Nonprofit Academic Courses from Nonprofit.Courses
Expand your nonprofit knowledge and skills with rigorous academic courses. Taught by experienced faculty, you'll find courses cover a wide range of topics, from fundraising to leadership to program development. Enroll today and advance your career.
See the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)!
Not quite ready for a nonprofit academic courses leading to a degree? Get a Certificate in Nonprofit Management.
The online Certificate in Nonprofit Management program introduces learners to key current management issues for nonprofit organizations.
Fundraising, board and volunteer development, budgeting, reading financial statements, leadership, marketing, and setting strategic direction are all addressed, and video commentary on these crucial topics will give you insight into how nonprofit professionals apply key concepts in their own organizations.
Each 3 to 5 hour, self-paced course offers an assortment of interactive exercises, videos, selected readings, case studies, and self-assessments that will engage you and help you practice effective decision making in a nonprofit setting. Some courses in this certificate award CFRE credits.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Nonprofit Academic Courses
1. What defines an "Academic Course" on this site?
These courses are distinct from standard webinars or short videos. They are rigorous educational programs, often taught by experienced faculty from accredited institutions. Many offer potential college credit, graduate-level instruction, or formal certification upon completion.
2. Why should I take an academic course instead of a regular webinar?
Academic courses provide a deeper dive into subjects. They are ideal if you are looking to:
- Advance your career with formal credentials.
- Earn college credit (ACE CREDIT®) toward a degree.
- Master complex topics like nonprofit finance, law, or leadership through a structured curriculum.
3. Are these courses only for students?
No. They are designed for working professionals, volunteers, and anyone seeking to expand their nonprofit knowledge. Whether you are looking to finish a degree or simply upskill, there are options available.
4. Which institutions provide these courses?
The page features courses from respected educational providers, including:
- Thomas Edison State University: Offering online graduate classes in management, fundraising, and grant writing.
- MindEdge: Providing ACE CREDIT® recommended certificates in management and HR.
- St. Mary's University: Featuring a Master's in Philanthropy and Development.
- Coursera: Offering specializations in psychology, self-care, and leadership.
5. Can I earn a degree here?
While Nonprofit.Courses aggregates individual courses and certificates, some of these can stack toward a degree. For example, the page lists the Masters in Philanthropy and Development at St. Mary's University and individual graduate classes from Thomas Edison State University that may apply to degree programs.
6. What is "ACE CREDIT®"?
Several courses, particularly from MindEdge, are labeled with ACE CREDIT®. This means the American Council on Education has recommended these courses for college credit, which can potentially be transferred to colleges and universities.
7. What subjects can I study?
The academic curriculum is broad, covering essential nonprofit sectors such as:
- Fundraising: From "Fundraising for Nonprofits" to "Planned Giving."
- Management: "Nonprofit Governance," "Frontline Manager," and "Critical Issues in Nonprofit Management."
- Finance: "Nonprofit Finance" and "Accounting Fundamentals."
- Specialized Skills: "Grant Writing," "Volunteer Management," and "Social Entrepreneurship."
8. Is there training for "Soft Skills"?
Yes. Academic rigor isn't limited to spreadsheets. You can find courses on Positive Psychology, Mental and Physical Self-Care, and Suicide Prevention, which are crucial for maintaining a healthy workforce in the nonprofit sector.