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College of Social Sciences & Humanities

Nonprofit Sector, Philanthropy, and Social Change

Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Sector, Philanthropy, and Social Change is a professionally oriented, application-based program designed to address the distinctive features and practices of the nonprofit sector.

Program curriculum Explore College of Social Sciences & Humanities
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Program Format
Primarily online
Time Commitment
Part Time
Duration
12 Months
Entry Term(s)
Spring, Fall
Meets F1 visa requirements
No
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Program overview

Become a nonprofit leader

The Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Sector, Philanthropy, and Social Change is a professionally-oriented, application-based program for students seeking leadership positions in nonprofit organizations or in a public agency that deals extensively with nonprofits. The certificate enables social change professionals in all sectors to respond to industry shifts more effectively.

The curriculum is designed to address the distinctive features and practices of the nonprofit sector and emphasizes management techniques helpful to nonprofit leaders.

In addition to providing hands-on training to those working in the nonprofit sector, the certificate is also valuable for students seeking government positions that involve oversight of, or partnerships with, nonprofit organizations.

  • Designed for social change professionals in all sectors
  • Students complete two core courses and two elective courses
  • The certificate may be completed on its own or in conjunction with graduate degree programs

Admissions

Apply to the program

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.


Fall Term Entry

Domestic and International In-country DeadlineAugust 15

Spring Term Entry

Domestic and International In-country DeadlineDecember 15

  • Application

  • Application fee

  • Personal statement

  • Resume

  • Three letters of recommendation

  • Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended

    • The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)

  • English proficiency for international applicants

Program objectives

Prepare for success

The certificate enables professionals in all sectors to manage and respond to changes in nonprofits, and it focuses on the relationship between social program implementation and funding.

Developing expertise in nonprofits

Students are educated in the emergence of hybrid, cross-sector business models and new intermediary mechanisms for channeling the flow of capital into social change.

Modern skills in nonprofit management

Coursework focuses on data and technology to support decision making, and the emergence of social media as a vehicle for mobilizing people and resources.

Connect with us

Want more information?

We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Complete the form below to receive additional program details and speak with a member of our enrollment team. 

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Degree building

Stack your certificate

Earning a graduate certificate is a fast and affordable way to acquire specialized skills while building toward your master’s degree. Upon completion of this certificate program, you may be able to apply your credits to an eligible master’s program, saving time and money on your degree.

Some of the eligible master’s programs for this certificate include:

Market outlook
Industry at a glance
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Occupations

Cost of attendance

Tuition and financial aid

  • $17,352
    Tuition in USD

Estimated Total Tuition

This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.

For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.

There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.

Visit tuition & financial aid

Total Cost of Attendance: This figure reflects the cost-per-credit pricing for the current academic year. The total cost of attendance is dependent on the pace at which students complete the program. Please visit the Student Financial Services site for a more detailed breakdown of pricing per credit and other program fees.

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