Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management

Graduate Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management prepares students to become innovative and critical thinkers in the areas of nonprofit organizational management and public policy, with a unique approach that bridges theoretical knowledge with real-world experience.

The Program at a Glance

School: School of Public Affairs Campus: CU Denver Classroom: Online and on campus classes Recommended completion time: 1 Year Credits required for completion: 12 Maximum transfer credits: 0 Maximum credits per year: In most cases, students wishing to take more than 18 credit hours per semester (12 in the summer session) must have the overload approved by the dean. Application deadline: Fall: August 1; Spring: December 1; Summer: May 1

The Details

As students prepare for their careers or advancement in their current positions, they gain insight into the interdependence between the nonprofit, public and for-profit sectors. Graduates are able to span the boundaries of these three sectors to assess community needs, navigate the realm of public policy, and strategically and effectively manage organizations that ultimately benefit society.

Students who pursue the certificate in nonprofit management also have the option to earn the nationally recognized Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential through the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. 

Review CU Denver's Academic Policies.

Program requirements

  • The Graduate Nonprofit Management Certificate requires 12 credit hours of coursework.
  • Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, with a minimum grade of B- in each course.

Required courses

Students must complete the course below, for a total of 3 credit hours. All course descriptions can be found in the Graduate Academic Catalog.

  • PUAD 5110 - Seminar in Nonprofit Management (3 credit hours)

Elective courses

In addition to the required courses, students must complete three elective courses from the list below or that have been approved by their advisor, for a total of 9 credit hours. All course descriptions can be found in the Graduate Academic Catalog.

  • PUAD 5115 - Effective Grant Writing for Nonprofit and Public Sector Managers (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5120 - Nonprofits and Public Policy (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5125 - Civil Society and Nongovernmental Organizations (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5140 - Nonprofit Financial Management (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5150 - Fundraising & Financial Resource Development (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5160 - Nonprofit Boards and Executive Leadership (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5170 - Strategic Management for Nonprofit and Public Managers (3 credit hours)

Admissions Requirements

View the admissions requirements for the School of Public Affairs.