General FAQs
Learn more about the Online Certificate in Nonprofit Management program, including how the program works, who teaches the courses, the course time commitment and more.

Click here to download our brochure and share it with your co-workers.

How does the Certificate program work?
All Certificate courses are delivered entirely online and rely on asynchronous discussion and collaboration as the principal form of communication. Course content is broken into five one-week modules. Via a Web-based 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. For a brief audio overview, go to: http://cnm.cuppa.uic.edu/overview/OnlineLearning.htm

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

Who facilitates these courses?
Certificate courses are facilitated by seasoned nonprofit managers with a minimum of ten years field experience. To learn more about our instructors, click here.

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

How many courses can I take at one time?
You can take one or two classes at one time. We recommend that first time students take only one class during their first round in order to become accustomed to online learning.

When are the Certificate classes offered?
All six Certificate courses are offered twice a year; once in the spring and once in the fall. View our Course Schedule.

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.

How much time should I spend on a Certificate course?
Students should expect to spend between 8-10 hours per week on course related activities. Many readings can be downloaded and/or printed, so actual online time is much less.

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 all six Online Certificate in Nonprofit Management (CNM). Students must take all 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 UIC External Education 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

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

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. Click here to view our student profiles.

What are the course fees?
The fee is $495 for each Certificate in Nonprofit Management course. For discount and financial aid information, visit our Registration Information page.

How do I register?
Registration is easy. There is no need to apply to the University or submit transcripts or recommendation letters. If you are interested in registering for a course, please visit our Registration Information page for more details.

When should I register?
The registration deadline for each course is ten days prior to the course start date. Certificate classes are limited to 25 students per course and fill quickly.

When will the next course be offered again?
Each Certificate course is offered twice per year. Sections begin in January, March, May, July, September and October.

If you are unable to enroll in one of our current course offerings or would like to be informed of future course offerings, be sure to join our e-mail list.