

Department of Political Science
Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Nonprofit Management
Course Delivery
Total Credits
Approximate Cost per Credit
$546 out of state
Time to Completion:
Postbaccalaureate Certificate Program Overview
The online Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Kent State combines the quality and flexibility of our MPA degree with the agility of a short-term, targeted professional skills-development program. In as few as 12 months, you can gain enhanced knowledge of fundraising, development, advocacy and board relations.
- Complete the Postbaccalaureate Certificate in as little as a year
- 12 credits
- Three start dates: January, May, August
- No GRE requirement
Completing your coursework for the certificate program could be just the beginning of your public administration education. Credits from the Postbaccalaureate Certificate can be transferred to the Master of Public Administration degree.
Please note that in order to enroll in the certificate courses below, you must possess a bachelor's degree.


Certificate Program Outcomes
This certificate program is designed to increase your professional knowledge while helping you enter the field quickly. In as little as one year, you can stand out to hiring managers as a trusted authority in nonprofit leadership.
In the Nonprofit Management certificate program, you’ll choose your courses from among diverse options. The program can build crucial knowledge and skill in:
- Public personnel systems and their underlying public service values
- Budgeting and financial management
- Theory and techniques used to evaluate government programs
- Strategic planning as it relates to program design and implementation
- The U.S. public policymaking process as it applies to nonprofit organizations
- Theory, practice and skills for leading nonprofit and public organizations
- Legal issues for nonprofit organizations in the United States
- Key aspects of effective nonprofit governance
- Successful strategies for fundraising and resource development for nonprofit organizations
Career Outcomes with a Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Nonprofit Management
The Nonprofit Management certificate program equips graduates with a specialized, advanced credential to help them move into nonprofit leadership positions.
Our graduates thrive in leadership positions in:
- Government (all levels)
- Nonprofit sector
- Private sector
- Military
Admissions Requirements
To be considered for admission, students must have completed a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants with a GPA of 2.7 or higher will be considered for conditional admission. Contact an Admissions Advisor for more information about this process. The bachelor's degree may be in any area of study.
Further admissions requirements include:
- Completed online application
- Three letters of recommendation from professors and/or employers
- Application fee: $45
- Official transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- Writing sample
- Resume/CV
- No GRE required for admission
The application process is simple and we’re here to guide you through it.
Our Admissions Advisors are available to answer your questions regarding admissions requirements for the program. If you have questions, please email us at onlinedegrees@kent.edu or call us toll-free at +1 844-234-4073.
Important Dates
Application Resources

Our step-by-step application checklist will help ensure the success of your application submission.
Application FAQs
Each applicant is required to create an account in the online application system, which allows people to save their applications and track the progress of materials submitted via the application system.
I am a U.S. citizen. Where should I send my application materials?
gradapps@kent.edu or by mail to:
Graduate Admissions
P.O. Box 5190
Kent, Ohio 44242
Please be sure to include your full name and Kent State ID (9-digit number starting with 8) on all submitted documents. For questions, contact Graduate Admissions at +1 330-672-2661 or gradapps@kent.edu.
I am not a U.S. citizen. Where should I send my application materials?
Office of Global Education
Kent State University
106 Van Campen Hall
625 Loop Rd.
Kent, OH 44242
USA
For questions, contact International Admissions at +1 330-672-7970 or intladm@kent.edu
PADM 60375 Public Personnel Administration
PADM 60377 Public Budgeting and Financial Management
PADM 60379 Program Evaluation I
PADM 60574 Strategic Planning
Electives (9 Credits)
Choose three electives (3 credits each) from the following:
PADM 60200 Nonprofit Advocacy
PADM 60310 Leadership in the Nonprofit and Public Sector
PADM 60471 Nonprofit Law
PADM 60472 Nonprofit Board Executive Relationships
PADM 60477 Nonprofit Financial Resource Development
Technology
Courses are delivered through Canvas, our course management system. Course content consists of text, narrated PowerPoint presentations, video and audio, live chats, discussion groups, and other learning enhancements. To participate in this online program, you will need a computer and broadband internet connection. Your program may have further requirements that include the ability to record video and audio. If you have questions regarding technology requirements for the program, please contact your Admissions Advisor at onlinedegrees@kent.edu or toll-free at +1 844-234-4073.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The online Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Nonprofit Management consists of 12 credits.
Ohio Residents | Out of State | ||
Per Credit Hour | Approximate Program Cost | Per Credit Hour | Approximate Program Cost |
$536 | $6,432 | $546 | $6,552 |
An additional distance learning fee for all students enrolled in a distance learning course is $15 per credit hour. Program tuition and costs are estimated and subject to change. For comprehensive tuition information, please refer to the tuition rates posted on the Bursar’s website.
We recognize that pursuing a graduate degree is a significant investment. Your Admissions Advisor can answer your questions on program costs, discuss how a Kent State degree compares to others and connect you with financial aid representatives when you are ready to discuss your financial options.
Please contact an Admissions Advisor for more information on tuition and fees either by email at onlinedegrees@kent.edu or toll-free at +1 844-234-4073.