Nonprofit Management

The certificate in Nonprofit Management provides students with an introduction to core aspects of management and leadership in the nonprofit sector. The course of study emphasizes an introduction to essential aspects of nonprofit management, an overview of current policy and management issues, the development of analytical skills critical to effective work in the nonprofit sector and specialized coursework in several aspects of management.

The certificate program is geared to two types of students, individuals currently working in the nonprofit sector and students in master’s degree programs.

For individuals currently working in the nonprofit sector, the certificate program provides an opportunity to develop a broader understanding of the nonprofit sector and management practices. The certificate program supplements the practical knowledge students have gained from work experience, with an introduction to theory, empirical research, skills and best practices. Coursework provides students with a foundation of knowledge about management and leadership in the nonprofit sector that they can use to enhance their performance in their current job or for higher level jobs in the nonprofit sector in the future.

For individuals currently enrolled in master’s degree programs, the certificate in nonprofit management is appropriate for those who foresee using their master’s degree to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector. The certificate program provides management and leadership training to complement the professional knowledge students acquire in their course of study for the master’s degree. In the certificate program, students receive an introduction to relevant theory, empirical research, skills and best practices. Coursework provides students with a foundation of knowledge about management and leadership in the nonprofit sector that they can use in future jobs in the sector.

No graduate record exam (GRE) is required for this certificate program.

Suggested course sequence

To earn the Certificate in Nonprofit Management, students must complete 15 credits. There are four core courses:

• PAFF 551 - Intro To Mgt/Leadership in NFP

  An overview of management in not-for-profit organizations, with an emphasis on the role of leadership and styles of leadership. Topics include techniques for board development, strategic planning, marketing and other aspects of not-for-profit management. Offered: fall only. 3 credits. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PAFF 552 - Issues in Not-For-Profit Admin

  Addresses the changing role/environment of not-for-profit organizations. Issues may include competition for financial and human resources, advancements in technology, increased mobility in a global environment, and the changing nature of public-private partnerships. Offered: spring only. 3 credits. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PAFF 527 - Budgeting and Financial Mgmt

  Introduction to modeling and problem solving from an economic perspective. Analysis of types of taxes used by local and national governments and the major attributes and consequences of each. Discussion of international financial institutions and market forces influencing the financial systems of not-for-profit organizations. Prerequisite: PAFF 510. Offered: fall and spring. 4 credits. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PAFF 526 - Managing Info and Technology

  This course focuses on the evolution of data into information and knowledge and the use of technology to support public service. We discuss establishing and complying with information policies and managing the collection, use and dissemination of information. Issues of privacy, security, access and transparency are considered. Offered: fall and spring. 2 credits. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

Students must also satisfactorily complete an additional three (3) credits from the following list:

• PAFF 555 - Intro to Nongovt Organizations

  This course introduces students to the structure and operation of nongovernmental organizations outside the United States. Students will learn how the differences in legal foundations, funding sources, and organization capacities affect mission and performance. Offered: periodically. 3 credits. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PAFF 569 - Sustainable Comm 1:Theory&Prac

  In this seminar, we will critically read and discuss the literature that frames the foundational theory and practice of sustainability across the environmental, economic, and social equity dimensions. We will examine how local governments and local organizations interact with each other and with actors at different geographic and governmental scales. Readings will include some classics of sustainability as well as important primary sources. Cross-listed with ENVI 481B. Offered: spring only. 3 credits. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PAFF 585 - Fund. of Emergency Mgmt.

  Domestic terrorism. Natural disasters. Human-caused catastrophes. Disaster preparedness is an increasingly important dimension of effective public service. There is a growing demand for emergency managers; and people in these roles coordinate systems and processes to build a resilient community. In this course, students will be introduced to the management of complex emergency service programs and incidents through strategic thinking and planning. This course focuses on the core principles of emergency management (preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery) and how those principles can be applied in the public sector and non-profit settings. This course is a nonprofit or local government elective. Offered: summer. 3 credits. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PAFF 557 - Non-Profit Fundraising & Mktg

  It is highly important that nonprofit professionals learn about revenue development and marketing. Without steady sources of income and brand awareness, a nonprofit will not be able to effectively enact its mission and programming. This course will provide a broad overview of nonprofit fundraising and marketing including an introduction to the theories and practices of charitable fundraising such as fundraising traditions in the U.S., philosophies of giving and asking, theories of donor motivation, and the organizational, legal, and ethical contexts of charitable fundraising. It reviews practical elements of fundraising plan development, as well as traditional and digital marketing methods to spread brand awareness and encourage engagement with and donations to their organization. Students are introduced to and gain practice using basic fundraising tools, including annual funds, special events, major gifts, planned giving, and capital campaigns. Students will develop a fundraising and marketing plan including a fundraising goal, activities, and staffing. Offered: Summer. 3 credits. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PAFF 558A - Adv Topics: Not-for-Profit Mgt

  An in depth examination of issues or problems concerned with the theory and practice of not-for-profit management. Topics vary; may be repeated for credit. Offered: periodically. 3 credits. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

For the most up to date course requirements refer to the course bulletin

Students pursuing the Nonprofit or Local Government certificate must compile a portfolio that includes samples of work which represent knowledge and skills specific to their certificate and which they believe best demonstrate their grasp of the core competencies identified for each certificate program. The portfolio is required for all students entering the program in fall 2014 and beyond; the portfolio is optional for students who entered the program earlier than that date. A list of competencies and assessment tools for each certificate is provided in Appendix E of the Student Handbook. Students must submit their portfolios by the last day of classes of their final semester in the program. While all certificate students must submit a portfolio to graduate, assessment of portfolios will not affect students' graduation. Members of the MPA Advisory Board will assess portfolios periodically. Assessments will be shared with the students after graduation and will be used on an aggregate level to inform program improvements within certificate programs.

Admission Requirements

If you wish to pursue a certificate in conjunction with your MPA, fill out the Add-on Certificate Application.

To be admitted into the certificate program, if a student is not already enrolled in the MPA program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
2. An undergraduate grade point average of 3.0

The application process requires students to submit the following materials:

1. The online Grad School application
2. Transcripts from your undergraduate institution
3. A current resume
4. A letter of recommendation from a professor or professional colleague (such as a supervisor or executive director of a nonprofit organization) who can evaluate your suitability for the certificate program.
5. A 1-2 page personal statement that addresses why you are interested in the program.

These materials will be reviewed in total to assess whether applicants bring the necessary skills and experiences to succeed in the program.

If students are interested in completing two specializations or certificates, a minimum of 51 total credits must be completed. If a student is interested in completing three specializations or certificates, a minimum of 60 total credits must be completed. Credits cannot be “double counted” for more than one specialization or certificate.

To discuss the certificate further, contact Brianna King Richetti at bking@binghamton.edu or 607-777-2719.