Nonprofit Management

The certificate in Nonprofit Administration provides students with an introduction to core aspects of management and leadership in the nonprofit sector. The course of study emphasizes an introduction to essential aspects of nonprofit management, an overview of current policy and management issues, the development of analytical skills critical to effective work in the nonprofit sector and specialized coursework in several aspects of management.

The certificate program is geared to two types of students, individuals currently working in the nonprofit sector and students in master’s degree programs.

For individuals currently working in the nonprofit sector, the certificate program provides an opportunity to develop a broader understanding of the nonprofit sector and management practices. The certificate program supplements the practical knowledge students have gained from work experience, with an introduction to theory, empirical research, skills and best practices. Coursework provides students with a foundation of knowledge about management and leadership in the nonprofit sector that they can use to enhance their performance in their current job or for higher level jobs in the nonprofit sector in the future.

For individuals currently enrolled in master’s degree programs, the certificate in nonprofit management is appropriate for those who foresee using their master’s degree to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector. The certificate program provides management and leadership training to complement the professional knowledge students acquire in their course of study for the master’s degree. In the certificate program, students receive an introduction to relevant theory, empirical research, skills and best practices. Coursework provides students with a foundation of knowledge about management and leadership in the nonprofit sector that they can use in future jobs in the sector.

No graduate record exam (GRE) is required for this certificate program.

Suggested course sequence

To earn the Certificate in Nonprofit Administration, students must complete 15 credits. There are four core courses:

  • Loading Course Info...
  • Loading Course Info...
  • Loading Course Info...
  • Loading Course Info...

Students must also satisfactorily complete an additional three (3) credits from the following list:

  • Loading Course Info...
  • Loading Course Info...
  • Loading Course Info...
  • Loading Course Info...
  • Loading Course Info...

For the most up to date

Students pursuing the Nonprofit or Local Government certificate must compile a portfolio that includes samples of work which represent knowledge and skills specific to their certificate and which they believe best demonstrate their grasp of the core competencies identified for each certificate program. The portfolio is required for all students entering the program in fall 2014 and beyond; the portfolio is optional for students who entered the program earlier than that date. A list of competencies and assessment tools for each certificate is provided in Appendix E of the Student Handbook. Students must submit their portfolios by the last day of classes of their final semester in the program. While all certificate students must submit a portfolio to graduate, assessment of portfolios will not affect students' graduation. Members of the MPA Advisory Board will assess portfolios periodically. Assessments will be shared with the students after graduation and will be used on an aggregate level to inform program improvements within certificate programs.

Admission Requirements

If you wish to pursue a certificate in conjunction with your MPA, fill out the Add-on Certificate Application.

To be admitted into the certificate program, if a student is not already enrolled in the MPA program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
  2. An undergraduate grade point average of 3.0

The application process requires students to submit the following materials:

  1. The online graduate
  2. Transcripts from your undergraduate institution
  3. A current resume
  4. A letter of recommendation from a professor or professional colleague (such as a supervisor or executive director of a nonprofit organization) who can evaluate your suitability for the certificate program.
  5. A 1-2 page personal statement that addresses why you are interested in the program.

These materials will be reviewed in total to assess whether applicants bring the necessary skills and experiences to succeed in the program.

If students are interested in completing two specializations or certificates, a minimum of 51 total credits must be completed. If a student is interested in completing three specializations or certificates, a minimum of 60 total credits must be completed. Credits cannot be “double counted” for more than one specialization or certificate.

To discuss the certificate further, contact Melissa Sweet at msweet@binghamton.edu or 607-777-9178.