Nonprofit Administration Certificate

The Certificate of Nonprofit Administration is intended for students who are new chief executives, currently in a senior leadership role in a nonprofit or moving into the sector from senior or executive leadership in business or government. Two required courses and three electives, selected by the student, with input from the Director to ensure alignment with student's professional goals. Please see course descriptions for class options.

Program Learning Goals for Nonprofit Administration (M.A. and certificate)

Students will:

1. Develop an understanding of contemporary ethical issues in the nonprofit sector and normative frameworks for addressing these challenges.

2. Communicate effectively using multiple forms of expression appropriate to nonprofit settings.

3. Have and use knowledge of functional areas of particular relevance in the nonprofit sector (e.g., human resources, financial management, resource development, evaluation, executive leadership) and management skills essential for building effective and efficient organizations.

4. Have critical thinking and problem-solving skills; and have leadership and collaborative skills relevant to organizations addressing growing social needs and resource constraints.

Admission Requirements for Master of Arts and Certificate Program

• Completed application.

• Official transcripts from all institutions attended.

• Two letters of recommendation, one of which is preferably from a professional in a nonprofit organization.

• Written statement that addresses the applicant’s interest in the program, career goals, and experience (including internships and service activity) in the nonprofit sector. 

• Professional resume.

• A minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA with a 3.2 in the major (for full acceptance).

• Interview with the Program Director

Required Courses

Three elective courses out of remaining course options:

Opt-Out Policy

At the director’s discretion, students may opt out of one required course and substitute an elective in its place. For example, an economics major may not believe that completing a course in Economics for Nonprofit Administrators would be beneficial. Students may opt out of a required course if they have: 1) majored in the course material, and 2) graduated with a GPA of at least 3.2 in the major. Before petitioning to opt out, students should consider whether completing a course in their major that specifically focuses on nonprofit aspects would be beneficial. To opt out of a required course, a student needs to petition the director demonstrating that the requirements for opting out have been met (include college transcript).

Program Faculty