Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management, Leadership, and Innovation
Format: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 12
Entry Terms: Fall and Spring
The Certificate in Nonprofit Management, Leadership, and Innovation (CNMLI) prepares students to successfully lead and manage nonprofit organizations. The CNMLI’s primary mission is to prepare a cohort of technically proficient, ethical and competent leaders that help improve the sustainability and effectiveness of local, state, and, national nonprofit organizations. Students will gain an understanding of the broad questions and issues facing the nonprofit sector as well as the practical managerial and administrative techniques necessary for success.
Specifically, students will understand:
- The role of the nonprofit sector in a democratic society.
- The diverse roles of philanthropic institutions in the political, social, and economic environment.
- The financial realities of nonprofits and the importance of accountability and ethical questions facing nonprofit organizations.
- The legal framework of nonprofit organizations.
- The critical issues related to board governance, strategic planning, fundraising, and financial management.
Note: Courses for the CNMLI are offered in a hybrid format that blends online coursework with in-person instruction on the Statesboro Campus.
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Admission Requirements
Applicants must be admitted to the College of Graduate Studies as one of the following types: Degree with Certificate or Certificate Only.
Degree with Certificate
The CNMLI is open to all qualified, degree-seeking graduate students at Georgia Southern University, regardless of major. Both a degree seeking application and an application to the certificate program must be submitted. Master of Public Administration (MPA) program students may apply for admission to the degree program and the certificate program simultaneously to earn the CNMLI as an extension of their MPA program of study. As part of the MPA application process, the MPA program director and faculty admissions committee reviews applications on an individual basis looking at both the quantitative and qualitative aspects of the applicant’s academic background and professional experience (if applicable).
As permitted by their degree program, students may apply coursework to both the certificate program and their degree. It is not required that the certificate and degree be completed simultaneously, however, students must be enrolled to take classes and the seven-year limitation on the application of prior coursework to either the degree or the certificate must be satisfied.
Certificate Only
Applicants seeking only the graduate CNMLI or the certificate independent of another degree program, may be admitted by the College of Graduate Studies under a Non-Degree Certificate admission status. Admission as Non-Degree Certificate does not guarantee subsequent admission to a graduate degree program. Applying to a graduate program is a separate process and different criteria must be met. Students completing part or all of the requirements for the CNMLI and subsequently decide to apply for admission to the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program may seek approval from the MPA program director to transfer a maximum of six (6) credits earned and apply them towards the degree.
Applicants seeking admission to the CNMLI as a standalone credential must have the following:
- Completed requirements for the Bachelor’s degree in a college accredited by proper regional accrediting association.
- A 2.75 (4.0 scale) cumulative grade point average in undergraduate work.
- College of Graduate Studies application (online)
- A current resume detailing relevant work experience.
- Two (2) letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant’s academic or employment experience.
- Statement of career goals and objectives.
Program of Study
The CNMLI requires a total of 12-credit hours
- NMLI 7432 Nonprofit Administration (Required)
Select three of the following:
- NMLI 7339 Community Development
- NMLI 7652 Board Governance and Executive Leadership
- NMLI 7654 Strategic Management
- NMLI 7655 Resource Development and Grant Writing
- NMLI 7656 International Non-Governmental Organizations
- NMLI 7657 Theory and Practice of Philanthropy
- NMLI 7659 Social Entrepreneurship, Social Enterprise, and Innovation
- PBAD 7030 Selected Topis in Public and Nonprofit Management
- PBAD 7232 Financial Management in Public Service Organizations
- PBAD 7730 Internship in Public Administration
Alternative courses may be permitted if approved in advance by the Department of Public and Nonprofit Studies. Internship in Public Administration (PBAD 7730) must be approved in advance by the Department of Public and Nonprofit Studies. An internship requires a minimum of 300 hours at a nonprofit organization.
Last updated: 5/22/2023
