Overview

The online graduate certificate in nonprofit management and innovation is perfect for both aspiring and current nonprofit leaders. Nonprofit organizations play a crucial role in enhancing communities across the U.S. by addressing issues like illiteracy, supporting disadvantaged youth and enriching lives through arts and culture. This certificate offered through the Henry W. Bloch School of Management equips students with the essential skills and knowledge for managing and leading nonprofit public service organizations. As one of the country's pioneering and highly respected programs in nonprofit management, the Bloch School offers coursework that is modern, relevant and directly applicable. Designed for those passionate about social impact and community improvement, this certificate prepares individuals for essential roles in nonprofits, benefiting both vulnerable populations and society at large. To connect with prospective students, we collaborate with industry leaders such as the International City/County Management Association, the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), Nonprofit Connect and the Council of Nonprofits.

Program Structure

This program is offered synchronously online — no campus visits are required. Students typically complete one to two courses per semester to fit school into their busy schedules. Courses are offered year-round for greater flexibility.

This certificate can also be applied to the Master of Public Administration and Master of Business Administration programs.

Courses

Courses for this program are 100% online — no campus visits are required. Much of the course work is asynchronous; however, each course contains some synchronous components, requiring you to be available at a specific time. Synchronous meetings are typically scheduled at 5:30 p.m. or 7 p.m. Central time zone.

Course planner

The chart below shows the courses offered in this program. Courses are 3 credit hours each, unless stated otherwise. The university reserves the right to change or cancel courses as needed.

Required (9 credit hours)
PUB ADM 5551 Managing Nonprofit Organizations
PUB ADM 5553 Legal Framework and Financial Management of Nonprofit Organizations
PUB ADM 5559 Nonprofit Organizations in Context

Electives (Choose 3 credit hours)
PUB ADM 5552 Community Organizations and Public Policy
PUB ADM 5554 Seminar on Social Entrepreneurship
PUB ADM 5556 Innovation in Nonprofit Management and Leadership
PUB ADM 5557 Nonprofit Fundraising and Development
PUB ADM 5582 Developing the Social Enterprise
HLTH ADM 5571 Financial Management Issues of Health and Human Services Organizations

State Authorization

States require that the University of Missouri-Kansas City be authorized to deliver university-level distance/online education to their residents. Each state handles this process differently.

Please visit the state authorization page for more information.

How to Apply

Fulfill the admission requirements

Admissions decisions are made using a holistic approach, and the Bloch School is happy to work with prospective students to support their goals.

• Students must have earned a bachelor's degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher from a regionally accredited institution.
  • Students not meeting the minimum GPA requirement may be admitted provisionally. Earning a 3.0 or higher GPA in the first semester removes the provisional status.
• For students whose native language is not English, proof of English proficiency may be required. For more information, visit the International Student Affairs Office website.
• GRE, LSAT and GMAT scores are optional.

Submit required documentation

• All official transcripts sent from the school where you earned any degrees; undergraduate, graduate or credit. We prefer transcripts to be sent electronically to the Office of Admissions. 
  • By secure email to umkc-admtranscript@umkc.edu
  • By electronic transfer through your school
• If mailed, they must be sent in a sealed envelope to the following address:

• Résumé
• Goal statement — a one-page essay describing your career plans and how your desired degree or certificate can help you reach your goals.
• TOEFL, IELTS or PTE score reports for applicants whose native language is not English. For information on sending test scores, visit the Bloch School graduate admissions web page.

Complete the online application

• Domestic application fee: $45.00. This fee can be waived by participating in an information session with the Bloch School.
• International application fee: $75.00

Note: If you were ever enrolled at UMKC as a degree-seeking student, you do not need to resubmit the general UMKC application fee.

Application fee waiver questions: Contact the Bloch School with questions at Blochgrad@umkc.edu.

Apply to UMKC

Program Contacts

Gene Pegler Executive Director of Student Affairs Phone: 816-235-5254 Email: peglere@umkc.edu

Brent Never Associate Dean, Associate Professor of Public Affairs
Director, Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership Phone: 816-235-1413 Email: neverb@umkc.edu

Tuition and Fees

These estimates are for illustrative purposes only and are based on academic year 2024-2025 information.

These estimates are for illustrative purposes only and are based on academic year 2024-2025 information. They include:

• Graduate resident tuition rate of per credit hour for 12 hours
• Online course fee of per credit hour for 12 hours
• Graduate Public Administration Course Fee of per credit hour for 12 hours