Program Overview

Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management

About

Nonprofit management is one of the fastest growing fields in the nation. Working in the field of nonprofit management provides students with the opportunity to drive civic innovation and create long-term impactful community change.

The Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management through the School of Public Policy and Leadership equips students with the skills necessary to lead and operate nonprofit organizations. The certificate is meant to enhance the skill sets of both students starting their careers or seeking to advance careers through a leadership role. During the program, students will develop skills and knowledge related to: fundraising and development, grant management, philanthropy, legal issues and policy analysis, volunteer management, human resource management, program evaluation and community development. Through applied learning opportunities students take the competencies and expertise they learn in the classroom and apply them to community problems, all while building collaborative partnerships and a robust professional network.

Students earning the certificate may apply for admission into the Master of Public Administration degree program. If accepted, the fifteen credits earned in the certificate program may be applied to the M.P.A. Additional information about admissions to the M.P.A. can be found on the School of Public Policy and Leadership website.

Accreditation

For information regarding accreditation at UNLV, please head over to Academic Program Accreditations.

Learning Outcomes

This certificate is designed:

• Articulate a clear and compelling vision while advocating for improving the lives of others.
• Develop strategic goals, plans and evaluation strategies to improve organizational performance.
• Apply your professional knowledge with diverse individuals, families, groups and communities.
• Engage staff, volunteers and others in meaningful ways to help build community relationships and reach goals.
• Evaluate challenges and policy issues related to the legal, historical and operational challenges of nonprofits.
• Identify and cultivate donors to raise funds, write grant proposals and manage capital campaigns.

Career Possibilities

If you are just entering the field, this degree is suited for:

• Public Relations
• Community Service Agency Worker
• Probation/Parole Officer
• Grant Writer
• Congressional Aide Fund Raiser
• College Advisor/Counselor
• Community Relations Specialist
• Volunteer Program Coordinator

If you already have work-related experience, you might consider:

• Market Research Interviewer
• Consumer Advocate
• Major Gift Officer
• Lobbyist Agency Manager
• Technical Writer
• Police Officer
• Admissions Counselor
• Director of Volunteer Programs

With additional graduate-level coursework, you might consider these:

• Market Research Analyst
• Demographer
• Career Counselor
• Teacher/College
• Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
• Non-Profit Agency Director
• Clergy
• Director of Donor Relations Human Resources Manager/Director

Requirements

Plan Description

The School of Public Policy and Leadership offers a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management. The Certificate is designed for individuals with either a baccalaureate degree or a graduate degree who are interested in enhancing their educational background with regard to the nonprofit sector. The Certificate is designed to provide individuals the intellectual foundation to function as a manager in nonprofit organizations.

Students earning the certificate may apply for admission into the Master of Public Administration degree program. If accepted, the fifteen credits earned in the certificate program may be applied to the M.P.A. Additional information about admissions to the M.P.A. can be found on the School of Public Policy and Leadership web page.

Plan Admission Requirements

• Application deadlines: Applications available on the UNLV Graduate College website.
• All applicants must review and follow the Graduate College Admission and Registration Requirements.
• Applicants for admission to the Certificate in Nonprofit Management Program must have earned an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Applicants must be accepted by the Graduate College and the School of Public Policy and Leadership.

Application Process:

1. Apply online to the Graduate College.
2. All application material is subsequently reviewed by faculty to determine admission into the program.
3. Additional materials listed below should be uploaded and submitted with your application:
   1. Official transcripts demonstrating an earned bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university and a GPA sufficient to meet Graduate College requirements.
   2. Note: Unofficial transcripts are allowed to be uploaded and submitted with your application to allow initial evaluation.
4. Two letters of recommendation from professors, employers, and/or professional colleagues. Identify the two people sending letters of recommendation on your behalf. They will, in turn, upload their letters to the Graduate College's On-line application site. To get this process started, go to the Graduate College's Application process web page and click on the RECOMMENDATIONS link at the left side of the page immediately below the Application process links. Then make sure you check "yes" when it asks you about submitting your letters electronically.
5. A written essay explaining why you are interested in the certificate program in nonprofit management.
6. A current resume.

Plan Requirements

• Total Credits Required: 15

Course Requirements

Core Courses – Credits: 6

• PUA 708 - Organizations and Organizational Behavior
• PUA 770 - Nonprofit Management and Theories of the 3rd Sector

Required Courses – Credits: 6

Complete two of the following three credit courses:

• PUA 771 - Grant Writing and Evaluation Field Study
• PUA 772 - Grant Evaluation and Strategic Allocation Field Study
• PUA 774 - Community Outreach and Volunteerism
• PUA 775 - Strategic Planning and Program Evaluation for Nonprofits
• PUA 776 - Development for Nonprofit Managers

Elective Courses – Credits: 3

Complete three of the following one-credit courses (three credits):

• PUA 610 - Grant Writing for Public and Nonprofit Managers
• PUA 611 - Policy Advocacy and Lobbying
• PUA 612 - Performance Measurement for Public and Nonprofit Organizations
• PUA 613 - Leadership and Ethics for Public and Nonprofit Managers
• PUA 615: Nonprofit Financial Management

Certificate Requirements

1. Completion of a minimum of 15 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.00.
2. Students are required to submit a portfolio in their final semester. Specific guidelines for the portfolio may be obtained from the Nonprofit Certificate program director.

Plan Certificate Completion Requirements

Complete the final project paper.

Students may apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. All required forms must be submitted to the graduate college via the Grad Rebel Gateway.