Many people who work in community organizations are "accidental managers"; they started organizing or providing a direct service because of their deep commitment to an issue or need, but several years later face the challenge of administering growing, complex organizations. The Certificate in Management of Community Organizations (MCO), offered by the Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning, provides management training within the framework of the social, economic, and political values that shape the nonprofit sector.

The certificate is open to students with a bachelor's degree and is especially appropriate for:

New managers of community organizations
Those with experience in the field who want to obtain management training
Mid-career individuals interested in pursuing community work
People who want to start a new agency or program
Individuals seeking to explore graduate education in nonprofit management

Program Outcomes

The Certificate in Management of program trains people with a commitment to social purpose and effective management who wish to work at the community level. Participants share a commitment to working to improve the housing, employment, health, and the overall quality of life for low-income groups and communities.

Students who complete this certificate program may decide to continue on and apply to one of the Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning's master's programs. If accepted into a master's program, the credits earned toward the completion of the certificate can often be counted toward the master's program.

Application Requirements

Application Fee
Resume/CV
Personal Statement
Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test, if applicable
Transcripts
One Letter of Recommendation

Tuition & Fees

GSAS bills tuition using a per-credit billing model, meaning you are billed for the number of credits you take each semester. This billing model is used to provide students better flexibility so they may "pay-as-they-go".

Tuition*	$1,049 per credit
Total Credits Required	12
Enrollment Status	Part-Time: 3-6 credits per semester (typically 1-2 courses)

Estimating Tuition Costs for this Program

The example pathway below outlines estimated tuition costs per semester using a typical course load. This is one possible pathway to completion; actual credits, costs, enrollment status, and degree completion time may vary based on a student’s course load:

Part-Time Pathway	Fall	Spring	Total
Year 1	6 credits	6 credits	12 credits
Year 1	$6,294	$6,294	$12,588
Estimated Total Tuition*			$12,588*

*Estimated based on 2026-2027 tuition rates. Rates are subject to change each academic year. For further information about the full cost of attendance, including health insurance, fees and estimated indirect costs (housing, transportation, etc.), visit Student Financial Services.

Funding Opportunities

While Tufts University does not offer institutional scholarships for certificate programs, we are committed to supporting students as they explore financing options. This program is eligible for federal loans. Additionally, the following opportunities are available:

City Year Corps members, alumni, and staff are eligible to receive a minimum scholarship award of 25% off tuition.
There are various work opportunities available for students across Tufts.
Students interested in exploring possible research pathways or other opportunities may discuss options directly with the Program Director.

Visit our Graduate Financial Aid page for information on loans and financing options.