About Capstone Certificates

This page shares more information about capstone certificates and how they differ from other certificate options.

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.



Keywords:
pdc professional degrees certificates about capstone 
Doc ID:
149756
Owned by:
Olivia P. in Professional Degrees and Certificates
Created:
2025-04-09
Updated:
2025-06-23
Sites:
Professional Degrees and Certificates