Overview of the American Humanics Program at Georgia State University

The Department of Public Management and Policy in the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies is affiliated with American Humanics (AH), a national alliance of colleges, universities and nonprofit organizations dedicated to preparing undergraduates and graduates for careers in nonprofit leadership. To read more about the American Humanics program visit their website at: http://www.humanics.org/.  Benefits for obtaining the AH certification include:

• Certification in entry-level nonprofit employment competencies
• Coursework grounded in the foundations and practices of nonprofit management
• Tested practices and principles through experiential learning
• One-to-one support, career development and mentoring
• Networking with prospective employers at local, regional, and national levels
• Opportunity to test skills and varous roles through internships, co-curricular and community service activities
• Potential for references and referrals from agency executive directors, advisory board members and community leaders
• Exposure to national nonprofit network of partners and career options
• Increased sense of connection an belonging to the community
• Opportunity for lasting friendships
• Scholarships
• Preparation for Graduate School or the Peace Corps

Program Requirements & Core Competencies

Students can earn the certificate by one of the following ways:

1. By completing the Bachelor of Science in Public Policy with a concentration in Nonprofit Leadership 
2. By completing the MPA with a concentration in Nonprofit Management
3. By completing the Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management
4. By completing a minor in Public Policy, with select coursework in nonprofit leadership
5. In conjunction with any undergraduate major by completing four (4) nonprofit leadership/management courses in the Department of Public Management and Policy

In addition to completing the course/degree requirements, students must also demonstrate competency in the AH "Core Competencies", which are not only achieved through completion of coursework and your internship, but also through meaningful engagement in leadership and community service activities.

Undergraduate Program Requirements

Graduate Program Requirements

This certificate is conferred by the Department of Public Management and Policy and will not appear on official transcripts or diplomas from the university.

How To Join

1. Go to the national American Humanics website at:  http://www.humanics.org/
2. In left margin/menu, click on "Join American Humanics", and click on "students"
3. Search for Georgia State University using the campus directory of programs
4. Click "register at this Campus" and fill out the registration form, ensuring you fill out each requested piece of information.

Once you have submitted your registration via the national AH website, an email will be sent to Dr. Maggie Tolan, GSU's AH Campus Director, notifying her of your registration.  Dr. Tolan will then contact you regarding your application and arrange an appointment to meet with her to map out your AH certification requirements and to orientate you to the program.

American Humanics Student Organization at GSU

Students pursuing the American Humanics Certificate are also strongly encouraged to join the American Humanics student organization sponsored by the Andrew Young School.  The Student Association activities help students develop and strengthen their knowledge, skills, leadership abilities, and understanding of the nonprofit sector.  This organization will also undertake fundraising campaigns to sponsor student attendance at the annual American Humanics Management/Leadership Institute.

Contact

For more information about the American Humanics certificate, please contact Dr. Maggie Tolan at mtolan@gsu.edu or call (404) 413-0103.