Nonprofit Advocacy, Graduate Microcredential

The Graduate Microcredential in Nonprofit Advocacy is a specialized program designed to empower professionals in the nonprofit sector with the skills and knowledge necessary to advocate effectively for their causes and communities. Aimed at nonprofit leaders, including executive directors, program managers, and advocacy staff, this program focuses on the strategic aspects of advocacy, including campaign design, stakeholder engagement, policy analysis, and communication strategies. Through a curriculum that combines online coursework with interactive workshops and real-world advocacy challenges, participants will understand how to navigate the political and social landscapes to effect change and advance their organizational missions.

Upon completion of the program, graduates will emerge as skilled advocates capable of crafting compelling messages, mobilizing support, and influencing policy at local, state, and national levels. They will have developed a comprehensive toolkit for effective advocacy, including legislative lobbying, coalition building, and digital campaigning. The program also fosters a network of peers and experts in the field, providing a platform for collaboration and continued professional growth. This microcredential is not just an educational achievement but a catalyst for transformative action, equipping nonprofit professionals to confidently lead advocacy efforts and make a lasting impact on the issues they care about.

Admission Requirements

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines vary by program; please review the application deadline chart for specific programs. Other important dates and deadlines can be found using the One Stop calendars.

Admission

This program is offered to UWM graduate students who are already enrolled in another degree or certificate with a minimum 3.0 GPA, as well as non-degree or special students who are enrolling in credit-bearing microcredentials. Non-Degree Students enrolled in this program are generally not eligible for financial aid.

Credits and Courses

Required Courses

Note: Microcredentials do not automatically stack to a degree. ‘Stacking’ refers to using microcredentials as credit towards a full graduate degree. A maximum of 12 credits earned as a non-degree student can be transferred to a graduate degree program. Students wishing to stack microcredentials to a graduate degree will need to apply to the degree at or under 12 credits to have coursework count toward their degree.

Additional Requirements

Transfer Credit

This program does not allow transfer credit.

To register for a Microcredential

• Students must be admitted to or have an application on file with the UWM Graduate School.
• Students must submit a Microcredential Declaration Form for each microcredential they intend to pursue.
• It is the student’s responsibility to ensure their enrollment in the correct required courses for their declared microcredential program(s). The department advisor is available to answer any questions.
• A grade of C- or above is required to receive credit in each course.
• Students must maintain a cumulative graduate grade point average above 3.0 to be awarded their declared microcredential.
• The student is responsible for submitting a Microcredential Completion Form and notifying the department once all three required courses have been completed.