Program Overview

Introduction to the Non-Profit Management Certificate (Graduate)

The Nonprofit Management Graduate Certificate at Temple University's College of Liberal Arts is a 12-credit hour program designed for graduate students aspiring to nonprofit careers. This entirely online program is primarily aimed at those seeking to make an impact in the world around them.

Program Overview

Nonprofits play a critical problem-solving role in society, responding to challenges like access to healthcare, criminal justice reform, education reform, hunger, sustainability, and more. The latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that nonprofit organizations account for 10% of U.S. employment with over 12 million jobs. Nonprofit jobs are even more significant in Philadelphia, accounting for 30% of the city's private sector jobs in 2022.

Curriculum and Competencies

The Nonprofit Management Graduate Certificate's curriculum provides a foundation in the concepts, themes, and tools of management. Students develop competencies in:

• Fundraising best practices, including consideration of donor types
• Managing finances, including budgeting, investment, and accounting
• Measuring outcomes and evaluating effectiveness using assessment tools
• Setting goals

Program Format

Classes for the Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management are held online, with virtual synchronous sessions in the evenings to accommodate working professionals. Students can enroll full or part-time and have two years to complete the program.

Required Courses

The curriculum consists of four, three-credit courses for a total of 12 credits. The required courses are:

• Financial Management for Nonprofit Organizations
• Nonprofit Fundraising
• Nonprofit Organization and Management

Elective Courses

Students choose one of the following electives:

• Community Based Program Evaluation
• Leadership in Public Service and Nonprofit Organizations
• Social Entrepreneurship—Innovative Approaches to Achieving Positive Social Impact

Admission and Completion Requirements

Students must pass all courses and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to earn the certificate.

Related Graduate Degrees

• Master of Public Policy (MPP)

Careers

Completion of the Nonprofit Management Graduate Certificate signals to employers that the student has a solid foundation in the theory and practical applications required to manage nonprofit organizations. Nonprofit management professionals work in various settings, including roles such as:

• Chief financial officer
• Director of communication
• Director of development
• Director of information services
• Executive director
• Human resources director
• Program director

Tuition and Fees

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level, course load, in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. For the 2025–2026 academic year:

• Pennsylvania resident: $1,148.00 per credit
• Out-of-state: $1,577.00 per credit

Accreditation

Temple University's departments and programs are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.