COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS

Learn more about the graduate certificate in Non-Profit Management.

About the Certificate

By one estimate, the United States has about 1.5 million nonprofit organizations of varying size, structure and purpose that employ over 14 million workers. Nonprofits work closely with each other as well as with governments at the federal, state and municipal levels. Government agencies contract with nonprofits to conduct research, evaluate programs, and deliver goods and services during program implementation. Many nonprofits also advocate on behalf of particular causes and constituencies. Such organizations have a critical role in responding to a wide array of challenges faced by society, such as access to affordable healthcare, criminal justice reform, economic development, education system reform, poverty and hunger, sustainability and others.

The Non-Profit Management certificate’s curriculum gives students a foundation in the themes, concepts and tools of nonprofit management. Students who earn a "B" or better in their coursework and are admitted into the Master of Public Policy (MPP) program have at least 9 credits applied toward completion of the MPP. 

Time Limit for Certificate Completion: 2 years

Campus Location: Online, with virtual synchronous sessions held in the evenings to accommodate working professionals

Full-Time/Part-Time Status: The graduate certificate can be completed on a part-time basis. NOTE: International students may not be eligible to apply for a student visa based on admission to the certificate program. Please contact the certificate program's administrator for more information.

Job Prospects: The Non-Profit Management certificate program is intended primarily for graduate students who seek preparation for jobs in the nonprofit sector and professionals working in the field who hope to advance their careers. Completion of the certificate signals to employers that the student has a solid foundation in the concepts, knowledge and practical tools of nonprofit management.

Non-Matriculated Student Policy: Non-matriculated students may take up to 9 credits of coursework before applying to the graduate certificate program.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Fall and Spring: Admission is rolling.

Submit your application at https://forms.gle/5ULjY3XTN2jLt7oH7.

Questions should be directed to mpp@temple.edu.

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: Applicants already admitted to a graduate degree program at Temple University have demonstrated that they possess the required bachelor's degree. Applicants not currently enrolled in a Temple University graduate degree program and applicants enrolled in a graduate degree program at another university must submit official transcripts for all coursework taken since high school, whether or not a degree was earned from the institution(s). Evidence of the award of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university with an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale must be shown. Transcripts should be sent to mpp@temple.edu.

Additional Requirements for Students Not Currently Enrolled in a Temple University Graduate Degree Program: Submit these additional materials via email to mpp@temple.edu:

• Two letters of recommendation from persons in a position to evaluate the applicant’s academic ability and accomplishments
• A personal statement of approximately 250 words indicating interests, plans and objectives within the field of nonprofit management
• Current resume

Certificate Requirements

Number of Credits Required to Complete the Certificate: 12

Required Courses:

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Core Courses
PLCY 5001	Non-Profit Organization and Management	3
PLCY 5002	Non-Profit Fundraising	3
PLCY 5003	Financial Management for Non-Profit Organizations	3
Elective
PLCY 5004	Leadership in Public Sector and Non-Profit Organizations	3
or GUS 5165	Community Based Program Evaluation
or SGM 5131	Social Entrepreneurship - Innovative Approaches to Achieving Positive Social Impact
Total Credit Hours		12

GPA Required to be Awarded the Certificate: 3.0 minimum

Contacts

Department Contacts: