The Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit and Public Management is a 21-credit (7-course) certificate program designed to provide existing and aspiring middle managers in nonprofit and public organizations with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in carrying out their administrative responsibilities. After completing this coursework, some students opt to apply to the full MPA program or MNL program; credits taken in the GCNPM program may count toward the MPA degree or MNL degree.

The Nonprofit and Public Management at Portland State University is a Graduate Certificate program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the university's main campus in Aberdeen, United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 1 year to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on September 26, 2027.
About Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit and Public Management
Disciplines
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit and Public Management at Portland State University
Entry Requirements
- Copies of official degree certificate/diploma
- Certified translation of transcripts
- Financial documentation demonstrating adequate financial support for at least the first year of study
English Requirements
- PTEMin 60
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 80
Career Opportunities after Completing Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit and Public Management
Program Objectives:
We aim to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and efficacy of those who have responsibility for managing nonprofit and public organizations, by providing them with the following knowledge and skills to achieve the following learning objectives:
- Understand the distinctive role responsibilities of middle managers in the nonprofit and public sectors.
- Develop or enhance knowledge and skills to manage organizational systems, such as budgeting, personnel, management information.
- Develop or enhance knowledge and skills to manage organizational design, change, and evaluation.
- Develop or enhance knowledge and skills to manage inter-organizational and inter-jurisdictional relationships.
- Develop or enhance knowledge and skills to manage conflict.
- Develop or enhance knowledge and skills to manage cultural and organizational diversity.
This program extends the mission of the University and the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government to those who currently have responsibility for managing nonprofit and public organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest. This certificate enables the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government to carry out this mission more effectively and to work in partnership with nonprofit and public agencies to improve the quality of public service.
Tuition and Fee Information for Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit and Public Management at Portland State University
How to Apply for Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit and Public Management at Portland State University
- Complete the graduate application
- Send the Graduate School’s Admissions office your official academic transcripts
- Submit evidence of English language proficiency
- Provide financial documentation demonstrating adequate financial support for at least the first year of study
- Depending on the individual graduate program that you are applying for, additional department requirements may include:
- Personal essay or statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Standardized test scores, e.g., GRE (not required by all programs)
- Resume
- Writing samples
- Portfolio
United States of America, Aberdeen