There is no greater impact on your future than the skills you develop to grow professionally, and the University of Minnesota College of Continuing and Professional Studies (CCAPS) is the educational gold standard. Our programs are designed to deliver practical and valuable tools and skills to help you raise your profile and fuel your career.

Professional development is also affordable because courses and certificate programs can be completed in relatively short order, which can save you both time and money. What’s more, there are several opportunities you can explore to potentially bring the cost down even further, starting with employer-funded programs.

Employer Continuing Education Programs

Many organizations have funds set aside for the ongoing education of its employees. For talking points to take to your supervisor, see Why You Should Invest in U of M Professional Development.

Discounts

  • Organizations: We offer organizational discounts of 10% for groups of four or more in individual courses, and 15% in full certificate programs. Register your group to receive the course or certificate discount. If you need assistance, contact our registration team at 612-625-2900 or [email protected]. All participants must be registered at the same time to receive a group discount. The certificate discount is available when all courses in the certificate are paid for at the time of enrollment.
  • Certificate Students: Individuals who register for all courses in a certificate at once will get up to a 10% discount (varies depending on certificate program). To register for all courses at once using this discount, call 612-625-2900.
  • UMAA Members: Take a 10% discount on individual professional development courses if you are a University of Minnesota Alumni Association member.
  • U of M Staff & Faculty: Get a 50% discount on most noncredit professional development courses if you are U of M staff or faculty. Exceptions are Certified ScrumMaster®, Certified Scrum Product Owner®, and Advanced Certified ScrumMaster®, for which you can take a 40% discount. Exclusions include HR Test Prep, boot camps, and the Income Tax Short Course.

    To receive the employee discount on whole certificates, you must choose Enrollment Option 2 and register for each course individually. Discount will be taken at checkout. The discount is subject to an IRC Section 127 plan: see details here.

    Please note that Regents Tuition Benefit Program funds cannot be used on noncredit professional development programs.

Note: Discounts cannot be combined.

CCAPS Scholarships 

Scholarships are available for students taking noncredit courses through the College of Continuing and Professional Studies. Awards range from $500 to $2,500 and do NOT need to be repaid. Information on scholarships as well as a list of additional funding options for students taking noncredit courses can be found on the financial aid website.

State Funding

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development's CareerForce (formerly Minnesota Workforce Center) brings together private, public, and nonprofit partners to provide resources to those looking to start, advance, or change their job or career.

For the unemployed, there are return-to-work programs, such as the Dislocated Worker Program, which offers free employment counseling and can provide funds for training and/or job-search-related expenses such as cellular service, gas, and car repairs.

Please contact your closest CareerForce location to find out what resources are available in your county and to see if you qualify.

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!