The Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies Program equips students with the knowledge, soft skills and best practices to lead and manage philanthropic endeavors as well as become more strategic and intentional donors and volunteers. The courses cover the basic elements of leadership and management in philanthropic agencies and address broader management and policy issues in the nonprofit sector. Topics include leadership and management practices for nonprofits; best practices in grantmaking and grantwriting; developing a personal philanthropic strategy.
Outside of the classroom, students will be able to apply that knowledge through professional internships and structured service learning opportunities. Today’s search for social impact blurs sectorial boundaries between for-profit, nonprofit, and public sectors. A wide range of organizational and individual efforts seek to improve the quality of life of communities, escaping the traditional juxtaposition between corporations seeking financial returns and philanthropic agencies seeking social impact.
Programs of Study
Additional Information
The Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies Program offers a pathway for students to earn the Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential through partnership with the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. The CNP credential is the only nationally recognized credential in nonprofit management that provides learning and real-world experience. Completing the program means you will perform better in your job and be seven times (7x) more likely to be a leader where you work.
Students in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies are required to complete a supervised professional internship experience with a philanthropic or nonprofit organization for a minimum of 400 hours. Prerequisites: CADS 5790or CADS 4040.
Students in the PNPS Program can complete internships and pursue careers in nonprofit organizations,
philanthropic foundations, the philanthropy and/or CSR (corporate social responsibility) arm
(division/department) of corporations and financial institutions, and for-profit organizations serving the
nonprofit/philanthropy sector (e.g., consulting firms, management support organizations, etc.)
A good website to look for internships as well as jobs is idealist.org.
- Senior management: executive director, associate director, chief operating officer
- Programs and service delivery: program coordinator, program associate, project manager, director of special initiatives.
- Administration, human resources, and finance: accountant, administrative assistant, office manager, human resources manager, information technology manager.
- Development and fundraising: grant writer, director of major gifts, donor relations manager, coordinator of planned giving.
- Communications: graphic designer, publicist, community outreach specialist, marketing associate, public relations manager, social media coordinator.
Program Faculty
