Nonprofit Leadership
Graduate Certificate
Three decades of nonprofit leadership.
The Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership is an excellent entry point for students who wish to understand the nonprofit world and use their talents to help organizations succeed. Developed in partnership with the Denver Rescue Mission, this graduate certificate is open to all students, whether they hope to get their foot in the door of the nonprofit sector, earn credits toward a future master’s degree or simply expand their existing professional skillset.
Students explore the history, formation, legal basis and operations of the nonprofit sector, as well as the ethos and motivations for the development of nonprofits in general. Mastery of these areas makes students more competitive as candidates for advanced nonprofit roles and offers a solid foundation for their future development as nonprofit leaders. This certificate represents part of Regis University’s 30-year legacy as a pioneer in nonprofit management and leadership.
NACC Accreditation
Regis University’s Master of Nonprofit Management program is accredited by the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council (NACC). This is the highest honor that a nonprofit program can hold and ensures the program is taught from a “nonprofit first” perspective.
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Program Snapshot
Program Format
Online courses
8-week terms
Time Commitment
6-12 months
Key Dates
Starts are offered in January, March, May, June, August and October
Join Regis Alumni Working As:
Nonprofit Director
Nonprofit directors oversee the daily operations of a nonprofit and communicate with all department heads on a daily basis. Nonprofit directors should expect to report to the board of directors about how the nonprofit is doing.
Case Manager
The main role of a case manager is to help people. Case managers should expect to assist people with a wide realm of things such as providing advice, figuring out what kind of services they could need and developing a treatment plan.
Director of External Relations
Directors of external relations are tasked with creating the public image for a company or organization. This role could have a variety of tasks such as managing networking with the surrounding community and donations.
By the Numbers
*CauseIQ, 2019 Nonprofit Employment Statistics
Interested in going further?
Start with a certificate program, end up with a full master's degree. All classes in our Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership can be applied towards the M.S. in Nonprofit Management program. This allows you to boost your credentials now, with the opportunity to level up even more in the future.
Denver Rescue Mission Partnership
We are proud to partner with the Denver Rescue Mission, the oldest full-service charity in the Rocky Mountain region, as they meet the needs of men, women and children experiencing homelessness. Our unique fellowship program helps students gain real-world experience working at DRM while simultaneously earning a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership from Regis University. Over the course of 12 months, students will gain valuable new skills in nonprofit management and discover new ways to support the most vulnerable members of their community.
MNM 6070 Social Justice and the Civil Society
Examines the wide range of meanings of social justice using perspectives of philosophy and religion, economics, and politics. We explore the role of the nonprofit sector in growing an equitable and inclusive Common Good by addressing complex social issues including diversity, human rights, and poverty.
MNM 6100: Legal and Ethical Issues for Nonprofits
Introduces critical legal issues affecting nonprofit organizations. Explores nonprofit formation, statutory requirements, liability, contract and employment issues, applicable portions of the Federal Tax Code, laws that affect lobbying and public advocacy and laws regarding fundraising.
MSDE 630: History, Theory, and the Future of the Nonprofit Sector
Examines origins and societal roles of nonprofit organizations in a global environment including social, political, economic, cultural, and ideological issues. Addresses types and characteristics of nonprofit organizations, and trends and projections for the future of the third sector.
To apply to the Nonprofit Leadership Graduate Certificate program, you will need:
- Completed online application
- Official degree-bearing transcript(s) from a regionally accredited college or university
- Resume
- Admissions essay requirement
Tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year: $727 per credit hour
Total program credits: 12
A 10% tuition discount is offered for Colorado Nonprofit Association members
Tuition is one part of the overall cost of attendance, which includes all expenses students may have, including basic living costs. For more information about tuition, fees and your estimated cost of attendance, visit our Cost of Attendance for Adult Undergraduates and Graduate Students page. Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Earning your Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership from Regis sets you apart and expands your professional network — think of it as an investment in your future. Between scholarship opportunities and financial aid packages, advancing your education is within reach. Explore our Investing in Your Future graduate financing guide or visit our Office of Financial Aid on the web.
A Culture of Excellence
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The Nonprofit Leadership Graduate Certificate program is offered by Regis College.