Nonprofit Management Certificate: Education and Careers

Terry Howell

3 years ago

Less School, More Pay: Start a Great Career in Nonprofit Management

It may surprise you to learn that a career in Nonprofit Management can be both rewarding and profitable. A career in nonprofit management offers excellent pay and a variety of options of employers. From animal welfare to education to veteran services, the opportunities to embark on a meaningful career with excellent pay can be started in just a short period of time.

Earning a certificate in nonprofit management is a great starting point for those interested in this career. Entry level positions can be found readily for those just embarking on this career with an undergraduate certificate. For those already possessing a bachelor’s degree, a graduate certificate will further empower a student with more detailed knowledge and opportunities for advancement and higher wages. Certificate programs can be completed in less than two years and, in many cases, undergraduate certificates can be earned in less than one year.

Nonprofit Management Job Opportunities

Students earning a certificate in nonprofit management can find jobs in a wide variety of fields. Nonprofits can include:

Healthcare organizations
Religious institutions
Educational institutions
Social welfare organizations
Charitable organizations
Special interest outreach programs

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) health professionals, educators, administrative workers, and service occupations account for the majority of paid workers in the nonprofit sector. In fact, jobs in nonprofit management can be found just about anywhere, including places that have a strong infrastructure for social services and areas that need outreach programs to cover the gaps in absent services.

Most recent statistics from the BLS states that there were nearly 12.3 million jobs in nonprofit organizations. This equates to over 10% of total private sector employment. The projected job growth for social and community service managers is 13% over the next decade. The median annual wage for nonprofit management is $65K.

Nonprofit Management Certificate Programs

Certificate programs will typically instruct students in areas such as:

Resource Development
Resource Management
Strategic Planning
Program Evaluation
Volunteerism
Grant Management
Ethics
Advocacy

These topics are designed to empower students to create a more substantial impact and find innovative solutions, while helping to advance their nonprofit cause. An effective certificate program will equip students with the skills necessary to understand and manage all components of nonprofit organizations, preparing students for nonprofit employment or to advance their nonprofit career in a leadership role.

An education and career in the nonprofit field is especially beneficial for military spouses, as they are certain to secure excellent job opportunities across their many moves with a certificate from a well-respected program. Don’t forget about the MyCAA Program for military spouses; for more info click here.

Ready to embark on a career in the field of nonprofit management?

Top GI Bill®-Approved Certificate Programs for Military and Veterans

Check out these great certificate programs. This list includes Yellow Ribbon Schools that may assist

This list may include partner schools may have been included and have paid for promotional consideration.

Colorado Christian University – Online

Offers an online undergraduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management. If a student desires to continue to earn their CCU Bachelor of Science degree in Nonprofit Management, the certificate credits are transferrable. Colorado Christian University Online participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

Kansas State University – Online

Offers an online undergraduate certificate in Nonprofit Leadership Studies. K-State Online participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

Maryville College

Offers a unique opportunity for students to earn The Certificate in Nonprofit Management. This certificate can be pursued by degree-seeking students in any major and is designed to prepare students to become skilled professionals and leaders in nonprofit organizations. The certificate is awarded by Maryville College in partnership with the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, a well-respected national organization. Maryville College participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

Norwich University – Online

Offers four graduate certificates in nonprofit management: Effective Nonprofit Management, Nonprofit Human Resource Management, Nonprofit Healthcare Management, and Nonprofit Management Resource Development. Norwich University participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

University of Central Florida – Online

A leader in online education, UCF offers an online graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management. The University of Central Florida participates in the Yellow Ribbon program and also has a stellar Veterans Academic Resource Center.

*All statistics and calculations from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For more information click here.