Nonprofit Management and Leadership

How are classes offered? Can I complete this program while also working full-time?
Classes are taught online in a synchronous format, allowing students the flexibility to log in to class from wherever is convenient for them. All classes are 2.5 hours long and are offered during weeknights. Students report spending 3-5 hours per week on homework and assignments.

If you have a full-time job, we advise starting with one class per semester.

What opportunities are there for students to expand their network? 
The Nonprofit Management and Leadership Graduate Certificate offers ample opportunities for students to build meaningful connections with fellow students, faculty, and alumni. In class, students collaborate with peers through team-based consulting projects, learning and growing together while tackling real-world challenges. Many classes feature guest speakers who are leaders in their field and are eager to interact with students. Faculty members offer personalized guidance and coaching to students to clarify their professional goals, brainstorm strategies for scaling their social impact, and connect with key professionals in the nonprofit sector.

Does this program offer professional development opportunities? 
Yes! Outside of class, certificate students are invited to attend events and workshops that help them gain additional skills and insights. Examples include our Black Voices of Social Impact event and a career mapping workshop with Careers in Nonprofits. These professional growth opportunities for our students contribute to this certificate's rank as one of the best nonprofit management programs in the U.S.

What is the Do Good Institute’s role in the Nonprofit Certificate program? 
Students in the program can access the many resources available to all UMD students through the Do Good Institute. While in the program, students have access to Do Good Institute programming including our Impact Bootcamp, our Mini-Grants program, and our Accelerators Fellows program. Certificate students are also invited to participate in our signature program, the Do Good Challenge. You can learn more about the Do Good Institute here and about the Do Good Campus model here. 

What types of students enroll in this program? 
Many of our students are nonprofit professionals in leadership roles looking for additional training, while others are preparing for future executive positions. We also welcome new nonprofit founders who have built organizations from the ground up and are eager for fresh ideas, expanded networks, and strategies for long-term sustainability. 

Applicants do not need to have a nonprofit background to apply. Professionals from other industries join the program to gain the tools and confidence to make a meaningful career shift. UMD graduate students from a range of disciplines also enroll to complement their subject matter expertise with practical nonprofit management skills.

What is required to apply to the Certificate Program? 
All applicants apply through the University of Maryland’s Graduate School. 

If you are already currently enrolled in a UMD graduate program, you do not need to formally apply to this program in order to pursue the certificate.  Please see your graduate advisor to discuss participating and registering in certificate coursework.
U.S. applicants: To apply to the Certificate Program, you will need to submit a personal statement, transcripts from any previous higher education, and a resume or CV.  International Applicants can find the requirements here. 

If you have questions about writing a personal statement, please request our “how to” guide by emailing nonprofitgeadcert@umd.edu. 

I am a graduate student in a program outside of UMD. How can I apply to the certificate program? 
Non-University of Maryland graduate students are required to  need to complete the standard graduate admissions application

What is the typical class size? 
To retain the intimate online learning environment, classes typically have between 10 and 20 students.   

What is the structure of classes? 
All courses are online and synchronous. Students are expected to come to class prepared to discuss assigned materials and apply theories to real-world situations. Instructors facilitate case study discussions on organizations, programs, and projects. Additionally, each class engages with a real organization—such as analyzing a nonprofit’s finances in a financial management course or providing strategic planning feedback to local nonprofits.

What types of assignments are required in the nonprofit management courses? 
Assignments vary based on the course, but each course entails the completion of assigned readings, participation in class discussions and activities, and homework assignments. Typical homework assignments include analytical papers, reflections, interviews, excel spreadsheet financial analysis, and presentations. 

Are there grade requirements to receive the certificate? 
Students are required to maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average to be awarded the graduate certificate.

How much does the Nonprofit Management and Leadership program cost?
Tuition for each course is $3,060 plus University fees. Many of our students receive fellowship funding to help offset the cost of the program, significantly reducing the net tuition price they pay. 

What financial aid options are available for students?
All admitted students are automatically considered for our fellowship funding opportunities with no separate application required. If a student is determined to be a good fit for a fellowship program, certificate staff will reach out to the admitted student with more information. To accept the funding, students must verify qualifying information and agree to the terms of the fellowship. Funding opportunities can be found here. 

Individuals are ineligible for funding if they receive tuition remission as an employee of any USM college or university.
Traditional federal financial aid is also available to students who are taking two courses per semester. UMD offers a zero-interest Terp Payment Plan which enables students to spread tuition payments over the course of a semester. Learn more.

I am a UMD graduate student in another program. Am I eligible for fellowship funding?  
While we enthusiastically welcome UMD graduate students from other disciplines, individuals already pursuing a different graduate degree at UMD are not eligible for fellowship funding. They may however, receive one-time stipends. The process for this funding is made available to enrolled students.

Can I use the Golden ID program to pay for classes? 
Unfortunately, the Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership can not be financed through the Golden ID program. 

Will I need to purchase textbooks and other materials for the courses?
The cost of textbooks and other materials varies by class, but instructors are mindful of keeping additional expenses affordable. Specific course material requirements are provided at the beginning of each semester. 

How can I expect this program to help me while I am enrolled as a student ? Do I have to wait until I graduate with the Certificate to see its benefits? 
Our students report that they are able to apply what they learn in the classroom to their everyday work immediately. Our students also report that being enrolled in classes has given them the ability to obtain new employment and to advance in their careers. 

Are there job or internship opportunities available to students in the Nonprofit Management and Leadership program? 
Yes! Nonprofit Management and Leadership Graduate Certificate students can apply to be an Impact Intern and earn a part-time paid position at a regional nonprofit or foundation during the summer. Students who are enrolled in the program will be notified of these opportunities when they become available during the spring semester.

I have or want to start my own social impact organization. Is this certificate right for me?  
Yes! The University of Maryland’s Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership is one of the best programs for new and aspiring social impact organization founders. 

Students not only receive the benefit of excellent instruction in nonprofit fundamentals from one of the best nonprofit certificate programs in the nation, but students can also expect other unique advantages. Read CNML alum Dawn Collins’ story.

How can I expect this program to help me as an alumni? What kinds of positions do alumni hold? 
Certificate alumni are working as leaders in several issue areas in the DMV and beyond. Our alumni can be found at organizations such as Community of Hope, the National Association of County and City Health Officials, the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, the United States Environmental Protection Agency and AARP. They hold titles such as executive director, chief operating officer, senior vice president, director of development, director of marketing and communications, program director, foundation co-founder, grants specialist and many other leadership roles.