Non-Profit Leadership
Graduate Certificate in
Non-Profit Leadership
Elizabethtown College's Graduate Certificate in Non-Profit Leadership is designed for current and aspiring leaders in the non-profit sector who are committed to making a positive impact in their communities. This comprehensive curriculum was developed alongside leaders of local non-profit organizations to ensure that students are equipped with the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in the field.
The Non-Profit Leadership Certificate focuses on key areas of leadership in the non-profit sector. Students will gain expertise in financial stewardship, fundraising, ethical governance, board management, storytelling, legislative advocacy, and more. The program is unique in that it gives students the opportunity to participate in non-profit peer group meetings and other activities at the High Center for Nonprofits.
This 12-credit certificate includes four online courses as well as some optional on-campus event attendance opportunities. The program can be completed in as little as one year and can be stacked into Etown's 36-credit Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Strategic Leadership (MSL).
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Program Formats:

Credits Required: 12
Tuition & Scholarships:
- $695/Credit
- 15% Alumni Scholarship
- 15% Affinity Partner Scholarship
- Jay Fellowship Referral Program
Tuition and fees are reviewed and subject to change annually.
Program Outcomes
- Develop strategic revenue generation strategies, including fundraising, grant writing, and donor engagement.
- Understand the principles of governance, advocacy, and the role of boards in non-profit organizations.
- Analyze ethical dilemmas in leadership and propose ethical solutions.
- Construct governance and advocacy frameworks aligned with organizational values.
Course Requirements
Required Courses:
governance topics related to the non-profit sector. Students will be exploring the principles and values that underpin the nonprofit
sector. Program evaluation is necessary to manage human resource needs and students will be provided with insight into the evaluation process. Human Resource management in the nonprofit sector will include topics that range from recruitment to change
management. This course will also provide students with the
knowledge and skills needed to excel in leadership roles within non-profit organizations.
*If the student chooses this concentration for the MBA track, students will not need to take: MOD 510 Foundations of Leadership and MBA 560 Global Business Strategies. If a student chooses this concentration in the MSL track, students will not need to take: MSL 530 Applying Research for Strategic Leadership and MSL 550 Organizational Design and Development.
Career Outlook
Career Opportunities for Graduates:
This certificate program prepares you to make a significant and positive impact on your community through a variety of fulfilling careers.
A few possible career paths include:
- Development Officer
- Chief Operating Officer
- Chief Financial Officer
- Operations Manager
- Program Director
- Development Associate
- Development Director
- Program Manager
- Director of Development
Upon completing the Graduate Certificate in Non-Profit Leadership program, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in leadership roles within non-profit organizations.
Why Choose Our Program
Comprehensive Curriculum
Acquire vital leadership skills and knowledge tailored to the non-profit sector's unique needs.
Industry Collaboration
Benefit from our partnership with Elizabethtown College's High Center for Non-Profits , which offers access to peer groups and valuable networking opportunities. This partnership provides our students with the opportunity to interact directly with leaders of non-profit organizations.
Innovation in the Non-Profit Sector
Our focus on emerging non-profit trends sets us apart in delivering relevant education, including offering education on "storytelling" and advocacy & legislation. Crafting narratives that highlight real-life experiences, challenges, and triumphs of individuals or communities impacted by the organization's work is a must for nonprofit storytelling.
Our experienced Admissions staff is here to help. Fill out a brief contact form and one of our counselors will reach out to guide you on your way.