Graduate Certificates
Nonprofit Management
As one of the fastest growing sectors in today’s economy, nonprofit organizations have undergone a professionalization in management, with board members changing their orientation from one of personal networks to a bottom-line, information-based outlook. Successful nonprofit organizations today thrive on their ability to compete effectively in the marketplace, read community needs and priorities, and deliver appropriate services within budget. The Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management provides students with the managerial, fiduciary, and analytical tools necessary for leadership of nonprofit entities. The goal is to develop and hone skills that can be used to achieve organizational missions uniquely aimed at serving the interests of the community.
Nonprofit organizations differ from other public and private sector entities in several fundamental ways:
- Nonprofit organizations serve the needs and interests of the community, and not those of individuals who lead, control, or invest in such entities
- Nonprofit organizations, funded by both government and private contributors, are tax exempt and are commonly beneficiaries of tax preferences and subsidies
- Nonprofit organizations do not charge for services, have no power to tax the citizenry, and are prohibited from accruing unpaid debt
- Nonprofit organizations offer citizens grass roots political participation and provide individuals the opportunity to act as agents of human change
The following courses are required:
- PA 8520 Human Resource Management and Development in the Public and Nonprofit Sector
- Examines the political, economic, and legal context of the personnel function, as well as the technical aspects of the personnel administrator’s job. Stresses the dynamics of bureaucratic organizations.
- PA 8710 The Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector
- Provides an overview of the history, function, size, scope, development, and management of the nonprofit sector. Historical, political, economic, and social perspectives are used to examine the meaning of voluntarism, charity, philanthropy, and the nonprofit sector.
- PA 8720 Financial Management in the Public and Nonprofit Sector
- Nature and environment of public and nonprofit financial administration. Principles of accountability for management of public and nonprofit funds; management and investment of cash balances; special problems related to long- and short-term debt.
The fourth course is an elective chosen in consultation with the Director of Graduate Studies from among the courses offered by the Truman School or by another graduate unit at MU.