About Capstone Certificates
This type of certificate helps individuals advance in their current field or obtain an advanced position in another field. A capstone certificate requires at least 9 and typically no more than 16 graduate/professional-level credits.
Capstone certificates are administered by the program with support from the Adult Career and Special Student Services (ACSSS), which is housed in the Division of Continuing Studies. ACSSS handles advising, admissions, and serves as the academic dean's office for capstone certificate and other Special/nondegree student types. The Graduate School is responsible for academic approval and oversight of capstone certificates.
Capstone Certificate Team
The ACSSS academic advising manager, IT business analyst, and communications manager provide administrative support for all Capstone and University Special students. They work to ensure the successful matriculation and enrollment of all capstone students. See how the ACSSS capstone certificate team fits into the PDC organizational chart.
Certificate Types
There are two types of graduate-level certificates offered at UW-Madison. The table below outlines the differences and helps clarify how a capstone certificate differs from other certificate options.
Capstone Certificate
Description: Professionally-focused experiences to "cap off" the undergraduate degree
Offered to Current UW Students: NO
Administration: ACSSS/Program
PDC Programming: YES
Graduate/Professional Certificate
Description: Coordinate teaching and research among scholars active in interrelated disciplines
Offered to Current UW Students: YES
Administration: NO
The word "certificate" has many meanings at UW–Madison, so it is important to avoid confusion by using the full name of the type of certificate.