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Nonprofit Leadership and Management (Graduate Certificate)

Nonprofit Leadership and Management (Graduate Certificate)

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Nonprofit Leadership and Management (Graduate Certificate)

Cert, Charity, Community, Graduate Studies, Non-Profit, Non-Profit Organizations, Philanthropy, government, resources

By pursuing this certificate, you can join a community of driven professionals who are dedicated to making a positive impact on the world and creating lasting change.

Program description
Degree awarded: Certificate  Nonprofit Leadership and Management (certificate)

The graduate certificate program in nonprofit leadership and management provides students with an understanding of the nonprofit sector's role in society, as well as the skills necessary to lead and make a positive impact in nonprofit work.

Students with diverse academic backgrounds are exposed to knowledge needed by leaders in the nonprofit sector, including understanding of the historical and philosophical context for nonprofit organizations in society, the theory and practice of philanthropy, financial management practices and other topical content areas.

The certificate is ideal when combined with graduate degree programs in other areas and when used to provide a core focus in nonprofit leadership and management.

At a glance
Degree requirements

15 credit hours

Required Core (9 credit hours)
NLM 510 The Nonprofit Sector (3)
NLM 520 Financial and Resource Management (3)
NLM 540 Strategic Human Resources Management (3) or NLM 545 Volunteer Resource Management (3)

Electives (6 credit hours)

Additional Curriculum Information
Students select either NLM 540 or NLM 545 as part of the required core coursework.

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. resume
  4. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

International applicants are also required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores and a financial guarantee statement.

The program is available to students who are pursuing their graduate degree in a chosen field of study and who have expressed interest in pursuing careers in the nonprofit sector. In addition, the program is well-suited for working professionals who may be pursuing a graduate degree but who wish to strengthen their skills and connections in the nonprofit community and who have one to three years of nonprofit professional experience.

Applicants should see the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions website for more information.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Attend online
ASU Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.

Application deadlines
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/CIn Person Rolling
Session A/COnline Rolling
Program learning outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

  • Evaluate the financial health of nonprofit organizations.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of critical dimensions of the nonprofit sector through discussion, readings, individual research and writing.
Career opportunities

Graduates of this program have built expertise in nonprofit leadership and management. Career opportunities include:

  • administrative officers
  • community services officers
  • executive officers
  • financial officers
  • foundation officers
Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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