Nonprofit Leadership Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership is designed to complement existing degree programs within the School of Social Work, School of Government, School of Information and Library Science, and the College of Arts and Sciences (specifically Public Policy). While there may be some overlap in coursework, the certificate provides specialized, nonprofit-focused content that enhances the academic and professional preparation of students. Course credit transfer policies will be applied to ensure that students can efficiently integrate the certificate into their degree programs. Additionally, students will be encouraged to pursue elective courses focused on nonprofits across various disciplines, allowing them to tailor their learning experience and further develop specific knowledge and skills that align with their personal and professional interests.

Course Requirements

Core Courses
SOWO 883Marketing and Fundraising for Nonprofit Organizations3
SOWO 884Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations3
or PUBA 756 Nonprofit Management
SOWO 885Financial Management of Nonprofit Organizations3
Electives
3 minimum credit hours of elective courses are required from the list below.3
Minimum Hours12
Electives
INLS 685Project Management: Strategy and Applications 3
INLS 690Intermediate Selected Topics (INLS 690.324)1-3
PLCY 799Selected Topics in Public Policy3
PLCY 725Politics, Advocacy and Public Policy3
PLCY/HBEH 748Design Thinking for the Public Good 3
PUBA 758Navigating Nonprofit Local Government3
PUBA 763Grant Writing and Evaluation1.5
PUBA 730Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting and Reporting3
PUBA 771Managing Economic Development3
PUBA 780Special Topics in Public Administration1-3
SOWO 570Social Work Practice with Organizations and Communities3
SOWO 874Administrative and Management: Theory and Practice3
SOWO 875Interorganizational and Community-Level Theory and Practice3
SOWO 745Facilitation Skills Within the Organizational and Community Context1.5
SOWO 744Community Organizing1.5
SOWO 730Social Work and the Law3
SOWO 792Program Development and Proposal Preparation1.5
SOWO 793Asset Development Practice1.5
SOWO 881Development Theory and Practice in Global Settings3

Non-Course Certificate Requirements

  • Capstone Project for the Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership

Students in the Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership will complete a Capstone Project that demonstrates the integration and application of knowledge gained throughout the program. This project must be completed within one of the certificate’s core or elective courses and is designed to offer students a flexible yet rigorous opportunity to engage in applied nonprofit leadership work while earning course credit.