Program Overview

Social Entrepreneurship and Community Development (Graduate Certificate)

Program Description

The social entrepreneurship and community development graduate certificate program can be seamlessly added to an ASU master's degree program, broadening students' expertise and career prospects. It is ideal for students in nonprofit leadership, public policy, innovation, and related fields, enhancing their academic portfolio.

At a Glance

• College/school: Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions
• Location: Downtown Phoenix or Online
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Degree Requirements

15 credit hours

• Required Core (6 credit hours)
  • NLM 562 Social Entrepreneurship (3)
  • NLM 572 Community and Social Innovations (3)
• Electives (9 credit hours)

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
• U.S. applicants | International applicants | English proficiency
• 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 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

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 offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.

Application Deadlines

• Fall
  • Session A/C | In Person | Final
  • Session A/C | Online | 02/01 | Final
  • Session B | Online | Final
• Spring
  • Session A/C | In Person | Final
  • Session A/C | Online | Final
  • Session B | Online | Final

Program Learning Outcomes

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

• Articulate their understanding of the concepts of social entrepreneurship and social innovation through discussion, readings, individual research, and writing.
• Apply class concepts through written analyses of organizations practicing community development, social entrepreneurship, and social enterprise.

Career Opportunities

Social entrepreneurship is at the leading edge of public, private, and nonprofit innovation. Career options include executive officers, administrative officers, financial officers, and foundation officers.