Nonprofit Management Graduate Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management is delivered completely online and offers specialized, graduate-level knowledge in nonprofit management, resources development, strategic planning, volunteerism, and program evaluation. The certificate supports those currently working in the nonprofit sector or those looking for advancement in the nonprofit sector or in organizations that partner with the nonprofit sector.

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 admissions requirements, the credit transfer policy and should consult with a faculty adviser early in their certificate program. The Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management 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 Nonprofit Management program is a completely online; students in this program are expected to have the ability to complete the coursework online. The program 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: Nonprofit Management Graduate Certificate may be completed fully online, and 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.

Degree Requirements

Required Courses

• Complete the following:
  • PAD5145 - Volunteerism in Nonprofit Management (3)
  • PAD5146 - Nonprofit Resource Development (3)
  • PAD6142 - Nonprofit Organizations (3)
  • PAD6327 - Public Program Evaluation Techniques (3)
  • PAD6335 - Strategic Planning and Management (3)

Elective Course

• Complete at least 1 of the following:
  • PAD5850 - Grant and Contract Management (3)
  • PAD6237 - Ethics and Governance in Nonprofit Management (3)
  • PAD6208 - Nonprofit Financial Management (3)
  • SOW6383 - Social Work Administration (3)

Grand Total Credits: 18

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines

Students must achieve a grade of "B-" (80%) or better in every course. Students must maintain a program of study and graduate status GPA of 3.0 or higher and can only graduate with a graduate status GPA of 3.0 or higher.

National Nonprofit Leadership Certificate: The Nonprofit Leadership Alliance represents the achievements of national academic and experiential standards in nonprofit management. Students pursuing the Nonprofit Leadership Certification must meet the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance mandated requirements. An internship is required for students pursuing the National Nonprofit Leadership Certification. Students who provide documentation of at least 300 hours of nonprofit sector experience may have the internship waived.