Certificate in Nonprofit Management Application Requirements

Deadline for Certificate in Nonprofit Administration final spring admission:​ January 1

Created for professionals in nonprofit organizations, the graduate-level Certificate in Nonprofit Management offers specific knowledge and skills related to human resource development, organizational evaluation, finance, conflict resolution, and decision-making. 

The Humphrey School considers many factors when choosing applicants for admission. We evaluate attributes such as prior academic achievement, professional and public service experience, commitment to a career in public affairs or planning, and a fit between the applicant's interests and goals and the programs at the Humphrey School.

All applicants for certificate programs are required to have a four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. university or foreign equivalent at the time of enrollment.

Before You Apply: Connect with Us

For questions about the application process, please email the admissions team.

For questions about the Certificate in Nonprofit Management program, please contact Daniel Cheng ([email protected] or 612-624-9387).

Prerequisites

  • Four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited US university or foreign equivalent
  • Two years of relevant paid/volunteer/internship experience with nonprofit organization(s) and/or philanthropic institutions. The two years do not need to be continuous but can be over several years and with different nonprofits. Relevant experience may include management of a budget, supervision of staff, development of programs (implementation and evaluation), fundraising, grant writing, regular participation in board meetings, and/or on board committees.

Certificate in Nonprofit Management Application Checklist

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1. Personal statement

A personal statement is required of all applicants. In 500 words or fewer, double spaced, discuss your educational and professional experiences and goals. Relate these goals to your personal history and to the programs at the Humphrey School. For example, we suggest that you may want to highlight the following:

  • What has contributed to your interest in the nonprofit management certificate program.
  • What do you plan to be doing in your career in the next two to five years.
  • What is a current issue in nonprofit management that is of particular interest to you.
  • What did you learn from your two years (or more) of paid or unpaid experience in a nonprofit organization.
  • How have issues and challenges associated with diversity, broadly defined, been part of your experiences, thinking, and/or action?

2. Diversity statement

The diversity statement is optional, yet recommended for all applicants. The statement should discuss how your background, experiences, and achievements will contribute to the University's goal of promoting excellence through diversity. If applicable, applicants should mention hardships or obstacles that they have overcome to complete their undergraduate education (e.g. low-income and first-generation college applicants).

3. Resume or CV

A resume or CV is required of all applicants. Please include information about awards, leadership, and service or volunteer activities in your resume. Applicants for the Certificate in Nonprofit Management must include documentation regarding their two years of relevant paid/volunteer/internship experience within their resume, and also preferably within their personal statement if possible.

4. Transcripts

Transcripts are required of all applicants. Unofficial transcripts or academic records of all post secondary institutions attended should be uploaded directly to the online application. Please do not mail in paper copies of your transcripts (there is no need for official transcripts or academic records for initial review). If you are admitted, the University will then request official copies of this material.

5. English language requirement

The University of Minnesota and the Humphrey School requires international applicants to submit scores from either the TOEFL, IELTS, or MELAB examination to assess English language proficiency. Visit the Graduate School website for more information on the English language requirement and minimum scores for admission.

6. Extenuating circumstances

Applicants wishing to provide additional information to the admissions committee which is not appropriate for other required documents but may be helpful in their consideration as a candidate for admission can submit a statement of extenuating circumstances. Examples may include, but are not limited to: explanations for grade trends during undergraduate work, time lapses between employment as documented in the resume/CV, or other personal circumstances which may provide additional and helpful context.

7. Application fee

The application fee is $75 for domestic students and $95 for international students.

8. Start your application

All Humphrey School applicants must complete the Graduate School application including the additional Humphrey School section.

Apply today