Nonprofit Management (Graduate Certificate)

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Offered by the Department of Public Administration and Policy , School of Public Affairs , this interdisciplinary certificate program encompasses course offerings from the School of Public Affairs, Kogod School of Business and College of Arts and Sciences . It provides those currently working in the nonprofit sector a program combining both academic rigor and skill set training to enhance their performance in this growing work sector, as well as a foundation for master’s degree students about to enter the field.

Admission to the Program

Open to students with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, some demonstration of capability either though an interview or application essay, and either three years of work experience or admission to an American University graduate degree program.

If students choose to continue their studies toward a degree, they may transfer up to 12 credit hours as long as they indicate their plans before the 12-credit hour threshold in the certificate program.

Certificate Requirements

15 credit hours of approved coursework with at least 9 credit hours at or above 600-level with grades of C or better. Grades of C- or D in certificate program courses are not accepted toward the fulfillment of certificate requirements, although these grades will be included in the calculation of the GPA. Students must have a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA in certificate courses in order to be awarded a certificate. Students in certificate programs must take a minimum of 6 credit hours during each 12-month period and complete the certificate in four years. International students must enroll in 9 credit hours each semester (except for summer). A maximum of 3 credit hours earned at an accredited college or university may be applied toward the certificate as transfer credit

Course Requirements

Required (6 credit hours)

Management and Finance (3 credit hours)

Complete 3 credit hours from the following, or other courses as approved by MPA Director:

Electives (6 credit hours)

Complete 6 credit hours from the following:

PUAD-615 Public-Private Partnerships (3)
PUAD-685 Topics in Policy Analysis and Management (1-3) (approved topics)
PUAD-696 Selected Topics: Non-Recurring (1-6) (approved topics)