Nonprofit Management Certificate

Karen Miller, Ph.D., Department Chair

Julie Cencula Olberding, Ph.D., Graduate Program Director

Program Description

The Nonprofit Management certificate is an 18 credit hour program suited for individuals currently working in or interested in the nonprofit sector including social service organizations, hospitals, universities, foundations, and arts organizations. Students can earn the certificate in a completely online format or in a mix of online and in-person classes. They complete the certificate at their own pace, but most finish in a year or two by enrolling in one to three courses per semester. 

Office of the Nonprofit Management Certificate

The main office of the Nonprofit Management certificate is currently 555 Founders Hall.  For more information please call (859) 572-5326, email mpa@nku.edu or visit our website at nku.edu/mpacertificates.

Program Mission

The Nonprofit Management graduate certificate provides pre-career and in-career students with knowledge, and skills, to manage and lead in nonprofit organizations. For this 18 credit hour program, each student completes three required courses (9 credit hours) that provide a foundation for nonprofit management. Then each student selects three elective courses (9 credit hours) that enhance their knowledge and skills in areas such as strategic planning and program evaluation, grant writing and management, diversity and equity, and arts administration.

Admission Process:

Each applicant must submit the following items:

Completed online application for graduate admission.

Official transcripts showing all college/university coursework. The applicant must possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher (scale of 4.0)

Statement of purpose describing the applicant’s career and academic goals and how the graduate certificate program will support attainment of those goals, and any additional information such as relevant academic or professional experience (300 to 400 words).

Dual MPA Degree and Graduate Certificate

Students completing the Nonprofit Management graduate certificate may apply for admission to the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program. If admitted, they may receive up to 15 hours of credit towards the 36 credit hour master’s degree. For academic questions about the Nonprofit Management certificate and/or MPA degree, contact the MPA office at (859) 572-5326 or mpa@nku.edu.

♦ Indicates prerequisite.