Higher Education Leadership & Administration Graduate Certificate Admissions

Admissions

Application Timeline

We admit students to the program on a rolling basis. 

Degree Requirements and Required Application Materials

To apply to the certificate program you must hold at least a baccalaureate degree. Many applicants will have a master’s or doctoral degree, as well.

You may take up to two courses before you officially apply to the program.

Application Requirements

  • Application form
  • Personal statement
  • Résumé/CV
  • Transcripts from undergraduate and graduate institutions attended
  • Two letters of reference

You may submit your materials electronically to info-leadership [at] umass [dot] edu (info-leadership[at]umass[dot]edu) or through the online application form. Please let us know if you have any questions about how to submit your materials electronically. 

Transferring Credits 

If, after you complete the requirements for the Higher Education Leadership & Administration Graduate Certificate, you apply to and enroll in either our master’s or doctoral program, you will be able to apply all 15 credits to that program. Contact program assistant, Annie Stephany at info-leadership [at] umass [dot] edu (info-leadership[at]umass[dot]edu), for specific details.

Completing the Program

Once you have registered for your fifth and final course, be sure to complete and return the Certificate Eligibility Form (directions below) to info-leadership [at] umass [dot] edu (info-leadership[at]umass[dot]edu). Forms are due by the following dates for each degree conferral period:

  • September Conferral: August 12
  • February Conferral: November 26
  • May Conferral: March 18

When completing your Certificate Eligibility Form, be sure to

  • Use your UMass email address on the form
  • Check your mailing address and name as listed on SPIRE - these will be used for your certificate
  • Mark your certificate conferral period based on the date following your final class
    • -Students completing their final class in the Fall semester should mark February conferral
    • -Students completing their final class in the Spring semester should mark May conferral
    • -Students completing their final class in the Summer semester should mark September conferral
  • Use "Educational Policy, Research, and Administration" for "Department" even if you belong to another department on campus
  • Use "Higher Education Leadership and Administration" for "Certificate Program"
  • Fill in the courses in order that you took them, using you class information on SPIRE (e.g. unofficial transcript) for that course number and class name
  • Fill in final grades for courses, but leave the final grade blank for any courses still in progress - the Graduate School will fill this in
  • Leave the signature fields blank, this section is for the Program administrators and Graduate Program Director to complete
  • Send to the info-leadership [at] umass [dot] edu (info-leadership[at]umass[dot]edu) email a few days prior to the due date listed above
  • View a Sample Certificate Eligibility Form