University Scholars Program
Certificate
PROGRAM SNAPSHOT
Start your college education with purpose. Explore today’s challenges. Gain the skills that employers want most.
Become a Winona State University Scholar
College is about more than just showing up to lectures and taking exams. It’s also about finding your place, discovering what matters to you, and shaping the future you want to live in. The University Scholars Program is built around this idea.
We structured this certificate program to help you grow at every stage of your college journey.
- Start with a first-year seminar.
- Continue with second- and third-year discussion classes.
- Complete a senior portfolio showcasing your work.
You’ll also choose 3 high-impact learning experiences to further customize your education such as:
- studying abroad
- completing a research project
- partnering with a non-profit
You can even take courses that connect to your major or personal passions.
The best part: the classes you take as a University Scholar count toward Winona State’s graduation requirements. Your transcript will list this certificate and your bachelor’s program, which is sure to catch employers’ attention.
This program is offered through the College of Liberal Arts and is open to all majors.
are more likely to hire a candidate who has both a college degree and a micro-credential or certificate rather than a degree alone (2023).
What You’ll Learn as a University Scholar
Through small, discussion-based classes, you’ll dive into some of the biggest issues of our time. Think mental health, climate change, family, and social media.
As a University Scholar, you’ll learn how to think critically, communicate clearly, and collaborate with people from all walks of life.
You’ll practice managing projects, analyzing data, and empowering diverse teams.
These are the essential skills that employers look for in future leaders. These skills will also help you thrive in your career, no matter the path you choose.
Whether you’re studying the arts, business, science, or any other field, this certificate gives you an edge in today’s fast-changing world.
Ready to get started? Enroll in LAS 101: University Scholars Seminar to begin your journey as a University Scholar.
Program Highlights
On Campus
You’ll move through the University Scholars Program with the same small group of peers.
This learning community approach makes it easier for you to collaborate and connect with others (and even make a friend or 2).
You could find yourself having lots of hands-on experiences in your classes—and that’s by design.
Like designing solutions to community challenges and analyzing primary research. Or creating multimedia presentations and developing proposals for organizations.
You might even get to learn about a variety of professions from guest speakers.
Beyond the Classroom
From day one, you can engage in meaningful, faculty-guided research.
Collaborate on projects about sustainability on the Mississippi River. Or dive into emerging social media trends and mental health in rural communities.
Make it local by partnering with a Winona non-profit or business. Then share your work at campus-wide, regional, and national research conferences.
At Winona State, you can take ideas from inception to completion and build your professional network at the same time.
As a University Scholar, you’ll connect your learning with the immediate world around you.
You might partner with the Minnesota Marine Art Museum on an exhibit project. Or assist a local health clinic with outreach and work with schools on innovative educational programming.
Partnering with the community will reveal how your skills and ideas can make a difference right now.
All WSU faculty-led travel study (short-term) and study abroad (long-term) programs count toward this certificate.
Study literature in England and Italy or explore sustainable business in Scotland. Compare healthcare systems in France or examine sports law in Portugal and Spain.
Wherever you go, you’ll earn academic credit while immersing yourself in another culture.
Career Advantages
This program certifies that you’ve developed in-demand skills. It also gives you evidence to provide for future employers.
of employers claim oral communication, adaptability, and flexibility make strong job candidates (2023).
of employers say written communication and working with people from different backgrounds guide their hiring decisions (2023).
of employers look for critical thinking skills, motivation, and initiative in new hires (2023).
University Scholars will be highly sought-after in a wide range of careers. From business, health care, and education to public service, technology, the arts, and beyond.
Bachelor's
Bachelor's, Transfer Pathway
Bachelor's, Transfer Pathway