This course provides an overview of the management principles used in nonprofit organizations. The course examines the historical and current context for work in the nonprofit sector; strategic leadership, including board governance and executive leadership; strategic planning, benchmarking, and evaluation; and operations planning overview. Strategic linkages are examined between an organization’s mission and values, strategic direction, and programming.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

• Analyze the types and characteristics of nonprofit operating principles and structures
• Apply concepts of nonprofit accountability and ownership
• Explain the operations and characteristics of a board governance model
• Create measurable benchmarks for monitoring progress against strategy
• Evaluate operating goals, objectives, tactics, and implementation tools
• Analyze the role of strategic planning within organizational life, explaining the relationship among organizational mission, strategy, vision, and values

This course examines various strategies for collaboration and engagement in the community. It focuses on diverse collaboration solutions, facilitation skills, and transparent decision-making processes. This course addresses problem-solving techniques that encourage community involvement and facilitation of critical conversations. Media relations, crisis communications, and the use of social media are also discussed.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

• Evaluate collaboration strategies for community engagement
• Analyze and apply appropriate conflict management approaches
• Evaluate supportive communication techniques
• Develop effective strategies to mediate and resolve differences in the community
• Analyze the effective use and limitations of various media and social media formats
• Use narrative and storytelling as a community engagement strategy
• Examine the aspects and implications of public and private partnerships

This course overviews the components of raising and managing nonprofit financial resources, including fund development through grants and alternative funding sources. Cash management, debt management, audit principles, and nonprofit accounting are addressed. This course also examines creating and using budgets for planning and decision-making, along with transparent processes for internal and external review of budgets.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

• Connect potential grant sources to projects
• Identify alternative funding sources
• Create a basic funding proposal, including a budget
• Apply fundamentals of nonprofit finance
• Apply fund allocations and accounting processes to multi-year grants
• Analyze financial data for decision-making and planning
• Integrate source materials and forecasting tools to create and manage nonprofit budgets

This course focuses on human resource management in the nonprofit sector, including working with volunteers, boards of directors, contractors, clients/constituents, and external stakeholders. Staffing and hiring processes within an organization, compensation, performance evaluation, and compliance with federal law are covered.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

• Analyze the role of human resources in the nonprofit sector
• Articulate legal definitions and distinctions in the employer-employee relationship, including issues related to paid and voluntary roles, consultants, clients, internal/external stakeholders, and board members
• Appraise employment practices related to recruitment, selection, compensation, and performance management, including volunteer management
• Describe the collective bargaining process, good faith bargaining, and the inclusion of mandatory and non-mandatory issues

• An undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution
• A minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale
• If your overall GPA is below 2.75, you may receive conditional status in the program at the discretion of the program director

No prerequisite coursework is required for the Business Analytics certificate online program.

You don’t need GRE/GMAT scores to apply for this program.

• Students with transcripts from universities outside the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada (except for the Quebec Province) must take and pass English proficiency testing
• Saint Mary’s accepts the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 72, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.0, the Michigan Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) with a minimum score of 74 percent, the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) with a minimum score of 51, or the International Test of English Proficiency (ITEP) with a minimum score of 4.0

Whether you apply through our online application via hard copy, or in-person with a Saint Mary’s admissions counselor, your application must include the following items:

$25 non-refundable application fee: Note that Saint Mary’s alumni, students seeking readmission, veterans, and active military personnel are exempt from this application fee.

Official transcripts: An official transcript issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from the institution posting the applicant’s completed degree and other relevant transcripts documenting program prerequisites and potential transfer credits must be sent separately and directly from your institution. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota accepts official transcripts electronically from previously attended institutions. Transcripts should be sent to oladmissions@smumn.edu or mailed to:

Transcript Processing Center
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
851 Trafalgar Court, Suite 420
Maitland, FL 32751

An up-to-date résumé: Include both your educational and professional experience.

Two references: Provide the names of two people (including title, organization, email, and phone number) who can serve as professional references, if needed, during the application review process. The best references are those who know you professionally, such as current or former supervisors.

A written statement: Your background and future goals all impact your success with Saint Mary’s and inform your education. As you prepare your written statement, think about including previous experiences, education, and your strengths and interests. Share your motivations for earning the online Nonprofit Management Certificate and how it will contribute to your career.

Upcoming application deadlines for Saint Mary’s online Nonprofit Management Certificate:

• Fall: August 20, 2024
• Spring: December 18, 2023
• Summer: April 22, 2024

Upcoming start dates for Saint Mary’s online Nonprofit Management Certificate:

• Fall: September 3, 2024
• Spring: January 8, 2024
• Summer: May 6, 2024

Once you’ve submitted your application, expect to be notified about acceptance approximately two weeks after your submission date.