Aspiring nonprofit leaders have several options for professional preparation, including various educational tracks and certifications. But what credentials will help you stand out from the crowd and provide the best foundation for successful nonprofit leadership?
Here, we discuss the differences between a nonprofit management certificate and an advanced degree and explain how each can help nonprofit professionals reach the next stage of their careers.
What Is a Nonprofit Management Certificate?
In general, a professional certificate indicates that someone has completed the necessary training and earned the appropriate credentials to work in their field. Depending on the position or industry, a certificate may be sufficient enough preparation that the individual does not require a relevant undergraduate or advanced degree, though a strong educational foundation is invaluable and often necessary in leadership roles.
Many nonprofit leaders and managers choose to earn their Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential from the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, signifying that they have sufficient knowledge and expertise to advance to a higher level of leadership in the sector. The CNP is the only nationally recognized credential specifically designed to prepare undergraduates, graduates and early-career professionals for leadership roles in the nonprofit sector, though there are many more programs that provide similarly robust training.
Certification programs tend to cover a wide range of topics within nonprofit leadership and management without a specific focus on any one area. The CNP program, for example, helps aspiring leaders develop competency in ten core areas:
- Marketing, Communications and Public Relations
- Cultural Competency and Excellent Inclusivity
- Financial Resource Development and Management
- Foundations and Management of the Nonprofit Sector
- Governance, Leadership and Advocacy
- Legal and Ethical Decision Making
- Personal and Professional Development
- Program Development
- Volunteer and Human Resource Management
- Future of the Nonprofit Sector
Certification programs can be completed in less time than a degree program at a fraction of the cost. Programs can last anywhere from several weeks to six months or more and cost between several hundred and several thousand dollars. Though some programs are held in a traditional academic setting (often on college campuses), many are available in a virtual format, making them accessible to those who require a flexible course schedule.
Despite this flexibility, courses can be fairly time-intensive, requiring learners to complete certain modules in just a few days. A certificate program typically culminates in an exam, after which successful participants will receive a physical or digital certification and can include the credential on their CV.
Though certification courses provide a comprehensive understanding of nonprofit leadership and management practices, participants may not be able to focus on or build specific skills in their area of interest. Specialized courses and workshops are available at an additional cost and can be completed at any point in one’s career.
Examples of Nonprofit Management Certificates
With a growing number of nonprofit certificate programs available, prospective students can choose from a range of formats, focus areas and institutions.
Some certificates are fully online and self-paced, ideal for working professionals looking for flexibility. Others are offered in-person or as hybrid experiences, sometimes as part of a broader executive education curriculum. Specializations also vary — some programs focus on board governance, leadership or fundraising, while others provide a more comprehensive overview of nonprofit management.
Below are several well-regarded certificate options, besides the CNP, to explore from top universities in the U.S. and beyond.
- Nonprofit Management Certificate – University of San Diego, Division of Professional and Continuing Education (PCE)
Designed for early- to mid-career professionals, this online certificate helps learners deepen their understanding of nonprofit operations, governance, fundraising and more. The curriculum includes topics such as nonprofit accounting, board development and grant writing. - Public Leadership Credential – Harvard Kennedy School
Offered fully online, this program equips learners with core skills in policy design, strategic leadership and evidence-based decision-making, all within a public and nonprofit context. It’s ideal for nonprofit leaders looking to broaden their impact through public sector collaboration. - Certificate in Nonprofit Management – University of Southern California, Price School of Public Policy
This certificate focuses on leadership, financial management and performance measurement in the nonprofit sector. It’s well-suited for professionals aiming to transition into or grow within nonprofit executive roles. - Oxford Executive Leadership Programme – Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
Though not nonprofit-specific, this program includes leadership training applicable to mission-driven organizations. It’s ideal for nonprofit executives (UK-based and others) seeking a global, strategic lens and cutting-edge leadership frameworks.
- Nonprofit Management Certificate – Duke University
Designed for working professionals, this hybrid program offers a practical approach to nonprofit leadership, focusing on financial sustainability, program evaluation and volunteer management.
What Can You Do With a Certificate in Nonprofit Management?
The nonprofit world is flexible by nature, meaning that many nonprofit professionals take unconventional routes to management or leadership positions.
As such, a certificate in nonprofit management may be sufficient preparation for someone to advance within their existing organization or identify new areas of interest in the sector. A certificate credential, however, is not equivalent to an advanced degree — a qualification that is increasingly preferred in nonprofit leaders.
Earning a certificate can help nonprofit professionals:
- Gain a general understanding of nonprofit leadership and what it entails
- Increase their advancement or hiring potential
- Enhance their resume
- Expand their professional network
- Gain access to professional resources
If they know one of their employees wants to earn a professional credential, some nonprofit employers will cover part or all of the program fee.
Who Should Pursue a Nonprofit Management Certificate?
While anyone working in the nonprofit sector can benefit from building their leadership and management skills, nonprofit management certificate programs are especially valuable for:
- Early- to mid-career nonprofit professionals who are looking to move into supervisory or leadership roles but aren’t yet ready to commit to a full graduate degree.
- Nonprofit employees with a relevant bachelor’s degree — such as in public administration, social work or business — who want to deepen their nonprofit expertise and expand their career options.
- Career switchers transitioning from the corporate or public sector into the nonprofit world and seeking foundational knowledge of nonprofit operations, fundraising, governance and program development.
- Executive directors and board members who want to sharpen their strategic leadership skills or better understand nonprofit finance, compliance and performance measurement.
