Frequently Asked Questions

NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE

1.   Why is it important that I apply for admission into the program?

This program is designed for individuals who have relevant work/volunteer experience in a nonprofit organization. It is advised that you seek admission to the certificate before taking any coursework.

As an admitted student

  • You will receive relevant updates about the program.
  • You will be eligible to apply for federal financial aid.
  • You will have access to academic advising.
  • You will have an opportunity to register earlier than a student who is not admitted.
  • You will not be assessed the University of Minnesota Student Services fee if you are admitted to a certificate program and not admitted to a degree program.
  • You will be assured that the tuition you pay for a course is the approved certificate tuition rate.

2. How long will it take for me to complete the program?

Students have four years to complete a certificate. If additional time is needed you may petition for an extension.  

3. Can I include this certificate in a degree program?

Students may be admitted concurrently in both a certificate program and a degree program.  Your credits earned through a certificate program may also be transferable to a graduate degree program at the University of Minnesota or another institution.  Check with the appropriate degree program adviser to determine whether the credits will transfer.

If you are planning to transfer this certificate into a graduate degree program in Public Affairs or the Master of Liberal Studies Degree, you may transfer up to 12 credits taken at the certificate tuition rate.  Additional credits necessary to complete the degree must be taken at the full graduate tuition rate.

4.  Is advising available in the summer?

For new students, faculty advising will be available from mid-August from the program DGS, who should be contacted for advising upon acceptance into the program.

5.  Is it possible to sit in on a class?

Yes, this is a standard practice at the Institute of Public Affairs. Please contact the Graduate Programs Office (612) 624-3800 or e-mail: hhhgpo@umn.edu or contact the Admissions Staff (612) 626-7229 or e-mail: hhhadmit@umn.edud and tell them which class you would like to sit in on and they will contact the professor.

6.  Once I receive my letter of acceptance from the Graduate School what do I do?

It is very important to schedule an appointment with the Director of Graduate Studies within two weeks of receiving your letter.  This advising session will also help to determine the appropriate faculty advisor who will assist you with your program of study. 

7. Do I have to take the courses in order?

Certificate coursework will begin with the core courses that are offered in the fall semester.   Students are expected to complete their required coursework [except for the capstone seminar] before, or concurrent with, any elective courses.  The capstone course should be taken during the last year in which you are enrolled in the certificate program.

Some 5000-level classes have prerequisite course work. Prior to taking such classes, you must complete the stated prerequisite course work or be given permission by the instructor to register.

8.  Do I have to take a course each semester?

If you are not able to take a course in a given term, there is a zero-credit, no-tuition option you can use to keep your record active: Grad 999. By registering for Grad 999 , your record remains active but you aren’t enrolled in course work.

If you don’t register each term, the Graduate School will discontinue your record, meaning the Graduate School will consider you "inactive" and require you to apply for readmission. If you are discontinued, you will need to complete a Change of Status/Readmission Application and pay a processing fee. You also need to register for a class to activate your readmission.

9. Can I transfer course work to the program?

With approval, transfer course work completed at the University of Minnesota or any other accredited institution can make up 40 percent of the certificate requirements.  At least 60 percent of the credits for completion of the certificate must be earned after admission to the certificate and must be completed at the University of Minnesota.

10. Where can I learn more about employment opportunities with this certificate?

Informal interviews with professors, supervisors, or professionals working in your career of interest are very effective ways to to find out more about the field and about necessary skills, experience, qualifications, and how the certificate can best work for you.  In addition, the College of Continuing Education Career and Lifework Planning Services offers individual consultations, workshops, and career-related assessments that can help you explore career options.

The Career Resource Library in Room 225 Humphrey is available to certificate students to access job postings and the career resource library, as well as the substantial information on the website
One-on-one counseling is only available to students entering one of the Public Affairs masters programs.

11. How do I apply?

Admission to the certificate program is recommended no later than after the completion of one course.

If you have questions call 612-624-4000 or send an e-mail message to cceinfo@umn.edu