Programs

A variety of approaches is introduced to invention, dialogue, listening, and teamwork. Certificate students learn to confront ambiguous and complex problems, reflect deeply and bring insights to the surface, transform the giving of feedback into a mutual learning experience, build relationships of trust and enthusiastic acceptance of diverse perspectives, articulate a practical vision, and collaborate in bringing it to fruition.

Students take two core courses, three elective courses, and complete an exit performance as part of one of the courses taken. Critical and Creative Thinking Masters students, graduate students from other programs, advanced undergraduates, and special students are welcome to enroll in individual courses.

Program Highlights:

• First - Rate Faculty
• Commitment to the Student Learning
• Focus on change in education, work, social movements, science, and creative arts.

Learn more about this program:
To receive more information and connect with the program manager, please click on inquire now to the right.

Sample a Course

For more information on the Critical and Creative Thinking Certificate click here.

Registration is administered through Division of Corporate, Continuing, and Distance Education at UMass Boston. Payment is due upon registration. Please see Fee Schedule below.

Type of Fee	Amount
Fee per credit	$463.33
Registration Fee per semester	$30
Education Service Fee per semester	$20
Late Reg. Fee per semester*	$25
Returned Check Fee per semester**	$25
Total for course***	$1440 (463.33x3 credits=1390 + 50 reg. fee & ed service fee per semester)

Click here to browse our course listings.

*applicable when you register after deadline; non-refundable unless course has been cancelled

** applicable when checks returned unpaid

*** Courses can vary from one to six credits; this total represents a standard 3 credit course

The University of Massachusetts is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

 

Did you know?

The University of Massachusetts was ranked 22nd Best University in North America and 45th Best in the World by the Times of London.

More Awards…

• Winner, United States Distance Learning Association, 21st Century Best Practices Award, 2005
• Winner, Sloan-C Excellence Awards - Excellence in Faculty Development, 2005 (UMassLowell)
• Winner, Sloan-C Excellence Awards - Excellence in Online Programming, 2005(UMass Lowell)
• Winner, Sloan-C Excellence Awards - Excellence in Online Teaching, 2005 (UMass Lowell)
• UMass Amherst Isenberg MBA, Top 10 national rankings, #4 Best Professors (2005, 2006, 2007 Princeton Review: Best Business Schools rankings)
• Med School, 4th in Primary Care Education, U.S. World Reports, 2005

Officially, students applying to the Critical and Creative Thinking Certificate Program must meet the same admissions criteria (described below) as students entering the Master's program. In practice, a shorter statement of interest and intent and only two letters of recommendation suffice for a certificate applicant.

Admission is competitive - Apply early! Here’s how…

1.  Read application form instructions carefully and complete application form. Click here for the application.

2 Two letters are required from people who have worked closely with you and who have direct knowledge of your abilities. The people you ask to recommend you should be able to comment in detail about your academic strengths, work experience, or life experience.

3. In your personal statement, explain your intellectual, artistic, professional or personal reasons for wanting to pursue a degree in Critical and Creative Thinking in at least 1200 words. Your essay should include specific accounts of your past work and current direction. You should provide a detailed discussion of your specific interests and priorities as a student (or scholar, teacher, artist, computer wizard, philosophizer); the projects you have completed in the past; the problems and topics you want to focus on in future study; and how and why you believe the CCT program can help you accomplish your goals. The CCT Admissions Committee will read your essay as a demonstration of how you write and how you think about issues, as well as determine if your interests and goals match those of the Program.

4. Request official transcripts from each college or university you have attended. The CCT Program looks for a generally distinguished undergraduate transcript with an average of at least 3.0 in advanced undergraduate work. For students with a strong record of accomplishment in other areas, the CCT Admissions committee will recommend provisional admission with the stipulation that the student completes two courses in the program with a course grade of B+ or better. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the Program, we do not require that you come from any specific program of study.

5. If you are applying for Financial Aid, please fill out the FAFSA form at www.fafsa.gov.

6.  Once you have completed the application, send it to the address below.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of Graduate Admissions
University of Massachusetts Boston
100 Morrissey Blvd.
Boston, MA 02125-3393
------------------------------------------------------------------

7.  The application is in a PDF file. Click here for the application. You will need an Acrobat Reader application by Adobe to view and print the application. If you don't have the Acrobat Reader application, you can download the installation from their website for free.

Download by clicking here or download at http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/main.html

Availability of financial aid varies depending on matriculation and course status. Please check with your program manager or advisor to determine your eligibility. Generally, if you are matriculated in a degree program and are enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits each semester, you may qualify for financial aid. Please review our Financial Aid Checklist below.

1. Fill out the FAFSA form at www.fafsa.ed.gov. It is important to list the University of Massachusetts Boston school code number 002222.
2. Next, download your required Financial Aid Forms here.
3. Check your financial aid status using WISER.
4. For more information or if you have further questions, please contact Financial Aid Services at 617.287.6300 or at finaid@umb.edu

Tips:

• Please renew your FAFSA form every year.
• When you register for classes, please contact the Division of Corporate, Continuing, and Distance Education at UMass Boston (617) 287-7916) to let them know you that you have applied/are applying for financial aid. Also, it is in your best interest to register for your classes either by phone or fax ((617) 287-7916 ph; (617) 287-7902). You can download the registration form here. If you do not intend to apply for financial aid, you can register online.

Contact:

For more information or if you have further questions, please contact Financial Aid Services at 617.287.6300 or at finaid@umb.edu.