Alert: The Plaza Building will remain closed through Jan. 20, 2025.

Learn More

Undergraduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management

School of Public Affairs

Overview

Degree: Undergraduate Certificate

Classroom Type: Online and on campus classes

This certificate is designed for students with a background in any major, and non-degree students who are interested in working in the nonprofit sector.

Application deadlines


Fall: August 1; Spring: December 1; Summer: May 1

Program Details

Interest Categories: Criminology & Law Public Administration & Policy

Campus: CU Denver

The undergraduate certificate in Nonprofit Management is designed to appeal to students with a background in any major, or non-degree students, who are interested in working in the nonprofit sector. The certificate is designed to allow students to demonstrate to potential employers that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the nonprofit workplace. Competencies covered by the certificate include foundations and management of the nonprofit sector, cultural competence and diversity, and financial resource development, among others. In addition, students have the opportunity to gain real-world experience and connections through nonprofit internships and field experiences.

Program requirements

  • The Undergraduate Nonprofit Management Certificate requires 18 credit hours of coursework.
  • All credit hours for the certificate must be completed at CU Denver. Transfer credits are not accepted.
  • Students must receive a minimum C- grade in each undergraduate course applied to satisfy the certificate.

Required courses

Students must complete all of the required courses below, totaling 9 credit hours. All course descriptions can be found in the Undergraduate Academic Catalog.

  • PUAD 3110 - Seminar in Nonprofit Management (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 4140 - Nonprofit Financial Management (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 4939 - Public Service Internship (3 credit hours)

Elective courses

In addition to the required courses listed above, students must complete 9 credit hours of elective courses, from the list below.

  • PUAD 3005: Collaboration Across Sectors (3 credits)
  • PUAD 3400: What Communities Tell Us: Stakeholders, Public Opinion, and Community Feedback (3 credits)
  • PUAD 4005: Human Rights and Social Equity (3 credits)
  • PUAD 4009: Human Service Organizations (3 credits)
  • PUAD 4020: Social Entrepreneurship (3 credits)
  • PUAD 4160: Nonprofit Boards and Executive Leadership (3 credits)
  • PUAD 4440: Negotiation and Conflict Resolution (3 credits)
  • PUAD 4600: Special Topics in Public Service (3 credits)
  • PUAD 4628: Social Problems and Policies in the Urban Environment (3 credits)
  • PUAD 4995: Global Study Topics (3 credits)

Recommended Completion Time:1 Year

Max Transfer Credits:0

Max 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.

Required Credits for Completion:18 Credits

Admission Requirements


View the admissions requirements for the School of Public Affairs.

CMS Login