Frequently Asked Questions
Transportation Studies (TS) Graduate Certificate
1.Why is it important to apply to the graduate certificate program?
You may take one or two courses in this graduate certificate program before applying for official admission. However, you should apply for admission in the program as soon as possible because, as an admitted graduate certificate student, you receive many benefits that are available only to admitted students:
•You will be assured that all of your course work will count toward the certificate. (Sometimes requirements change.)
•You will receive relevant updates about the program.
•You will be eligible to apply for federal financial aid.
•You will have access to academic advising.
•You will have an opportunity to register earlier than a student who is not admitted.
•You will not be assessed the University of Minnesota Student Service fee if you are admitted to a certificate and not admitted to a degree program.
•You will be assured that the tuition you pay for a course is the approved certificate tuition rate (see certificate Web site for current tuition and fee information).
•You will be invited to attend the events hosted by the University of Minnesota’s Center for Transportation Studies.
2. How long will it take for me to complete the program?
Full-time students can complete the TS graduate certificate in one academic year. For part-time students, the exact time it takes to complete a program depends on student availability.
3. Can I include this graduate certificate in a degree program?
TS graduate certificate courses are listed on a University of Minnesota transcript as graduate classes and may be transferable to a graduate degree program. The Department of Civil Engineering and the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs offer consecutive transportation tracks in their degree programs.
If you are thinking about a graduate degree, talk to an adviser as soon as possible because there are often limits on the number of credits that may be applied toward the program. In addition, you must meet all of the requirements for that program.
4. Do I have to have a bachelor's degree in order to enroll in the TS graduate certificate program?
Yes. The TS graduate certificate is a graduate-level program and students must have a bachelor's degree in a transportation-related field.
5. Are classes sequenced?
Courses applied to the graduate certificate do not need to be taken in any fixed order. However, many courses have prerequisite course work. Prior to taking such classes, students must complete the stated prerequisite course work or be given permission to register by the instructor. Students with questions about prerequisite courses should contact the Information Center at 612-624-4000 or cceinfo@umn.edu.
6. Do I have to take a course each semester?
If you are not able to take a course in a given term, there is a zero-credit, no-tuition option you can use to keep your record active: Grad 999 . By registering for Grad 999, your record remains active but you aren’t enrolled in course work.
If you don’t register each term, the Graduate School will discontinue your record, meaning the Graduate School will consider you "inactive" and require you to apply for readmission. If you are discontinued, you will need to complete a Change of Status/Readmission Application and pay a processing fee. You also need to register for a class to activate your readmission.
7. Where can I learn more about employment opportunities for those who earn this graduate certificate?
Informal interviews with professors, supervisors, or professionals working in your career of interest are very effective ways to to find out more about the field and about necessary skills, experience, qualifications, and how the certificate can best work for you. In addition, the College of Continuing Education Career and Lifework Planning Services offers individual consultations, workshops, and career-related assessments that can help you explore career options.
8. Can previous credits I have earned elsewhere be used towards the graduate certificate requirements?
With approval, transfer course work completed at the University of Minnesota or any other accredited institution can make up 40 percent of the certificate requirements. At least 60 percent of the credits for completion of the certificate must be earned after admission to the certificate and must be completed at the University of Minnesota.
9. When and how are the classes offered?
Classes are offered late in the afternoon, evenings, and occasionally mornings.
10. Who decides what classes can be taken as electives?
Once you are admitted to the program, you will be assigned a faculty adviser who will approve your program plan, including elective courses.
11. If I am already admitted to the Graduate School, do I need to reapply?
No. You will need to complete a change of status form from the Graduate school as well as submitting a 500-word statement of purpose describing your reasons for pursuing the Transportation Studies graduate certificate and overall goals. See the TS admissions Web pages for more details.
12. Do all applicants need to submit a statement of purpose?
Yes. The statement needs to be turned in to the Graduate School at the same time that the application is submitted.
13. How do I apply?
Admission to the TS graduate certificate program is recommended no later than after completion of the first course.
If you have questions, call 612-624-4000 or send an e-mail message to cceinfo@umn.edu
