This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2023-2024 VCU Bulletin. This edition includes all programs and courses approved by the publication deadline; however we may receive notification of additional program approvals after the launch. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.

Program goal

The program mission is to empower community leaders with the knowledge, theory, research and real-world applications needed to creatively solve public issues and shape public policy. The program equips current and future executives, boards, staff and volunteers to lead, govern and manage nonprofit organizations collaboratively, thoughtfully and ethically.

In the graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management program, students gain knowledge and skills in nonprofit governance, management, fundraising, and program development and evaluation that they will need to become leaders and change agents in this rapidly growing sector. The school welcomes degree applicants from any undergraduate major, as entry- and top-level employees in nonprofit organizations have a wide range of backgrounds, including the sciences and humanities, social sciences, and technology. Courses are scheduled in the evening and on weekends with the working professional in mind.

Student learning outcomes

  1. To understand the nonprofit sector’s relationship to the for-profit and government sectors
  2. To know how to build a fundraising and donor communication plan model
  3. To understand how to budget and evaluate the financial management practices of nonprofit organizations
  4. To have the skills to analyze and implement laws impacting nonprofit organizations and their governance

VCU Graduate Bulletin, VCU Graduate School and general academic policies and regulations for all graduate students in all graduate programs

The VCU Graduate Bulletin website documents the official admission and academic rules and regulations that govern graduate education for all graduate programs at the university. These policies are established by the graduate faculty of the university through their elected representatives to the University Graduate Council.

It is the responsibility of all graduate students, both on- and off-campus, to be familiar with the VCU Graduate Bulletin as well as the Graduate School website and academic regulations in individual school and department publications and on program websites. However, in all cases, the official policies and procedures of the University Graduate Council, as published on the VCU Graduate Bulletin and Graduate School websites, take precedence over individual program policies and guidelines.

Visit the academic regulations section for additional information on academic regulations for graduate students.

Graduation requirements

As graduate students approach the end of their academic programs and the final semester of matriculation, they must make formal application to graduate. No degrees will be conferred until the application to graduate has been finalized.

Graduate students and program directors should refer to the following graduation requirements as published in the Graduate Bulletin for a complete list of instructions and a graduation checklist.

Visit the academic regulations section for additional information on graduation requirements.