Certificate Requirements: 12 Credit Hours

The Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management, Leadership, and Innovation (CNMLI) prepares students to successfully lead and manage nonprofit organizations.  The CNMLI’s primary mission is to prepare a cohort of technically proficient, ethical and competent leaders that help improve the sustainability and effectiveness of local, state, and, national nonprofit organizations.  Students will gain an understanding of the broad questions and issues facing the nonprofit sector as well as the practical managerial and administrative techniques necessary for success. 

Specifically, students will understand:
- The role of the nonprofit sector in a democratic society.
- The diverse roles of philanthropic institutions in the political, social, and economic environment.
- The financial realities of nonprofits and the importance of accountability and ethical questions facing nonprofit organizations.
- The legal framework of nonprofit organizations.
- The critical issues related to board governance, strategic planning, fundraising, and financial management. 

Admission Requirements

Applicants must be admitted to the College of Graduate Studies as one of the following types: Degree with Certificate or Certificate Only.

Degree with Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management, Leadership, and Innovation (CNMLI) is open to any qualified, degree-seeking graduate student at Georgia Southern University.  Both a degree seeking application and an application to the certificate program must be submitted.  Master of Public Administration (MPA) program students may apply for admission to the degree program and the certificate program simultaneously to earn the CNMLI as an extension of their MPA program of study.  As part of the MPA application process, the MPA program director and faculty admissions committee reviews applications on an individual basis looking at both the quantitative and qualitative aspects of the applicant’s academic background and professional experience (if applicable). 

As permitted by their degree program, students may apply coursework to both the certificate program and their degree.  It is not required that the certificate and degree be completed simultaneously, however, students must be enrolled to take classes and the seven-year limitation on the application of prior coursework to either the degree or the certificate must be satisfied.

Certificate Only

Applicants seeking only the graduate CNMLI or the certificate independent of another degree program, may be admitted by the College of Graduate Studies (COGS) under a Non-Degree Certificate admission status.  Admission as Non-Degree Certificate does not guarantee subsequent admission to a graduate degree program.  Applying to a graduate program is a separate process and different criteria must be met.  Students completing part or all of the requirements for the CNMLI and subsequently decide to apply for admission to the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program may seek approval from the MPA program director to transfer a maximum of six (6) credits earned and apply them towards the degree.

Applicants seeking admission to the CNMLI as a standalone credential must have the following:

1. Completed requirements for the Bachelor’s degree in a college accredited by proper regional accrediting association.
2. A 2.75 (4.0 scale) cumulative grade point average in undergraduate work.
3. College of Graduate Studies application (online)
4. A current resume detailing relevant work experience.
5. Two (2) letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant’s academic or employment experience.
6. Statement of career goals and objectives.

Program of Study

The CNMLI requires a total of 12-credit hours.