UM Online
The University of Montana
The Nonprofit Administration Online Program offers students education and specific training in the field of nonprofit administration. These courses are offered entirely online and are designed for interested students as well as busy professionals working in the nonprofit sector. Practicing administrators and others interested in building skills relating to nonprofit administration are encouraged to register. The courses do not require specific meeting times. Students may elect to take one or all of the courses.
There is no formal application process or enrollment requirement for these courses; you may simply register for the courses using this site. Students who do not wish to pursue the Professional Certificate may also take the courses individually.
The Online Professional Certificate in Nonprofit Administration is approved through The University of Montana Academic Standards and Curriculum Review Committee and the Graduate Council. Through a set of core courses and an internship, students combine theoretical learning about nonprofit practices such as grantwriting, strategic planning, fundraising and human resource management with hands-on experience at a nonprofit organization. Students must complete at least 12 credits from among a series of 2-credit online courses in addition to completing a 4-credit internship course. A grade of C or above must be achieved in order to receive credit toward the Professional Certificate. Credit cannot be granted retroactively for courses already completed on a non-credit basis.
The Nonprofit Administration Online Program is coordinated by the School of Extended & Lifelong Learning and the Office for Civic Engagement in partnership with the Montana Nonprofit Association.
To receive more information on the program, the certificate, or for academic advising, please contact Laura Fellin at laura.fellin@mso.umt.edu or 406.243.2586. Laura is located in the Office for Civic Engagement, Davidson Honors College 015.
For registration and course access questions, please contact Holly Kulish at holly.kulish@umontana.edu or 406.243.4168.
Fees subject to change. Total tuition for the Professional Certificate is approximately $3,000.
Required textbooks are listed on course syllabi and may be purchased online (i.e. Amazon, etc.).
There is no tuition differential for out-of-state students.
Because of the intensive nature of these courses, students must login to the course no later than the third instructional day. Students will not be able to add into a course once it has started.
The deadline to withdraw from a course is one week before the last day of the course. To drop a course, please submit a request to Holly Kulish at holly.kulish@umontana.edu.
Refunds will be issued for cancellations received up to the course registration deadline. After that date, no refunds will be processed nor credit applied to future courses. To cancel, please contact Holly Kulish at holly.kulish@umontana.edu.
Financial aid is not available exclusively for the Nonprofit Administration Online Program. However, if students are simultaneously enrolled in a degree-seeking course of study, then the online courses may count toward the minimum credit requirement for financial aid. Please discuss this option with your primary institution of higher education.
Great news for national service alumni: students can make use of their AmeriCorps Education Award to pay for these courses! It is important to note however that students do have to pay for courses up front and get “reimbursed” via the Education Award. For more information, please contact Laura Fellin at laura.fellin@mso.umt.edu or 406.243.2586. Laura is located in the Office for Civic Engagement, Davidson Honors College 015.
Montana Nonprofit Association members are eligible for a 20% discount on tuition. That’s a $25 savings per credit for each course! While this discount does not apply to the credit recording fees nor the internship, it can reduce the overall cost of the professional certificate by as much as $300! The discount will be applied during online registration.
There is no formal application process or enrollment requirement for courses in the Nonprofit Administration Online Program. Simply register for courses using the "Registration" tab of this site. If you want to pursue either the Professional Certificate or transfer these credits to another academic program, you must choose the "for credit" option and pay the $135 credit recording fee in addition to the course fee.
Each course will involve approximately 5 hours of work each week: 2.5 hours of online contact and 2.5 hours of study/homework. The one exception to this is Grant Writing, which, due to its intricacies, may require up to ten hours a week over the six-week duration of the course. All courses are available for undergraduate or graduate credit.
The courses in the Online Program in Nonprofit Administration at the University of Montana present an ideal way for you to complete your Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Certificate requirements. Before registering, please visit the Office for Civic Engagement information page.
Click here for the 2012-2013 course schedule and important program announcements.
• Strategic Planning
September 12 - October 21, 2011
• Grant Writing
November 7 - December 16, 2011
April 2 - May 11, 2012
• Introduction to Nonprofit Board Management
January 23 - March 2, 2012
• Fundraising
March 5 - April 13, 2012
• Introduction to Financial Management
April 16 - May 25, 2012
• Volunteer Management
August 15 - October 21, 2011
• Ethics and Legal Issues
October 10 - December 16, 2011
• Advocacy and Public Policy
January 9 - March 16, 2012
• Program Planning and Evaluation
March 5 - May 11, 2012
• Human Resources
May 21 - July 27, 2012
The internship component of the certificate program includes at least 350 hours of volunteer or paid hours working directly with a nonprofit organization.
