Nonprofit Management Certificate

Gain the Skills You Need To Thrive In the Nonprofit Industry

Our online Nonprofit Management Certificate program is designed to help you build the professional and practical skills and knowledge needed to support the sustainability and growth of nonprofit organizations.

Offered by the University of San Diego's Division of Professional and Continuing Education in partnership with the university's highly regarded Nonprofit Institute, this multi-course certificate program provides a high-quality learning experience focused on the following essential areas:

  • Fundraising
  • Managing nonprofit teams
  • Attracting/retaining volunteers
  • Building effective boards
  • Marketing and much more

Certificate Requirements

To earn a professional certificate in Nonprofit Management, participants must:

  • Complete the eight required courses
  • Complete all coursework with a final grade of C or better
  • Submit a one-time certificate fee of $45

Learn more about the University of San Diego's Professional and Continuing Education Certificate Benefits and Policies.

Schedule & Fees

Core Courses – To Enroll and Learn More Click a Course Below

All courses from this stream are required for completion of this certificate
Course Date Units Price
Overview of the Nonprofit Sector [MGT-X800] 17 Jan 202313 Feb 2023 1 $299

17 Jan 202313 Feb 2023

1

$299

Online Fixed-Date

Leslie Hennessy

Get an introduction to the nonprofit sector, and learn how these organizations play an integral role in our communities

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

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Introduction to Fundraising [MGT-X801] 14 Feb 202313 Mar 2023 1 $299

14 Feb 202313 Mar 2023

1

$299

Online Fixed-Date

Jeremy Bloom

Learn the basics of nonprofit fundraising and learn how to become a fundraiser for a nonprofit

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

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Managing Today's Nonprofit Teams Through Effective Risk Management [MGT-X802] See Course Options 1 $299

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1

$299

Online Fixed-Date

Melinda Wilkes

This course provides supervisory skills to manage nonprofit teams including legal and ethical considerations with regard to employees, and effective verbal and written skills

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Introduction to Nonprofit Financial Management [MGT-X803] 14 Mar 202310 Apr 2023 1 $299

14 Mar 202310 Apr 2023

1

$299

Online Fixed-Date

Rick Dahlseid

Learn about the basic accounting, interpreting and analyzing of required financial documents, to produce and report out documents that are understood by key stakeholders.

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

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Attracting and Retaining Volunteers [MGT-X804] 25 Oct 202221 Nov 2022 1 $299

25 Oct 202221 Nov 2022

1

$299

Online Fixed-Date

Melinda Wilkes

This course will assist professionals to deploy the talents of volunteers and understand how to provide a structured objective framework.

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

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Developing Effective Nonprofit Boards [MGT-X806] 14 Feb 202313 Mar 2023 1 $299

14 Feb 202313 Mar 2023

1

$299

Online Fixed-Date

Sarah Zakaria

Governance is the heart of the board, but other aspects are important in order to successfully lead a nonprofit organization.

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

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Fundamentals of Program Evaluation [MGT-X807] 22 Nov 202219 Dec 2022 1 $299

22 Nov 202219 Dec 2022

1

$299

Online Fixed-Date

Mehrnoush Jamshidi

Gain the skills improve the management and effectiveness of your organization and its programs.

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

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Marketing Essentials for Nonprofit Professionals [MGT-X812] 25 Oct 202221 Nov 2022 1 $299

25 Oct 202221 Nov 2022

1

$299

Online Fixed-Date

Joshua Nunn

This continuing education course benefits nonprofit sector employees, professionals transitioning to the nonprofit sector. This course will introduce students to aspects of traditional marketing, explore digital marketing strategies and best practices, plus review real-world case studies.

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

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View Course

$45

$2,437

Learning Method Information

Online Fixed-Date

Online Fixed-Date: Online fixed-date courses offer a convenient, yet rigorous style of learning that enables you to collaborate with your instructor and other students in a shared, online learning environment. These courses have fixed start and finish dates, but as an online student you will have 24/7 online access to your classroom assignments, syllabus and course resources. Our online fixed-date courses allow you to work on your assignments anytime, although you are required to complete the assignments by specific dates.

