Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management

Sharpen your service, and do more

The nonprofit sector is growing and connecting with more spheres of activity than ever before. Making change still takes more than a goal: it takes concrete knowledge and abilities. Our five-course certificate prepares you to succeed in the professional nonprofit world.

With peers equally committed to service, you will learn from regional nonprofit leaders as well as academics. The five courses cover key areas including Resource Development; Social Marketing and Community Awareness; Strategic Planning for Nonprofits; and Financial Management. See our Courses area for sample past syllabi.

Courses are offered in a variety of delivery approaches (evening, hybrid, weekend) which help meet our students' needs as working adults. You can start the certificate in spring, summer or fall. You can seek this certificate in combination with the MPA or PhD, or on its own. Contact us to learn more about the certificate.

Is this the program for me?

program flyer for graduate certificate in Nonprofit Management
FYI | required book list (google spreadsheet)
FYI | sample past syllabi

What thresholds must I meet to be eligible for admission?

Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university with a GPA of 2.0 or higher on a 4-point scale.
Submit all required application materials per the Graduate School (including Graduate School application, fee, official transcripts).

How do I apply?

Apply to the Graduate School directly, 615/963.5901

Key guiding documents

Roadmap to the nonprofit certificate (timing and links to what you need to graduate)

What classes should I take? Speak to your advisor before making course choices to ensure a smooth path through the program. This is especially important for students seeking the certificate along with a second degree (MPA or PhD).

Who's my advisor?
FYI | pattern of online vs. on-ground (traditional or hybrid) delivery for MPA core courses
FYI | sample syllabi for core and elective courses
FYI | certificate courses offered by semester
FYI | CPSUA course schedules and resources for registration
myTSU system | access course schedule and register

What's my plan for finishing the certificate?

Program of study form for the nonprofit certificate; complete with your advisor

What must I do to notify the University ahead of time that I'm ready to graduate? If you are ready to finish, you must apply online to notify the Graduate School that you are planning to graduate in the upcoming semester. Watch the deadlines at the links below carefully for this application. Certificate recipients do not walk in graduation unless they are also completing a degree program that semester.

Form (online) | Graduation Application ; you must apply online for graduation from this site IN advance; check deadlines a semester ahead! Application is mandatory whether or not you plan to attend commencement.
Finishing two programs? Students seeking both a certificate AND the MPA must petition for graduation twice, once for both programs. If you are trying to complete two programs in a SINGLE semester (such as a certificate and the MPA), apply for one of the programs using the online graduation application and then submit the Secondary Program Graduation Application form by email as directed on the document.
Submit your Completion of certificate form to your advisor by mid-semester in the semester in which you plan to complete the certificate (taking your last classes).

webpage contact:
Department of Public Administration

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