Nonprofit Sector, Philanthropy, and Social Change

The Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Sector, Philanthropy, and Social Change is a response to recent developments in social change theory, practice, and funding that are placing new demands and expectations on social change actors in the nonprofit, public, and private sectors, including nonprofit leaders, philanthropists, policy makers, and corporate social-responsibility managers.

These developments include: the emergence of hybrid, cross-sector business models and new intermediary mechanisms for channeling the flow of capital into social change; new expectations and standards for performance measurement, transparency, and accountability; more sophisticated use of data and technology to support decision making, evaluation, and continual improvement; decreased public funding for traditional nonprofit activities; and the emergence of social media as a vehicle for mobilizing people and resources. The certificate enables social change professionals in all sectors to respond to these changes more effectively, and will distinguish itself from other nonprofit certificate programs by focusing on the relationship between social program implementation and funding.

The certificate 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 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. As government at all levels increasingly relies on nonprofits to implement programs, successful public managers need to develop a deeper understanding of the methods, practices, limitations, and opportunities facing the nonprofit sector. Indeed, with the blurring of boundaries, public service professionals today are likely to find their careers involve movement between the two sectors.

Learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Sector, Philanthropy and Social Change from the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs, housed in the College of Social Sciences and Humanities.

Register for their next Welcome Day for prospective students here.

More Details

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, and emphasizes management techniques helpful to nonprofit leaders. Classes are offered on campus and online.

• 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 Dates

Fall Term: August 15

Spring Term: December 15

Summer 1 Term (domestic applicants only): April 15 

Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis.

Once your application is submitted, received, and processed, you will be able to access your Application Status Check. If you are required to provide further information regarding your proficiency in English, you will be able to complete the requirement in several ways, depending on your familiarity with English, and the frequency with which you use English each and every day:

• Non-native English-speaking applicants will be required to submit official and valid results from one of the following English Language Tests:
  • C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (Cambridge English)
  • Duolingo English Test (DET)
  • IELTS Academic
  • PTE Academic
  • TOEFL Internt-based Test (CEEB Code: 3667) Northeastern will accept either the in-person version completed in a test center, or the TOEFL iBT Home Edition
• However, based on your academic environment and the primary instructional language in either your high school or university, you may be eligible for a waiver. All waivers must be submitted through your Application Status Check. For additional information and to determine whether or not you are eligible for a waiver, please read the section below on waiving the English proficiency requirement.

Please note: Northeastern’s Admissions Committee reserves the right to request proof of English language proficiency from any applicant, regardless of citizenship or first language, at any time during the evaluation process.

• 1.Create your application

  Submit your application through The Common Application or the Coalition Application (both are accepted). Once you have created your application, please select Northeastern University to directly submit your application to us. Application fee of $75 or need-based fee waiver* *Northeastern accepts need-based fee waivers from the Common Application, the Coalition Application, as well as organizations such as the College Board and ACT, or in a written request from a school official.

• 2.Submit all required materials

  Double check to make sure that you have submitted all required materials. Even if your application has been submitted, we cannot begin reviewing your file until all of your required materials have been received. For applicants applying for the 2022-2023 academic year, Northeastern University is test-optional and does not require standardized testing to complete an application for admission.

• 3.Check your application status

  Within seven days of applying, you should receive a confirmation email containing your Northeastern University ID number and instructions for setting up your Application Status Check account. To ensure all of the necessary documents have been submitted, and for updates or information about your application, visit your application status check.