks Before Deadline:
Update your resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
1 Week Before Deadline:
Review entire application
Before the Deadline:
Print checklist and submit application!
Application Materials
Applicant Statements
- Professional statement: Two to three pages, double-spaced. Go beyond what your resume may tell us about your experience. Tell us why you're interested in your field of study and what you hope to gain from a master's degree.
- Diversity statement: Optional.
- Extenuating Circumstances statement: If your undergraduate GPA or work experience is below the minimum required for your program, please provide an explanation.
Pro Tips!
- Allow time for multiple drafts.
- Have at least one person review it and give feedback.
- Share your present, past, and future as they relate to the program and your goals.
- Include specific examples to illustrate your skills.
- Keep it simple: one to three pages long.
Avoid:
- Listing all activities from your resume or application in narrative form.
- Using clichéd language (“I have wanted to be xyz for as long as I can remember…”)
- Using poor language, grammar, spelling, etc.
- Disclosing overly personal information.
Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation are required for all master's programs and optional for our graduate-level certificates. Letters should come from people who can provide a candid assessment of your abilities. Ask them to talk about your strengths, personality, and character. They should also address your potential for graduate-level academic success and professional achievement.
Pro Tips!
- Ask a current/former supervisor, colleague, or instructor.
- Ask them if they feel comfortable writing a strong recommendation.
- Have a backup writer in case of emergency.
- Talk with each letter writer about the program, your current/future interests, and professional goals.
- Give them a clear deadline (typically 4-6 weeks).
- Share your professional statement and resume or CV with your letter writers.
- Send the letter-writers a thank you!
Avoid:
- Asking a family member, friend, sponsor, or clergy member.
Transcripts
Please submit unofficial transcripts or academic records for every school you attended, even if you didn’t receive a degree. If the transcripts are not in English, please share an English translation. If possible, make sure the institution has put your name on the transcript/record.
Resume or CV
Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae (CV). Typical resumes or CVs should be one to two pages.
Writing Sample
Required for Arts and Cultural Leadership and Civic Engagement programs only.
Include a writing sample (5-10 pages) on any topic that demonstrates critical thinking and analysis. If possible, include one sample of academic writing and one sample of written work from relevant work or volunteer experience.
Application Fee
Pay a nonrefundable application fee with your submission.
Application Checklist
- Professional Statement
a) Diversity Statement (optional)
b) Exceptional Circumstance Statement (if GPA is below the required GPA for your program) - Two Letters of Recommendation (optional for certificates)
- Transcripts (Unofficial) for each post-secondary institution attended
- Relevant Materials, if applicable (writing sample, portfolio, etc.)
- Resume or CV
- Scores from the TOEFL, MELAB, or IELTS English Proficiency Exams, if applicable
- Application Fee (due on submission)
Congratulations! You’ve taken the next step towards a graduate education at the University of Minnesota.
Visit the U of M Graduate Admissions website to check your application status.
Transferring Credits
Transferring Graduate Coursework
You may be able to transfer up to 10 credits of graduate-level coursework, with the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies of your program.
Transfer coursework requirements:
- Taken at the University of Minnesota or another accredited institution
- Completed at the graduate level and listed on a graduate transcript
- Earned a grade of B or better
- Completed no more than five years before applying for admission to the program
Transferring Undergraduate Coursework
You may be able to transfer up to 6 of the 10 transfer credits taken as an undergraduate at the University of Minnesota, with the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies and the Associate Director for Graduate Programs. (Certificate programs typically do not accept transfer credits.)
Please email graduate enrollment advisor Steve Wicks at ccapssteve@umn.edu to learn more.
International Students
If English isn't your first language, please submit your TOEFL, MELAB, or IELTS English proficiency scores. Read more about required scores.
- Required TOEFL scores are 84 or above, with section scores of at least 21 on writing and at least 19 on reading.
- Required IELTS score is 6.5, with section scores of at least 6.5 for both writing and reading.
- Required MELAB score is 84.
International students interested in a CCAPS graduate program should contact the International Student and Scholar Service office for information on visa status.
Please note that the University of Minnesota cannot grant students in online programs a student visa.
Taking a Course Before Admission
How to Register for Undergraduate Courses to Meet Prerequisites
Complete the steps outlined on the registration page for non-degree students. Undergraduate courses used to meet prerequisites will not count toward your degree requirements.
How to Register for Graduate-level Courses BEFORE Being Admitted to a Graduate Program
Credit courses taken before admission may be applied toward your degree. You can take a graduate-level course before being admitted if:
- the course is graduate-level (4xxx-level or above), and
- you register for credit as a non-degree graduate student and pay graduate-level tuition.
Follow these steps to register:
- Find the course you want using the Schedule Builder tool.
- Download and submit a Registration Request for Graduate Credit for Non-degree Students form. Registration for non-degree students is not available online.
- Send the form to the department offering the course for authorization. Use this form each term until you are admitted to the program.
- The department offering the course will forward the form to the registrar or give you further instructions.
- You will receive confirmation and payment instructions by email.
You can find more information on the registration page for non-degree graduate students.
Financing Your Education
Here are some financing options that could help you pay for graduate school.
Graduate Assistantships
You may be eligible for a U of M graduate assistantship, which is basically a part-time job in research or teaching. You'll want to check with your academic advisor.
Fellowships and Grants
Fellowships offer the opportunity to fund your education without the work requirements of an assistantship or debt payments of a student loan.
Scholarships, Loans, and Financial Aid
Visit the CCAPS financial aid website to learn more about our collegiate scholarships, federal financial aid, and non-U of M financing options.
Employer Reimbursement
Some employers may help pay for your graduate education if it relates to your goals at work. Talk with your organization's human resources representative to learn more.
Why should your company invest in your education?
- You'll be able to handle more responsibilities and roles.
- Your company will increase productivity, which will help it grow (or help it save money).
- Your company could attract and help keep high-quality talent.
- Your company will demonstrate a commitment to growth the creation of mentors and leaders.
- You can cultivate job satisfaction.
Admissions Advising
Graduate enrollment advisor Steve Wicks is happy to answer your questions about applying to a CCAPS program.
Or you can give Steve a call at 612-301-6127.