Nonprofit Program at University of Tampa Demonstrates Significant Impact on First 15 Years of Graduates

A diverse group of nonprofit professionals in the Class of 2024 Certificate in Nonprofit Management at The University of Tampa
Nonprofit Leadership Center

America’s nonprofit sector represents the third largest workforce in the country, employing more than 12.3 million people and outpacing for-profit job growth three to one.*

As community needs continue to exceed nonprofit capacity, The University of Tampa partners with the Conn Memorial Foundation and the Nonprofit Leadership Center to provide emerging nonprofit executives with a graduate-level education to lead our communities forward. 

New research from the first 15 years of graduates from the Certificate in Nonprofit Management shows the program increases participants’ knowledge, confidence, professional relationships and career advancement while also contributing to nonprofit effectiveness.

"The graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management offers nonprofit professionals the opportunity to work and network alongside peers, graduate business faculty, and leading nonprofit practitioners on real-world strategies in an intellectually rigorous environment. It equips participants with the skills and strategic insights needed to thrive in C-suite roles and drive impactful, sustainable change within their organizations."

Key Findings

Findings from graduate interviews and an online survey administered to all graduates from 2009 through 2023 show that the Certificate in Nonprofit Management is having a positive impact on graduates in four key areas: knowledge, confidence, professional relationships and career advancement.

The Program increases knowledge

THE PROGRAM builds CONFIDENCE

THE PROGRAM BROADENS PROFESSIONAL NETWORKS

The program Advances Careers

improving nonprofit effectiveness

In addition to the personal benefits gained from participating in the Certificate in Nonprofit Management, graduates also believe the program has benefitted their nonprofit organizations.

It is a privilege to work with the Nonprofit Leadership Center and Conn Memorial Foundation to design and deliver a high-quality program to develop the next generation of nonprofit leaders in the Tampa Bay community. I truly admire the hard work and dedication of our program graduates to make a difference and improve lives of those they serve as well as their persistence in pursuing the education and skills needed to make a positive, meaningful impact.

Graduate Snapshot

Graphic showing a snapshot of graduates from the University of Tampa's Certificate in Nonprofit Management program, including 198 total graduates, the average cohort size as 13, a diverse mix of race and ethnicity, nearly 9 in 10 stay in Florida, 80% work for nonprofits and nearly have are in a CEO or senior leadership role

Methodology

To understand the impact the Certificate in Nonprofit Management program has had on its first 15 years of graduates, The University of Tampa and the Nonprofit Leadership Center conducted interviews with a diverse sub-set of alumni and administered an online survey to all graduates:

  • Qualitative Interviews: 18 one-on-one interviews were completed between December 4, 2023, and April 12, 2024, for 45 to 60 minutes each via Zoom. Interviewees represented a diverse mix of graduates across gender, race and ethnicity, graduation year, and current job title.
  • Online Survey: An online survey was sent via Qualtrics to all graduates with a known and working email address in April 2024. Data was captured from April 26 through May 16, 2024. There were 76 partial or fully completed survey responses (46% response rate).

"I am delighted by the quality of this program and its impact on our nonprofit leaders of today and tomorrow. It has been a joy to follow our graduates' journeys and to hear so many wonderful stories about how they are impacting our local community and sector. These findings demonstrate that we are delivering on our vision to nurture the nonprofit heart, develop a business mind and cultivate a leader’s spirit.

* Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics: Johns Hopkins Center for Civil Society Studies

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The Certificate in Nonprofit Management at the University of Tampa is a graduate-level educational opportunity to enhance the knowledge and skills of current and emerging nonprofit executives. This high-quality academic program is taught by Ph.D. faculty in partnership with leading nonprofit practitioners. The courses are delivered as four intensive one-week seminars over 15 months, representing 12 credit hours of graduate-level instruction.

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The Certificate in Nonprofit Management at the University of Tampa is a graduate-level educational opportunity to enhance the knowledge and skills of current and emerging nonprofit executives. This high-quality academic program is taught by Ph.D. faculty in partnership with leading nonprofit practitioners. The courses are delivered as four intensive one-week seminars over 15 months, representing 12 credit hours of graduate-level instruction.

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