Program Requirements - 
The American Humanics National Certification in Nonprofit Management

Western Michigan University is one of 88 universities offering the American Humanics Certificate Program. American Humanics partners with 20 national nonprofit organizations such as the American Red Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, National Urban League, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, YMCA, YWCA, and many others. Since these organizations recruit staff and offer internships to those certified or seeking certification, a certificate in nonprofit management from American Humanics Inc. enhances the students employability.

The certificate is based on a set of competencies that are classified as either knowledge (something that a graduate should know) or skill (something that a graduate should experience prior to graduation). Competencies may be achieved through volunteering, coursework, a required internship, on-the-job activities, or through student association activities.
The certificate is awarded when students meet the following competencies: communication skills, employability skills, a demonstrated understanding of historical and philosophical foundations of nonprofit organizations, youth and adult development, nonprofit board and committee development, fundraising principles and practices, human resource development and supervision, nonprofit leadership and financial management, nonprofit advancement, program planning, and risk management.

AH Program Requirements
For undergraduates, the American Humanics program is offered in conjunction with the nonprofit minor. The requirements of the program are as follows:
  1. The student must fulfill the extra-curricular requirements prescribed by American Humanics, Inc. These requirements include participation in an American Humanics Professional Organization, attending the national AH Management Institute, and participating in prescribed workshops.

    2.  

  2. The student must complete an internship of at least 300 hours (3 credit hours) in a nonprofit organization.

    3.  

  3. The student must complete the following three courses:
    PADM 200 Introduction to Nonprofit Leadership provides an overview of American nonprofit organizations, including historical and philosophical foundations of nonprofit organizations, career development and exploration, attributes of successful nonprofit leaders, youth and adult development and program planning.

    PADM 300 Nonprofit Advancement involves the study and practice of nonprofit advancement, inlcuding stakeholder assessment, development of nonprofit communication plans, project management, and fund-raising. Prerequisite: PADM 200.

    PADM 400 Seminar in Nonprofit Leadership is an advanced seminar in nonprofit leadership. The topics addressed by this course include nonprofit financial management, human resource development, nonprofit board relations and development, risk management, and environmental assessment. Students must complete PADM 200 and have senior status before enrolling in this course.

    4.  

  4. The student must earn a grade of C or better in all courses that count towards fulfilling American Humanics requirements



For more information, please contact:
Ms. Janice Maatman
Director of Nonprofit Education Programs
Ph: 269-387-8945
or at jmaatman@wmich.edu


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