Whether you’re seeking advancement, skill-building or a stronger understanding of the nonprofit landscape, a certificate can offer focused, practical learning tailored to your goals.
What Is a Nonprofit Management Degree?
Nonprofit management degrees are available at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels. Earning a degree in nonprofit leadership and management from an accredited university indicates that someone has completed the required coursework to understand and execute the professional responsibilities of a nonprofit leader. Degree options include a Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Arts or a Master of Science.
Like most master’s degrees, an MA or MS in Nonprofit Leadership and Management takes two years to complete on a full-time course schedule. Though a relevant undergraduate degree is not always a requirement for entering a master’s program, MA or MS degree candidates benefit from an existing understanding of or experience in the nonprofit sector.
A nonprofit management master’s program builds upon foundational knowledge to help students hone their skills in areas such as:
- Executive leadership
- Advanced management practices
- Governance
- Program development
- Evaluation
- Fundraising
- Philanthropy
Nonprofit management master’s degree programs take an in-depth approach to topics including, but not limited to:
- Leadership theory
- Management ethics
- Equity and social justice
- Research
- Finance
- Board development
- Policy creation
- Philanthropy
- Resource management
Degree candidates hone their skills in specific areas, such as:
- Conducting, identifying and evaluating research that supports nonprofit program development
- Applying leadership and management theories to real-world scenarios
- Understanding the fundamentals of nonprofit finance
- Planning strategically for future growth
- Developing and leading high-performing teams
- Securing resources from a variety of sources
- Forging community partnerships and inspiring civic engagement
- Developing and managing a board of directors
Tuition and fees vary between institutions and areas of study, but the average cost of a master’s degree is between $30,000 and $120,000.
What Can You Do With a Degree in Nonprofit Management?
As in many other sectors, master’s degrees are becoming increasingly desirable credentials for aspiring nonprofit leaders. In general, graduate degrees are either required or preferred for a growing number of positions across many industries.
Professionals with a master’s degree in nonprofit management are ideally positioned to pursue leadership roles including:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Executive Director
- Assistant Director
- Chief Financial Officer
- Chief Development / Fundraising Officer
- Lead Grant Writer
- Foundation Program Officer
- Director of Operations
- Program Director or Manager
- Administrative and Operations Manager
Data collected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that, in 2023, individuals with master’s degrees earned around $567 (48%) more per week than the average American worker without a graduate degree. Besides a higher earning potential, professionals with a master’s degree in nonprofit leadership and management benefit from:
- Enhanced skill sets in specific areas
- Greater hiring potential
- Deeper understanding of the current nonprofit sector
- An expanded professional network, including faculty and fellow degree candidates
Who Should Pursue a Nonprofit Management Degree?
Current nonprofit employees looking to move into leadership, management or development roles are ideal candidates for a master’s degree, especially if they would like to focus on a specific aspect of leading a nonprofit.
As with any graduate degree, when applying for a master’s program, it helps to have a foundation in a relevant academic or professional field. Nonprofit management degrees are not always available at the undergraduate level, but those with an undergraduate degree, background and/or relevant experience in the following areas will have the most suitable preparation:
- Nonprofit Management
- Business Administration, Sales and Marketing
- Sociology
- Public Administration
- International Relations
- Communications
- Political Science
- Public Health
- Fundraising
- Philanthropy
- Community Organizing
Nonprofit Management Certificate vs. Degree
| Nonprofit Management Certificate | Nonprofit Management Degree | |
| Program Length | Up to 6 months | 2 years |
| Weekly Time Commitment | 3–5 hours | 15–20 hours |
| Cost | $300–$2,500 | $30,000–$120,000 |
| Ideal Candidates | Current nonprofit employees on a management track Nonprofit employees who have a relevant bachelor’s degree, aren’t ready for a master’s degree yet desire some additional professional development | Current nonprofit employees looking to move into leadership, management or development roles Those with a relevant undergraduate degree, background and/or professional experience Current nonprofit leaders looking to enhance their skill set and earning potential |
| Available Formats | Virtual, in-person, hybrid | Virtual, in-person, hybrid |
Which is Best for Your Career Goals?
The choice between a nonprofit management certificate and a master’s degree is entirely dependent upon your goals, experience level and availability. Ask yourself the following questions as you weigh your options:
- Do you have prior experience or education in the nonprofit sector?
- What do you want to learn about nonprofit management or leadership?
- Why are you considering a certification or degree?
- What are your career goals?
- What is your schedule or timeline like?
- What is your budget?
Regarding finances, don’t automatically assume that a higher program cost indicates the greatest value, especially when weighed against your specific goals. The best way to understand the outcome of a given program is to speak with individuals who have completed it — they will be able to give you honest feedback, tell you if and how the credential enhanced their careers and answer any questions you have.
Build Effective Nonprofit Leadership Skills at USD
The U.S. nonprofit sector is growing by the year; currently, one out of every 10 working adults works for a nonprofit, and the sector is the third largest employer in the country. With growing employment incentives like public service student loan forgiveness, there’s never been a better time to strengthen your skill set and advance your nonprofit career with a graduate degree.
The University of San Diego’s Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership and Management (MSNP) is a timely, practical degree designed by experienced nonprofit professionals. This 100% online program focuses on the real-world application of advanced management theory so that degree candidates can immediately apply what they’ve learned to real scenarios. Graduates of the flagship on-campus program (Master of Arts) have gone on to leadership positions at organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association, Feeding America, The San Diego Foundation, Voices for Children and more.
If you’re ready to take action and enter the next stage of your nonprofit career, explore the MSNP curriculum or reach out to an enrollment advisor today for more information.
