certificate of advanced graduate studies in nonprofit administration

Widener University's Master of Public Adminstration program offers a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (COAGS) in the area of nonprofit adminstration. The COAGS option is available for individuals seeking to refine and/or develop their expertise relating to the management and operations of nonprofit organizations.

Certificate Requirements

Students receive the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies after completing four 600-level courses. At least three of the courses must be completed from the Public Administration nonprofit administration electives listed below. Students may complete a fourth course from the range of Public Administration electives or by completing an approved course from another graduate program at Widener University.

• PA 680 Nonprofit Organizations and Public Policy
• PA 682 Financial Managment for Nonprofits
• PA 684 Marketing for the Nonprofit Sector
• PA 686 Law and Nonprofit Organizations
• PA 687 Fundraising for Nonprofits
• A 3.0 grade point average must be maintained in the four courses.

Eligibility

Students are elegible to pursue the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies if they hold a masters degree in public administration, business, or a public-policy related area.

Admission Requirements

• Completed MPA program application form
• $25 application fee
• Official transcripts from previous graduate and undergraduate studies

Nonprofit Administration Course Information

PA 680 Nonprofit Organizations and Public Policy

• This introductory course examines several aspects of the nonprofit sector including its history and context in the United States; features which distinguish it from business and government; and governance and management issues such as the development of requisite skills for successful nonprofit program design and implementation. 3 semester hours.

PA 682 Financial Management for Nonprofits

• Focuses on budgeting, finance, and investment decision-making. Topics covered are budget formulation, analysis and planning; present value analysis, cost-effectiveness, cash-flow analysis, portfolio management and venture planning. Special emphasis is placed on capital formation, generating earned income, managing endowments, gifts and grants, and tax planning. 3 semester hours.

PA 684 Marketing for the Nonprofit Sector

• This course focuses on a range of marketing issues for nonprofit organizations. Topics include public relations, publicity, communications and entrepreneurship. 3 semester hours.

PA 686 Law and Nonprofit Organizations

• Basic grounding in laws and regulations regarding nonprofit organizations. Includes procedures for incorporating, reporting, and maintaining tax-exempt status as a nonprofit organization. Overview of current legal, regulatory, and policy issues facing nonprofits. 3 semester hours.

PA 687 Fundraising for Nonprofits

• Examines various fundraising procedures and programs, types of campaigns and strategies, and constituency analysis. Topics include annual and capital campaigns, endowment campaigns, planned giving, stewardship, and volunteerism. 3 semester hours.

Master of Public Administration
Widener University
One University Place
Chester, PA 19013
tel: 610-499-4358
gphenderson@widener.edu