Strategic Planning (PSCI 460)
This course highlights the importance of leadership for realizing an organization's fullest potential. It also introduces strategic planning--a process by which staff members can bring their shared vision of success into being. The reading assignments are designed to increase knowledge of strategic planning and leadership, and the writing assignments are designed to build personal skill and confidence by asking you to draft a brief strategic plan. Available for 1 undergraduate or graduate credit. Instructor: Jesse Munro, Adjunct Instructor in Political Science at The University of Montana.
Course dates are September 12 - October 21, 2011.
Registration is closed.
Grant Writing (PSCI 460)
This course teaches students how and where to look for foundation and government funding sources; and the fundamentals of writing effective grant proposals. Available for 1 undergraduate or graduate credit. Instructor: Cindy Briggs, Ph.D.
Read the syllabus. For the required textbook, please see the syllabus. Please note: Students will write pieces of a grant proposal and must come to the course with a nonprofit in mind to work with on the grant. If you do not currently work for a nonprofit, or are not affiliated with one, please be sure to find one prior to the start of the course. You may contact Dr. Briggs at cindy.briggs@umontana.edu for ideas and suggestions.
Fall course dates are November 7 - December 16, 2011. Registration is closed.
Spring course dates are April 2 - May 11, 2012. This section was added to meet registration demand.
Registration is closed.
Introduction to Nonprofit Board Management (PSCI 460)
This course explores the components inherent in creating and maintaining a governing body that promotes a healthy and successful nonprofit organization. Critical governance, leadership, and management elements are studied including: strategic planning; policy-making; fundraising and financial roles and responsibilities; strategies for board recruitment, orientation and evaluation; and Executive Director/Board relationships. Available for 1 undergraduate or graduate credit. Instructor: Terry Profota, Adjunct Professor in the College of Business at Montana State University and president of Sage Solutions consulting.
Read the syllabus. For the required textbook, please see the syllabus.
Course dates are January 23 - March 2, 2012.
Registration is closed.
Fundraising (PSCI 460)
This course teaches students the basics of fundraising, including annual fund, major gifts, capital campaigns, planned giving, grants and special events. The course will also give students the foundation and tools needed to implement these plans into action. By the end of the course students will have developed at least one major fundraising plan focusing on one area. Available for 1 undergraduate or graduate credit. Instructor: Cindy Briggs, Ph.D.
Read the syllabus. For the required textbook, please see the syllabus.
Course dates are March 5 - April 13, 2012.
Registration is closed.
Introduction to Financial Management (PSCI 460)
This course teaches the basics of financial management for nonprofits. This course will explore special issues related to nonprofit finances including budgeting, reporting, tax issues and accounting, focusing primarily on financial statements, continuous budgeting and executive processes. Available for 1 undergraduate or graduate credit. Instructor: Lisa Swallow, Business Technology Faculty, University of Montana-College of Technology.
Read the syllabus. For the required textbook, please see the syllabus.
Course dates are April 16 - May 25, 2012.
Volunteer Management (PSCI 402)
Volunteers are the heart and soul of many nonprofits and often play a vital role in the capacity and success of an organization. The challenge is how best to train them, motivate them, retain them, and effectively utilize their strengths. Volunteer programs require the same type of managerial effort that any other program effort would require, and there are many factors to consider in ensuring that the experience is positive for both the volunteer and the organization. This course provides resources on effectively managing, training, recruiting, recognizing, and rewarding volunteers. Available for 2 undergraduate or graduate credits. Instructor: Cindy Briggs, Ph.D.
Read the syllabus. For the required textbook, please see the syllabus.
Course dates are August 15 - October 21, 2011.
Registration is closed.
Ethics and Legal Issues (PSCI 404)
This course introduces students to the challenge of ethics in public service and the legal issues associated with serving the public. Students are introduced to the concepts of ethics and morals; integrity; compromise; ethical citizenship and civic virtue. All of these concepts are essential when discussing the ethical challenges in public service. This course provides a basis for developing an understanding and applying the theories of ethics to the role of a public servant. Available for 2 undergraduate or graduate credits. Instructor: Jesse Munro, Adjunct Instructor in Political Science at the University of Montana.
Read the syllabus. For the required textbook, please see the syllabus.
Course dates are October 10 - December 16, 2011.
Registration is closed.
Advocacy and Public Policy (PSCI 405)
This course is intended for students and professionals interested in learning the concepts related to nonprofit advocacy and public policy. The course will examine how policy influences nonprofits as well as how nonprofits impact policy. It will address the role of nonprofit organizations in the public policy process including advocacy strategies and techniques and examine in turn how laws shape nonprofit involvement in that process. Available for 2 undergraduate or graduate credits. Instructor: Cindy Briggs, Ph.D.
