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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 lead advocacy efforts with confidence and make a lasting impact on the issues they care about.

Program Type

Graduate Microcredential

Program Format

On Campus

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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 by using the One Stop calendars.

Admission

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

Credits and Courses

Required Courses
NONPROF 793Law of Nonprofit Organizations3
NONPROF 791Nonprofit Advocacy and Public Policy3
BUSMGMT 718Concepts and Practice of Nonprofit Management3
Total Credits9

Note: Microcredentials do not automatically stack to a degree. A maximum of 12 credits earned as a nondegree 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. 

Application to all graduate programs are completed through the UWM Graduate School. Please see their website for detailed information about the application process and contact them with questions.

We also have provided information about applying to one of the Public & Nonprofit Administration graduate programs and our admissions criteria:

How to apply for the microcredential in Public & Nonprofit Administration

Additional Requirements

Transfer Credit

This program does not allow transfer credit.

Contact

Prospective Graduate Students

Questions regarding the application or the application process should be directed to the UWM Graduate School at gradschool@uwm.edu or 414-229-6569.

Current Graduate Students

Questions about research opportunities, department funding opportunities, or issues specific to the discipline should be directed to Prof. Douglas Ihrke.