Nonprofit Management Certification

Lead with Purpose. Strengthen Communities. Drive Impact.

Make a meaningful difference through strategic leadership in the nonprofit sector. The Nonprofit Management Certification is designed for professionals and aspiring leaders who want to deepen their understanding of nonprofit organizations and gain the tools to drive mission-focused success in a dynamic and evolving landscape.

This graduate-level certification includes three integrated courses:

• Foundations of the Nonprofit Sector (NMP 500): Explore the historical, philosophical, and ethical foundations of the nonprofit world. Learn about organizational structures, governance, and the unique characteristics that distinguish nonprofits from other sectors. Gain the contextual understanding needed to navigate today’s nonprofit challenges with clarity and confidence.
• Leading and Managing Philanthropy in Nonprofits (NMP 623): Develop strategic leadership skills to manage and grow philanthropic efforts. Study effective donor engagement, fundraising strategies, and the integration of philanthropy into organizational planning. Learn to lead development initiatives that support sustainability and align with your nonprofit's mission and values.
• Strategic Decision-Making and Governance in Nonprofits (NMP 625): Enhance your ability to lead with vision and accountability. This course focuses on executive decision-making, board governance, strategic planning, and volunteer management. Learn how to evaluate organizational performance, lead through change, and build governance structures that empower long-term success.

This certification prepares you to lead nonprofit organizations with strategic insight, ethical integrity, and a mission-driven model.

Start with a Certification. Continue Toward Your Master's.

Complete this certification on its own or apply the 3 courses toward the 10-course requirement for your MBA +C or another +C graduate degree.

Admission Requirements

If you are a current BPU undergraduate student or BPU alumni, please contact Graduate Admissions to discuss your requirements.

For consideration, applicants must submit the following admission requirements:

1. A completed application - Apply Now 
2. Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts (a GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred)
3. An original essay of at least 250 words on the topic: "Why a Nonprofit Management Certification is important to my personal and professional goals."
4. A current resume
5. Two recommendations - Download the recommendation form here

Official Transcripts 

Official transcripts must be sent directly to Bay Path's Graduate Admissions Office from the issuing institution's records office either by mail or through a secure electronic transcript service (such as Parchment or National Clearinghouse). For transcripts sent through a secure transcript service, please select Bay Path University from the vendor's dropdown list to ensure the transcript is routed to the correct place. If an email address is requested, you can route to graduate@baypath.edu. Transcripts sent by the student are unofficial and will not be accepted.

How to Submit Your Graduate Application Materials

All documentation, including recommendation forms and official transcripts, may be mailed or emailed directly to the Bay Path University Office of Graduate Admissions: