American Humanics Certificate Program

The GVSU American Humanics certification program is open to all undergraduates and to all majors. It is part of and in addition to any other degree that a GVSU student may pursue.

To enroll in the program, a student must complete an interview with the American Humanics Director and register in the national American Humanics online profile system.

Meet American Humanics certification competency requirements through:

• 18-credit curriculum
  • PA 270 Introduction to Public and Nonprofit Administration
  • PA 360 Volunteerism and the NP Sector
  • 6 credits of internship / practicum (e.g. PA 490, SW 490, PLS 490)
  • plus 2 electives chosen from:
    • PA335 Grant Writing
    • COM 201 Speech or COM 203 Argument and Analysis
    • PA 376 Public Personnel Policy
    • MKT 350 Marketing Management
    • HTM 353 Meeting Planning
    • PA 375 Public Budgeting and Finance Administration
    • PA 390 Leadership Dynamics
    • 3 credits of Workshops and/or Independent Study
• Participation in the American Humanics Student Association
• A 300-hour internship/practicum in a nonprofit agency (counted as part of the 18 credits). This internship may also satisfy the requirement for a students' major if the requirement allows a nonprofit placement.
• Participate in AH co-curricular activities
• Attend at least one American Humanics Management Institute
• Obtain a baccalaureate/master degree by completing a major field of study as requires by GVSU.

Interested students and faculty may contact Quincy Williams at 616-331-2362 or williamq@gvsu.edu

Internship/Practicum

The student internship at a nonprofit organization is considered the "capstone" experience. Students must complete a 300-hour internship at an approved site. Quincy Williams, Campus Director, will assist students with internship placement if needed. Students may take the course for credit.

A student internship manual is available for AH students preparing for their internship experience.

Co-Curricular Activities

In addition to coursework and internships, students must participate in co-curricular activities coordinated by the AH Student Association (ASHA). Throughout the year, the AH Student Association will organize several leadership and networking opportunities for AH students. Students will be required to attend the AH Management Institute (AHMI) at least once (it is typically held in January in various locations across the U.S.). Students will be expected to raise money or pay for their conference experience. (Approximately $800)

The American Humanics Nonprofit Management Certificate is based on a set of competencies that are classified as either knowledge (something that a graduate should know) or skill (something that a graduate should experience prior to graduation). Competencies may be achieved through volunteering, coursework, a required internship, on-the-job activities, or through student association activities.