Capstone certificates allow individuals with a bachelor’s degree to obtain additional professional skills and certification. Capstones do not lead to the conferral of a degree, but do appear on a student’s UW–Madison transcript.

Capstone certificate students are admitted as University Special students through Adult Career and Special Student Services (ACSSS). ACSSS as the academic dean is responsible for issues related to student enrollment and the student's official record.

An ACSSS student services coordinator works with each department's capstone certificate coordinator on advising, admissions, enrollment eligibility, and program completion. Capstone certificates typically follow rules of the Graduate School for tuition, credit limits, and grading. 

Adult Career and Special Student Services (ACSSS) is the admitting office for all University Special students. The department offering the capstone certificate program makes the final admission decision upon review of all applicant materials. Programs offering capstone certificates monitor all application, academic, and satisfactory progress requirements.

There are two steps to apply for admission to a capstone certificate program:  

1. Complete the online University Special student application. This application is received and processed by ACSSS with final decision held for approval from the specific capstone certificate coordinator. 
2. Complete all application materials required by the specific capstone certificate program. Each specific capstone certificate has distinct criteria for program eligibility, final admission, and progress.