Program at a Glance

Program: Graduate Certificate
College(s): College of Community Innovation and Education
Department(s): Public Administration, Schl of

The Graduate Certificate in Fundraising is an 18-credit completely online certificate that provides an overview of the core concepts in fundraising and development for those interested in a career as a professional fundraiser. The Certificate is intended to meet the needs of individuals seeking a focused experience in order to prepare for or advance their careers in fundraising and development. It is appropriate for students who seek to expand their knowledge, but who do not wish to commit to a master's degree program.

Credits earned in the certificate program may be applied toward the Master of Nonprofit Management (MNM) degree. However, admission to the MNM degree program has separate requirements from those of the certificate program and students considering continuing into the master's degree should familiarize themselves with credit transfer policy and should consult with a faculty adviser early in their certificate program. The Graduate Certificate in Fundraising requires that students complete 18 credit hours. Students must maintain at least a 3.0-grade point average in order to be awarded the Graduate Certificate. The Certificate must be completed within 7 years.

The Graduate Certificate in Fundraising program is a completely online and requires a minimum of 18 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree; consisting of 15 credit hours of core courses and 3 credit hours of a restricted elective.

The Certificate program incorporates service learning in some of its courses. Service learning involves students partnering with a local nonprofit organization of their choice to offer technical assistance in a specific area of operation that is covered in their coursework. Service Learning enhances the students' academic experience and presents opportunities for networking. The process is supervised by the instructor and provides benefits to both the organization and the student.

Some of the courses may also involve group work intended to develop leadership abilities while providing an opportunity for the student to show his or her ability to be a team player. Group projects promote important intellectual and social skills and help to prepare students for professional work where teamwork and collaboration are necessary.

Total Credit Hours Required: 18 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Bachelor's Degree

Please note: Fundraising Graduate Certificate may be completed fully online, although not all elective options or program prerequisites may be offered online. Newly admitted students choosing to complete this program exclusively via UCF online classes may enroll with a reduction in campus-based fees.

International students (F or J visa) are required to enroll in a full-time course load of 9 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters. Only 3 of the 9 credit hours may be taken in a completely online format. For a detailed listing of enrollment requirements for international students, please visit UCF Global. If you have questions, please consult UCF Global at (407) 823-2337.

UCF is not authorized to provide online courses or instruction to students in some states. Refer to State Restrictions for current information.