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Nonprofit Leadership graduate certificate
The graduate certificate in nonprofit leadership provides a unique opportunity to pursue a theoretically based and practically oriented education in leadership for nonprofit professionals. This program offers nonprofit managers the up-to-date professional skills and perspectives required to lead their organizations in the rapidly changing and complex nonprofit sector of society.
This program is available fully online.
Program Overview
The graduate certificate is specifically designed for the experienced nonprofit manager who has an advanced degree or an undergraduate degree and several years of professional experience. It is intended for those holding or seeking executive positions that wish to further their education without pursuing the full requirements for a graduate degree.
Why Study Nonprofit Leadership at Grand Valley?
- Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership, focused on financial, technical, and administrative support on teaching, research, and service.
- Community Research Institute, which provides quality research and critical data for community improvement.
- Grand Valley library's endowed Johnson Collection for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership, which is one of the country's best collections on the nonprofit sector.
- Ideal for the busy professional, this certificate can be completed fully online.
Coursework
The certificate requires the completion of 15 credit hours of graduate study:
- Three credits of workshops or fund development
- Financial Management
- Nonprofit Boards, Trustees, and Governance
- Nonprofit Management Practice
- Nonprofit Organizations, Advocacy, and Public Policy
Career Options
Career opportunities include positions as:
- Clergy and ministry directors
- Executive directors
- Foundation directors and staff members
- Grant managers
- Nonprofit board members
- Social workers
Application Deadline
A fully completed application must be submitted a minimum of 30 days prior to the intended semester of enrollment. The $30 nonrefundable application fee is waived if the applicant has previously applied to Grand Valley State University. Please visit gvsu.edu/gradapply/.
Admission Requirements
Applicants for the Certificate Program in Nonprofit Leadership must:
- Apply at https://www.gvsu.edu/admissions/graduate-application-24.htm or call (616) 331-6575 for an application packet.
- Hold an advanced degree or a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate work.
- Have some professional experience in nonprofit organizations.
- Submit official transcripts, an application essay and three letters of recommendation.
Helpful Links
For More Information
School of Public, Nonprofit, and Health Administration
gvsu.edu/spnha
288C DeVos
Center
(616) 331-6575
“Every time I go to class, I come back to work the next day with five more things that I want to incorporate into my job.”
SUSAN KRAGT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WEST MICHIGAN REFUGEE EDUCATION AND CULTURAL CENTER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WEST MICHIGAN REFUGEE EDUCATION AND CULTURAL CENTER
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