Department of Public Administration

Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership

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The Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership is designed for professionals eager to drive social change, leveraging Portland's dynamic nonprofit culture. The certificate is available to MPA students, students in other PSU master's programs, and applicants seeking graduate-level training in nonprofit leadership as a standalone degree. 

Students will gain practical skills in fundraising and grant writing while exploring nonprofit history, foundations, and diverse cultural perspectives, bolstered by strong connections to Portland's vibrant nonprofit community.

Designed with working professionals in mind, this certificate will be offered in multiple formats, including in-person, online, and hybrid, to accommodate full-time and part-time students. 

Admission Requirements

If you are currently enrolled in a graduate program at PSU and are looking to apply to this Graduate Certificate, the full application may be waived. Non-PSU applicants must submit an application with the following: 

  • Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
  • One transcript from each post-secondary institution attended.
  • Copy of current professional resume.
  • Copies of official course descriptions and syllabi for all non-PSU graduate courses that you would like evaluated for transfer credit may be requested by the admissions committee. Please list the courses on the online application under pre-admission/Transfer credits.
  • Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references. Letters should comment on the applicant's potential to succeed in a graduate program.
  • Statement of Purpose (250 words): In the statement of purpose, applicants will be asked to discuss their values and the strengths they bring to their future work as a professional in public or nonprofit service. Describe significant factors influencing your decision to pursue the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate at Portland State University. Include information regarding personal or professional values, academic factors, and past governmental, nonprofit, or other community service experiences, if any, that will contribute to your success as a graduate student and later as a professional in the field of public or nonprofit service.

The admission cycle for this certificate aligns with that of our MPA program, and can be found on our MPA Admissions page.

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Who Should Apply

This certificate is designed for:

  • Current nonprofit professionals seeking leadership skills.
  • Public and private sector professionals transitioning into nonprofit work.
  • Graduate students in other PSU programs (e.g., Public Health, Social Work, Education) who wish to supplement their studies with nonprofit management expertise.
  • Individuals aspiring to roles such as executive director, program manager, development director, or board leader. 

Program Objectives

By completing this certificate, you will be able to:

  • Articulate the ethics, values, and responsibilities of nonprofit professionals.
  • Apply nonprofit leadership and management theories to real-world practice.
  • Lead inclusively and engage with diverse communities.
  • Develop and manage systems to improve organizational performance.
  • Design creative, collaborative solutions to complex nonprofit challenges.
  • Strengthen verbal and written communication in professional nonprofit contexts.
     

Students who complete courses in the Graduate Certificate may subsequently apply to the MPA program (all regular admissions criteria apply) and transfer those courses toward degree completion. Please reach out to publicad@pdx.edu for more information!

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Degree Requirements (15 Credits)

Three courses (9 credits) which include knowledge core to nonprofit leadership are required: 

  • PA 521: Nonprofit Foundations
  • PA 520: Nonprofit Governance and Management
  • PA 525: Fundamentals of Grantwriting and Fundraising

In addition, students are required to take 2 elective skill development courses (6 credits). They will be able to choose courses in the Department of Public Administration or other academic unit in consultation with their faculty advisor. Students will be advised to select electives strategically that advance their unique learning and career needs.

Approved Elective List

  • PA 520 Nonprofit Governance and Management
  • PA 521 Nonprofit Foundations
  • PA 525 Fundamentals of Grantwriting and Fundraising
  • PA 536 Strategic Planning
  • PA 538 Advocacy and Political Participation by Nonprofit Organizations
  • PA 539 National Policy Process
  • PA 542 Sustainable Development Implementation
  • PA 554 Policy Analysis Research
  • PA 555 Program Evaluation and Management
  • PA 556 Public Contract Management
  • PA 558 Managing Public Projects and Programs
  • PA 560 Local Government Administration
  • PA 561 Intergovernmental Relations
  • PA 579 Policy Tools in Policy Design