Read the syllabus. For the required textbook, please see the syllabus.
Course dates are January 9 - March 16, 2012.
Registration is closed.
Program Planning and Evaluation (PSCI 403)
Learn how to articulate your goals and objectives, and how to design an evaluation plan that will show your grantors and other supporters that what you do actually makes a difference. It starts with identifying the program's culture, mission and vision to ultimately develop a comprehensive program plan. A well-designed and presented program plan, including mechanisms for assessing the efficacy of your work, should be the heart and soul of your operations and of your fundraising strategy. Available for 2 undergraduate or graduate credits. Instructor: Jesse Munro, Adjunct Instructor in Political Science at the University of Montana.
Course dates are March 5 - May 11, 2012.
Registration is closed.
Human Resources (PSCI 401)
In this course, you will acquire substantive knowledge of each major area of human resource management, develop problem-solving skills relevant to situations faced by managers and personnel officers and develop technical skills relevant to the effective administration of personnel systems and the effective management of human resources. The course provides a solid base in developing an understanding of human resource management and applying that understanding to work-life situations for Executive Directors and staff who supervise and manage others. The course also provides an overview of the numerous federal laws, executive orders, and court decisions which have shaped the field of human resource management. Available for 2 undergraduate or graduate credits. Instructor: Jesse Munro, Adjunct Instructor in Political Science at the University of Montana.
Read the syllabus. For the required textbook, please see the syllabus.
Course dates are May 21 - July 27, 2012.
Registration is closed.
The internship component of the certificate program includes at least 350 hours of volunteer or paid hours working directly with a nonprofit organization. If the student works at a nonprofit organization, professional work that is aligned with the program focus will qualify as internship credit. Students will complete various reflection activities, including a formal, 10-page paper, documenting their learning throughout the internship experience.
Instructor consent is required for registration. Additionally, it is recommended that students complete two to three courses before beginning the internship. To obtain approval, please complete the Internship Registration Request. Questions regarding the internship may be directed to Colleen Kane in the Office for Civic Engagement at colleen.kane@mso.umt.edu or 406.243.5128.
Available for 4 undergraduate or graduate credits. Read the syllabus. Registration is required before hours can be applied to the internship.
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Dr. Cindy Briggs has over 20 years of nonprofit and fundraising experience. Beginning her fundraising career in college, Dr. Briggs has held various positions within nonprofits such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Kentucky Humane Society, Goodwill Industries, and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Most recently, Dr. Briggs served as a nonprofit consultant helping both small and large organizations succeed in governance and fundraising. She teaches for The University of Montana and Collin College and is a frequent speaker at national conferences. Dr. Briggs holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, an MA in Higher Education, an MPA with emphasis in nonprofit management, and a BA in Communication/Public Relations. She also obtained her Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) designation in 2006. |
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Colleen Kane graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in English and went on to earn her Masters in Adult Education at Western Washington University. She taught English to non-native speakers and administered a state-wide AmeriCorps program in Washington before joining the Office for Civic Engagement as their Student Programs Manager. In her current role, she manages the student AmeriCorps programs at UM, teaches service learning classes, and serves as an advisor for national service members participating in the ALIVE program. |
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Courses: Introduction to Nonprofit Board Management Terry Profota’s business and nonprofit experience spans over 35 years. In 2004 she started Sage Solutions Nonprofit Consulting, LLC and since that time has worked with hundreds of nonprofits helping them to improve their operational, organizational, and fundraising effectiveness. Terry has a Masters in Nonprofit Management and an undergraduate degree in Business Management. In addition to her consulting practice, Terry is an adjunct professor at Montana State University’s College of Business and has developed and teaches online nonprofit management courses for the Humane Society of the United States’ University and The University of Montana. She is a Founding Board Member and past Chair of the Montana Nonprofit Association. |
Courses: Introduction to Financial Management
Contact: lisa.swallow@umontana.edu
As a business professor, Lisa Swallow spent over 20 years teaching accounting and business communications courses at California State University Chico, The University of Montana College of Technology, and the School of Financial Studies at Charles Sturt University in New South Wales, Australia.
She earned a Master of Science from California State University Chico and an MBA from Bainbridge Graduate Institute in Puget Sound, which offered one of the first green MBA programs in the country.
Lisa is a board member of the Sustainable Business Council in Missoula, was a member on an advisory committee at the University of Montana that created the first climate change minor in the country, and frequently writes columns for Western Montana’s InBusiness Monthly. In 2009, Lisa published “Green Business Practices for Dummies,” which informs readers how to reduce the environmental impact of a business without reducing its bottom line.