How is the learning structured? In an online fixed-date course, you and your classmates will proceed through the curriculum together, collaborating in a shared learning experience. Each online fixed-date course is asynchronous, meaning that you can work on your assignments anytime, although required to complete the assignments by specific dates. The course is designed with learning modules where all of the content is grouped into weekly assignments. Each module covers one or more topics. Within each of the learning modules, you can expect the following components:

  • Module introduction that outlines what you can expect to learn in the module.
  • Required readings (textbook, articles, journals, etc.) and presentations (audio and/or video).
  • Assignments with due dates (which may include: written assignments, journal entries, research, blogs, etc.) based on the readings and presentations.
  • Discussion forum where you answer prompts from the instructor and interact with your classmates.
  • Module conclusion to review the topics and what you should have learned.
  • Typically, there is a final project, paper, or exam due in the last module that culminates all of the topics covered in each of the learning modules. You'll find that the design of the learning modules has a rhythm to help you manage your time in the course.

What You Will Learn

  • Define predominant models and theories of nonprofit management
  • Develop a basic nonprofit fundraising strategy
  • Lead successful nonprofit teams
  • Apply the basics of financial management for a nonprofit, including accounting and reporting
  • Manage successful volunteer teams
  • Recognize the role of nonprofit boards
  • Create the elements of effective program design
  • Understand the role of digital marketing in the nonprofit sector

Who Should Attend

Taught by experienced faculty instructors in a convenient and flexible online format, the courses in this research-based nonprofit management certificate program are ideal for:

  • Experienced nonprofit sector employees
  • New or aspiring nonprofit sector employees
  • Professionals transitioning to the nonprofit sector
  • Current or prospective board members
  • Experienced volunteers
  • Those looking to engage in volunteer work

Benefits of USD's Online Nonprofit Management Certificate Program

Here are some of the most compelling reasons to enroll in the University of San Diego's Nonprofit Management Certificate program:

  • Improve your ability to champion a cause
  • Increase the likelihood of campaign success
  • Build a productive board that can help lead your nonprofit to the next level
  • Recognize internal controls, implement fund accounting best practices, and develop effective financial tools and budgets
  • Build your organization's brand with marketing strategies designed to differentiate your organization and boost brand awareness
  • Make an even more significant positive impact in the community that you serve
  • Earn a national nonprofit credential in conjunction with this certificate program. Students completing the USD Nonprofit certificate program are eligible to obtain a national credential from the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (NLA) with this program.

Testimonials

Instructors

Professional development courses offered by the University of San Diego's Division of Professional & Continuing Education are taught by faculty that possess a depth and breadth of academic and real-world professional experience.

Careers Outlook

Employment opportunities in the business and finance field are expected to grow by over 750,000 new jobs by 2030 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). With so many new and emerging opportunities, employers are going to have to compete heavily to attract and retain the most talented and educated business professionals.

This makes furthering your education and diversifying your business skillset all the more important. With expertise in a wide variety of business concepts, you will not only be well suited for many job roles, you will also be in demand by the employer of your choosing.

Industry Insights

8 %

Job growth

$78800

Average business manager salary


Career Opportunities

Project Manager
Social Media Coordinator
Data Analyst

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of credit am I earning?

The credit earned is considered Graduate Level Extension Credit, in semester hours (1 semester hour= 15 contact hours). The credit earned is usually used for salary advancement, credential renewing and/or recertification. Graduate Level Extension credit is not usually transferrable towards a degree. Prior district approval is highly recommended and the responsibility of the student if using the units towards salary advancement, credential renewing and/or recertification.

What if I need help enrolling in a course, or I need more information on a course?

If you experience issues enrolling, or have questions, complete our Contact Us Form or call our Enrollment and Student Services team between 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (PST), M-F, at (619) 260-4585 or toll free at (888) 321-6658.

How do I request an Official Transcript?

Transcripts can be ordered online via your student account. For more detailed information, please visit the Student Transcript Request Page

I need more time to finish my Self-Paced course, what do I do?

Independent Study Self-Paced courses – USD allows 9 months from the date of registration to complete an independent study formatted course and submit all completed course work for evaluation.

Online Self-Paced courses – USD allows 6 months from the date of registration to complete an online self-paced formatted course and submit all assignments for evaluation within this period.

