Elizabethtown College’s School for Graduate and Professional Studies (SGPS) is addressing the region’s workforce needs in high-demand industries by launching online graduate certificates in Non-Profit Leadership, as well as Operations and Supply Chain Management. Courses will begin Jan. 15.

“Elizabethtown College is thrilled to offer these exciting new programs which are mission-centric in expanding life-long learning opportunities in the graduate learning space that meets the industry, community, and student demands,” Marcy McCarty, Associate Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies at Elizabethtown College said.

Non-Profit Leadership Program

With more than 2,000 non-profit organizations across five local counties (Lancaster, York, Dauphin, Adams, and Cumberland), Etown’s Graduate Certificate in Non-Profit Leadership program is designed to meet the needs of this high-demand sector by equipping and supporting current and aspiring non-profit leaders, who are committed to making a positive impact in their communities, with the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in the field.

The four-course, 12-credit graduate certificate provides learners with expertise in financial stewardship, fundraising, ethical governance, board management, storytelling, legislative advocacy, and more. Developed in partnership with the High Center at Elizabethtown College’s Nonprofit Center, which launched in the spring of 2023, program participants will have the option to participate in non-profit peer group meetings and other activities at the Nonprofit Center.

“This graduate certificate emphasizes competencies in strategic revenue generation utilizing fundraising and grant writing skills, advocacy, story-telling, and the opportunity to collaborate with local non-profit executives during peer mentoring workshops,” McCarty said. “These competencies are vital in securing the vitality of the 3,000-plus local non-profit organizations that exist today, along with supporting the entrepreneurial ideas that lead to new, impactful ventures in the community.”

Operations & Supply Chain Management Program

Meeting the demands of local industries such as manufacturing, distribution, agriculture, tourism, and hospitality, Etown’s four-course, 12-credit online Operations & Supply Chain Management Graduate Certificate is designed for ambitious working professionals looking to optimize their operation and supply chain skill sets in today’s ever-changing world.

Learners will be introduced to a comprehensive array of cutting-edge concepts, including data analytics, robotics, environment, sustainability, government (ES&G), enterprise resource planning (ERP), and Six Sigma to meet the increased importance of data-driven decision-making. 

The program fulfills a growing need within the region for highly skilled working professionals in manufacturing and distribution, both leading industries within Lancaster County and surrounding regions such as York and Philadelphia.

“Through research and connections that equip learners with knowledge of current industry needs, our graduates will be prepared to confidently lead and execute in a fast-growing, evolving industry,” McCarty said.

The credits from both the Non-Profit Leadership and Operations & Supply Chain Management graduate certificates can be applied toward Etown’s 36-credit Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Science in Strategic Leadership.

Discover more about these certificate programs at Elizabethtown College School for Graduate and Professional Studies.