Registration for courses in the Nonprofit Administration Online Program closes about two weeks before course start dates. Please register early. Each course carries a maximum enrollment and will be closed to registration when full. Each course also carries a minimum enrollment; therefore, a sufficient number of registered, paid students is required by the registration deadline or the course will be canceled and full refunds issued to students. We strongly encourage not waiting until the last minute to register as the courses may be full or canceled due to low enrollment.
If you are new to or relatively unfamiliar with the nonprofit sector, you are still welcome in these courses. A great resource for beginning to familiarize yourself with nonprofit organizations can be found at http://www.managementhelp.org/org_thry/np_thry/np_intro.htm. You can also refer back to this page and its links if you find yourself on unfamiliar ground in any of the courses.
The material taught and used in these courses largely concerns 501(c)3, or "charitable" nonprofit organizations. In many cases, however, knowledge gained can be adapted for use in other types of nonprofits.
Required textbooks are noted on the course syllabus and may be purchased online (i.e. Amazon, etc.). Students should purchase textbooks before the first class meeting.
To receive more information on the program, the certificate, or for academic advising, please contact Laura Fellin at laura.fellin@mso.umt.edu or 406.243.2586. Laura is located in the Office for Civic Engagement, Davidson Honors College 015.
| Course Title |
Course Dates |
Credits | Registration | Registration Deadline |
|
Volunteer Management |
Aug 15-Oct 21, 2011 | 2 | Closed | Aug 3, 2011 |
|
Strategic Planning |
Sep 12-Oct 21, 2011 | 1 | Closed | Aug 31, 2011 |
|
Ethics and Legal Issues |
Oct 10-Dec 16, 2011 | 2 | Closed | Oct 3, 2011 |
|
Grant Writing* |
Nov 7-Dec 16, 2011 | 1 | Closed | Oct 26, 2011 |
|
Advocacy and Public Policy |
Jan 9-Mar 16, 2012 | 2 | Closed | Jan 2, 2012 |
|
Introduction to Nonprofit Board Management |
Jan 23-Mar 2, 2012 | 1 | Closed | Jan 11, 2012 |
|
Fundraising |
Mar 5-Apr 13, 2012 | 1 | Closed | Feb 22, 2012 |
|
Program Planning and Evaluation |
Mar 5-May 11, 2012 | 2 | Closed | Feb 22, 2012 |
|
Grant Writing* |
Apr 2-May 11, 2012 | 1 | Closed | Mar 21, 2012 |
|
Introduction to Financial Management |
Apr 16-May 25, 2012 | 1 | Closed | Apr 4, 2012 |
|
Human Resources |
May 21-Jul 27, 2012 | 2 | Closed | May 9, 2012 |
*Please note: For the Grant Writing course, students will write pieces of a grant proposal and must come to the course with a nonprofit in mind to work with on the grant. If you do not currently work for a nonprofit, or are not affiliated with one, please be sure to find one prior to the start of the course. You may contact Dr. Briggs at cindy.briggs@umontana.edu for ideas and suggestions.
Internship
Instructor consent is required for registration in the internship. Additionally, it is recommended that students complete two to three courses before beginning the internship. To obtain approval, please complete the Internship Registration Request. Questions regarding the internship may be directed to Colleen Kane in the Office for Civic Engagement at colleen.kane@mso.umt.edu or 406.243.5128. After approval has been granted, the instructor will send the registrant a link to register online for the internship.
Click here for important changes to the program starting Fall 2012.
The Online Professional Certificate in Nonprofit Administration is approved through The University of Montana Academic Standards and Curriculum Review Committee and the Graduate Council. Through a set of core courses and an internship, students combine theoretical learning about nonprofit practices such as grantwriting, strategic planning, fundraising and human resource management with hands-on experience at a nonprofit organization.
Students must complete at least 12 credits from among a series of 1- and 2-credit online courses in addition to completing a 4-credit internship course. All courses taken in pursuit of the certificate must be taken for graded credit, and a grade of C or above must be achieved in order to receive credit for any course. Credit cannot be granted retroactively for courses already completed on a non-credit basis.
There is no time limit in which to complete the Professional Certificate. Additionally, there are no prerequisites for courses with the exception of the internship, in which case students are asked to complete three online nonprofit courses before beginning the internship. Courses are offered once per academic year.
At the completion of 16 credits, students are asked to complete the Intent to Certify form to begin the Professional Certificate completion process. Academic transcripts will include notation of the Professional Certificate and the date of completion.
To receive more information on the program, the certificate, or for academic advising, please contact Laura Fellin at laura.fellin@mso.umt.edu or 406.243.2586. Laura is located in the Office for Civic Engagement, Davidson Honors College 015.
Courses: Advocacy & Public Policy, Fundraising, Grant Writing, Volunteer Management
Courses: Internship Advisor