If you need additional time and would like to make an extension request, contact us prior to your upcoming deadline at continuinged@sandiego.edu or call between 8:30AM – 5:00PM (PST), M-F, at (619) 260-4585 or toll free at (888) 321-6658 for a one-time extension. If an extension is granted, it is final.

Classroom, Online Fixed-Date, and Credit Validation formatted courses do not allow for any additional time to complete assignments.

What are your registration/drop/refund policies?

Click here for complete details regarding our refund, drop and transfer policies

Are Self-Paced courses right for me?

Online Self-Paced and Independent Study Self-Paced Courses: Self-Paced formatted courses allow one to take courses without sitting in a classroom. You will use course textbooks, manuals, assignments and exams to learn and earn credit. Depending on the course and format, you will also use streaming audio and video, CD-ROM, and download embedded materials through the Internet. Communication with your instructor will take place by email, within the online learning platform, phone or fax. Your instructor will provide feedback via written responses on your assignments and exams. Grades are based on completed projects, assignments and exams. You can register at any time and you will have six or nine months to complete your course, depending on the format of the course.

Is Self-Paced right for me?

Self-Paced courses offer flexibility and the ability to complete a course quicker than a traditional live course. Our courses deliver the same high-quality content and expert instruction as traditional, "face-to-face" courses. You can register at any time and you will have six or nine months to complete your course, depending on the format of the course. These courses work well for:

  • Working professionals with tight schedules
  • Students who require a specific course to meet professional development or recertification requirements
  • Students living in remote locations
  • Students who cannot easily attend courses due to injury or illness
  • Students who are self-motivated and conscientious

Is Online Learning right for me?

Online Fixed-Date courses offer a convenient, yet rigorous style of learning that allows you to structure your education to suit your schedule while keeping you on pace toward achieving your educational goals. Online Fixed-Date courses have fixed start and finish dates similar to classroom courses, but as an online student, you will have access to your classroom at any time and can view your assignments, syllabus, and course resources from any computer with Internet capability.

Online Fix-Date courses offer the same high-quality content and expert instruction as the courses held on-ground at the University of San Diego. Instructors facilitate courses through engaging multimedia presentations and provide prompt feedback to questions within a 24-48 hour time frame. This online format allows students to interact with classmates worldwide and replicate in-classroom interactions through weekly discussion forums, chats and email communication.

Online Self-Paced courses are a perfect blend of accessibility, convenience and flexibility for you to control your learning pace. You will use course textbooks, manuals, assignments and exams to learn and earn credit. Depending on the course, you may also use streaming audio and video, CD-ROM, and download embedded materials through the Internet. Communication with your instructor will take place online through your course site. Your instructor will provide feedback via written responses on your assignments and exams. Grades are based on completed projects, assignments and exams. You can register at any time and you will have six months from the time of registration to complete your course.

What does Classroom instructional type mean?

Classroom courses are offered in a traditional classroom where you can connect with your instructor and classmates in a live setting. This learning environment facilitates a communication on a given subject in real time, enables immediate feedback, and fosters interaction with the instructor and like-minded classmates. To see if a course is being offered in a location near you please click on Search Courses on the website's top navigation in Programs: then Filter by SUBJECT AREA/PROGRAM and LOCATION. Classroom courses have a scheduled start and end date in which you are expected to attend the courses at that location for all course sessions.

Where can I get directions to my course classroom?

The address for classroom courses are provided at the section level detail on the course page. Once you know the address, we recommend you use Google Maps. Otherwise please contact the ESS during business hours of 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (PST), M-F, at (619) 260-4585 or toll free at (888) 321-6658.

Can I be notified when a course section opens for enrollment?

Yes, on the course page, click on Request Information and you will be notified by email when enrollment is open for the course or you can complete the Course Inquiry form

Why USD?

PCE nurtures key partnerships on the local, national and international level to better serve working professionals who seek to enhance or build their careers, as well as with their employers to help achieve their highest value and potential. Contact us today to learn more.

Informative Stats and Facts

600+

Number of high-quality, career-building courses to choose from

50+

Number of in-depth, innovative, and relevant topics

25+

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