Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management — Boston
This graduate certificate provides a comprehensive overview of nonprofit management through an in-depth study of both theory and practice, preparing students to excel in the nonprofit sector.
Take a Quick Look
We’re committed to creating an education as unique as your career path. So, whether your goal is a new career or moving up in your field, our innovative programs will get you going your way.
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Customize your plan
We work with you to map your path to your goal.
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Learn from experience
From real-world case studies to employer-based projects, we prepare you to manage what comes next.
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Choose your focus
Whatever you’re passionate about, you’ll find the classes to sharpen your specialty.
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Study anywhere, on your time
Part-time or full-time, we move at your speed, to get you where you’re going.
Overview
Nonprofits today simply require a higher level of management expertise, and nonprofit managers are required to manage people and programs more efficiently and effectively. The Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management focuses on developing a range of skills in organizational management, financial management, fundraising, grant and report writing, human resources management, and governance.
The program integrates theoretical approaches with practical application, preparing students for positions in either small or large nonprofit organizations. The program targets individuals who work in the nonprofit sector as executive directors, managers, program staff, board members, and volunteers. Students participate in case studies, individual and group projects, and class discussions.
F-1 students must be full-time students during their first term and can take a reduced course load in their final academic term, as long as there are no other degree requirements. Students are not eligible for OPT, as they have not completed one academic year (2 quarters having been completed rather than the 3 quarters that is the academic year).
More Details
Unique Features
- Boston location on flagship campus, a city known as a center of innovative nonprofit leaders
- Courses from this certificate can be applied to Northeastern's MS in Organizational Leadership and MS in Nonprofit Management
- Designed to help students develop and enhance practical and relevant management skills such as grant and report writing
- Program designed for an interactive student experience through group projects and discussion
Career Outlook
Hiring in nonprofit organizations is on the upswing. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nonprofit sector ranks third in the U.S. in overall employment, with more than 12.3m employees.
The fastest-growing jobs are in:
- Direct services
- Fundraising
- Program management
- Program support
A sample of where our recent graduates are working:
- YMCA
- Boston Children’s Museum
- Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
- Horizons for Homeless Children
- Oxfam America
- Marymount Manhattan College Prison Program
Get Set With a Custom Course Plan
Please note: The following is a sample curriculum and is subject to change. Enrolled students should reference the academic catalog for current program requirements.
General Requirements
3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00
Follow Our Leaders
Our faculty represents a wide cross-section of professional practices and fields. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside students to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.
"The Nonprofit Management program introduces our students to the multiple career opportunities offered by purpose driven, nonprofit organizations. We live in an exciting historical moment in which initiatives from the public administration, the industry, and the nonprofit sector are pivoting the next generation of social change. Our network of faculty, staff, students and partners aims to nurture the necessary skills to lead this process." - Monica Borgida, Faculty Lead - Nonprofit Management
Now Let's Talk Admissions
You know where you are headed and you've seen how our program will lead you there. So let's get going. Here's what you need to know before you enroll.
Application Requirements
- Online application
- Statement of purpose (500–1000 words): identifies your educational goals and expectations from the program; please be aware that the university's academic policy on plagiarism applies to your statement of purpose
- Professional resumé
- Unofficial undergraduate transcripts; official transcripts required at the time of admission
- The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)
- English language proficiency proof: Students for whom English is not their primary language must submit one of the following:
- Official associate or bachelor's degree transcript from an accredited college or university in the U.S., stating degree conferral and date
- TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo, or NU Global Exam scores
International Requirements
Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.
Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Professional Studies admissions process, policies, and required materials.
Financing Requirements
Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.
How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.
Cost and Tuition
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2024-2025 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.
For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.
Application Deadlines
Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:
Domestic Application Guidelines
International Application Guidelines*
*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.
Student Body Profile
Below is a look at where our Management alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.
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Where They Work
- State Street
- Fidelity Investments
- Dell EMC
- IBM
- Liberty Mutual Insurance
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What They Do
- Business Development
- Sales
- Operations
- Finance
- Entrepreneurship
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What They're Skilled At
- Management
- Leadership
- Customer Service
- Microsoft Office
- Project Management
Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on Linkedin.