FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GENERAL FAQS | REGISTRATION/PAYMENT FAQS
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS | TUTORIALS

GENERAL FAQS

How does the Certificate in Nonprofit Management program work?
All CNM courses are delivered entirely online and rely on asynchronous (i.e., independent of time or location) discussion and collaboration as the principal form of communication. Course content is broken into five one-week modules. Via a Web-based content management system (Blackboard), class members interact extensively with one another and the facilitator. Students participate anytime day or night, when their schedule allows while still meeting due dates for weekly assignments. To learn more about online learning at UIC, visit the Student Resources page of the UIC online Web site or watch a Blackboard overview.

Who is the intended audience of these courses?
The Certificate program is designed to enhance and develop management skills for nonprofit managers, professionals and those looking to enter into the nonprofit field as well as nonprofit board members.  Learn more about CNM students.

Do I have to apply to the program? Do I have to submit my academic transcripts? 
No. The CNM courses are non-credit offerings and do not include a formal admissions process. There are no educational or professional requirements to register for a course. Students are not required to submit academic transcripts to the University. 

How many credit hours are these courses worth? 
As non-credit offerings, the CNM courses will not appear on your transcript, nor will credit hours be awarded towards the completion of a degree program. Grades will not be issued; however, students must earn at least 70 out of 100 points to successfully complete a course.

What type of content is used in the program?
The CNM program utilizes a wide array of online material, including text-based lectures, audio and video presentations and Web links to the latest resources related to nonprofit management.

Who facilitates these courses?
CNM courses are facilitated by seasoned nonprofit managers with hands-on field experience. Read more about the CNM instructors.

Do I need a textbook for these courses?
No, all course materials are available online. No textbooks are required.

How much time can I expect to spend per week on each course?
You can expect to spend an average of 8 – 10 hours per week on each CNM course. Many readings can be downloaded and/or printed, so actual online time is much less.

How many courses can I take at one time?
We highly recommend students participate in no more than two CNM courses at a time. We also recommend that first time students take only one class during their first round in order to become accustomed to the online learning experience.

When are the CNM classes offered?
Courses are scheduled at various times throughout the year to accommodate our students’ busy schedules. View the Certificate in Nonprofit Management course schedule.

Do I have to take the CNM courses in a specific order?
No, courses need not be taken in any specific order and there are no prerequisites for these courses.

Can I take only one Certificate in Nonprofit Management course?
Yes. If you would like to try online learning or if you are only interested in a specific course topic, you can register for one course. NOTE: To earn the Certificate in Nonprofit Management, students must complete 6 of the 13 courses within a three-year time period and earn a minimum of 70 percent in each course.

When should I log in to the courses?
There are no specific times or days of the week students must log on; however, students are expected to complete assignments by the due dates specified in the course syllabus. Students are encouraged to log in to the course Web site at least four times per week to stay on track.

Am I required to come to the University at any time?
No, CNM courses are conducted entirely online and at your convenience. There is no need to come to the University of Illinois at Chicago campus.

How do I earn my Certificate* and when will I receive it?
A non-credit certificate of completion is awarded to students who successfully pass 6 of the 13 CNM online courses. Students must complete the courses within a three-year time period and earn a minimum of 70 percent in each CNM course. The non-credit certificate of completion is signed by the Executive Director of the Great Cities Institute at the College of Urban Planning and Public Administration and is mailed out by the Great Cities Institute upon completion of the sixth and final CNM course. The certificates are normally mailed out within one month of the last day of the student's final course. 

* non-credit Certificate of Completion