Graduate ProgramNonprofit and Public Management


Degree Details

  • Graduate Certificate (GC)
    Total Credits
    21
    Start Term
    Fall, Winter, Spring
    Delivery Method
    On campus

Learn more about our academic program delivery methods



Nonprofit and Public Management Graduate Certificate Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit and Public Management is a 21-credit (7-course) certificate program designed to provide existing and aspiring middle managers in nonprofit and public organizations with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in carrying out their administrative responsibilities. After completing this coursework, some students opt to apply to the full MPA program or MNL program; credits taken in the GCNPM program may count toward the MPA degree or MNL degree.

Nonprofit and Public Management Graduate Certificate: Why PSU?

Students will be joining a learning community of faculty and professionals who share their passion for leading meaningful social change and working for the common good. PSU's Department of Public Administration offers a faculty of dedicated professors and professional instructors who draw on the best of both theory and applied practice from the nonprofit and public sectors to help students lead for the common good.

What can I do with a graduate certificate in Nonprofit and Public Management?

Program Objectives:
We aim to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and efficacy of those who have responsibility for managing nonprofit and public organizations, by providing them with the following knowledge and skills to achieve the following learning objectives:

  • Understand the distinctive role responsibilities of middle managers in the nonprofit and public sectors.
  • Develop or enhance knowledge and skills to manage organizational systems, such as budgeting, personnel, management information.
  • Develop or enhance knowledge and skills to manage organizational design, change, and evaluation.
  • Develop or enhance knowledge and skills to manage inter-organizational and inter-jurisdictional relationships.
  • Develop or enhance knowledge and skills to manage conflict.
  • Develop or enhance knowledge and skills to manage cultural and organizational diversity.

This program extends the mission of the University and the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government to those who currently have responsibility for managing nonprofit and public organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest. This certificate enables the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government to carry out this mission more effectively and to work in partnership with nonprofit and public agencies to improve the quality of public service.