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Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management

Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management prepares students to become innovative and critical thinkers in the areas of nonprofit organizational management and public policy, with a unique approach that bridges theoretical knowledge with real-world experience.

As students prepare for their careers or advancement in their current positions, they gain insight into the interdependence between the nonprofit, public and for-profit sectors. Graduates are able to span the boundaries of these three sectors to assess community needs, navigate the realm of public policy, and strategically and effectively manage organizations that ultimately benefit society.

Review CU Denver's Academic Policies.

Program requirements

  • The Graduate Nonprofit Management Certificate requires 12 credit hours of coursework.
  • Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, with a minimum grade of B- in each course.

Required courses

Students must complete the course below, for a total of 3 credit hours. All course descriptions can be found in the Graduate Academic Catalog.

  • PUAD 5110: Seminar in Nonprofit Management (3 credit hours)

Elective courses

Additionally, students must complete three elective courses from the list below for a total of 9 credits. Other electives may be taken with approval from the concentration director. All course descriptions can be found in the Graduate Academic Catalog.

  • PUAD 5115: Effective Grant Writing for Nonprofit & Public Sector Managers (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5120: Nonprofits & Public Policy (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5125: Civil Society & Nongovernmental Organizations (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5140: Nonprofit Financial Management (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5150: Fundraising & Financial Resource Development (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5160: Nonprofit Boards & Executive Leadership (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5170: Strategic Management for Nonprofit & Public Managers (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5180: Social Entrepreneurship (3 credit hours)
Program Description

As students prepare for their careers or advancement in their current positions, they gain insight into the interdependence between the nonprofit, public and for-profit sectors. Graduates are able to span the boundaries of these three sectors to assess community needs, navigate the realm of public policy, and strategically and effectively manage organizations that ultimately benefit society.

Review CU Denver's Academic Policies.

Program requirements

  • The Graduate Nonprofit Management Certificate requires 12 credit hours of coursework.
  • Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, with a minimum grade of B- in each course.

Required courses

Students must complete the course below, for a total of 3 credit hours. All course descriptions can be found in the Graduate Academic Catalog.

  • PUAD 5110: Seminar in Nonprofit Management (3 credit hours)

Elective courses

Additionally, students must complete three elective courses from the list below for a total of 9 credits. Other electives may be taken with approval from the concentration director. All course descriptions can be found in the Graduate Academic Catalog.

  • PUAD 5115: Effective Grant Writing for Nonprofit & Public Sector Managers (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5120: Nonprofits & Public Policy (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5125: Civil Society & Nongovernmental Organizations (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5140: Nonprofit Financial Management (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5150: Fundraising & Financial Resource Development (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5160: Nonprofit Boards & Executive Leadership (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5170: Strategic Management for Nonprofit & Public Managers (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5180: Social Entrepreneurship (3 credit hours)

CU Denver graduates earn more, build community, and make connections. Take the first step toward your future and join an inclusive community of learners while gaining the skills of tomorrow, today.

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