Certificate Overview: Graduate Certificate Programs in Nonprofit Management
Majors Overview June 11, 2015Those interested in developing the skills necessary for directing and leading projects and people of private organizations should look into graduate certificate programs in nonprofit management. This article talks about these programs and their education requirements, coursework, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Information on Nonprofit Management Graduate Certificate Programs
Coursework in a nonprofit management graduate certificate program typically spreads over 4-5 classes. As these programs are mainly intended to help working professionals, online classes as well as part-time studies may be offered by some schools. Experience and/or education standards are required to be met by incoming students.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree, although this requirement may be waived at some schools if the prospective student has sufficient prior nonprofit work experience. Schools may also require submission of a resume, letters of recommendation, and a personal purpose statement. A personal interview may also be a requirement at some schools.
Coursework
General methods in managerial finance, planning and marketing are in the program coursework. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Techniques for submitting grant requests
•Program funding and evaluation strategies
•Guides to fundraising
•Laws affecting nonprofit organizations
•Effectively managing volunteer personnel
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a faster-than-average growth rate of 21% has been predicted for jobs in social and community service management (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). These professionals usually found employment with rehabilitation services, local and state government, individual and family services, and civic groups. In May 2014, all social and community service managers brought in an average annual wage of $67,730.
Continuing Education Choices
Program graduates may seek continued education by earning a master’s degree such as a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.); many MBA programs offer a specialization in nonprofit management. Graduates may also choose to pursue a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Nonprofit Management.