Nonprofit Leadership

Undergraduate Programs

Description

Nonprofit Leadership Program (NPL) is designed to respond to employment needs and opportunities within one of the fastest growing sectors of the United States economy. For those interested in the nonprofit sector and civil society, NPL provides a multidisciplinary program for undergraduate students and nonprofit practitioners. NPL is an applied program for those interested in gaining knowledge and skills for success and advancement in nonprofit leadership and management.

The Nonprofit Leadership minor and Nonprofit Leadership certificate are a cooperative educational program between the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the College of Allied Health and Nursing. Five departments collaborate and share courses: Gender and Women’s Studies; Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services; Sociology; Social Work; and the Urban and Regional Studies Institute. The NPL program is open to all undergraduate students. 

The program is designed to address the following entry-level nonprofit competencies:

  • Communication skills
  • Computer/technology literacy skills
  • Historical and philosophical foundations in nonprofit leadership
  • Nonprofit marketing
  • Public policy
  • Fundraising principles and practices
  • Human resource development and nonprofit management
  • Program planning
  • Financial management 

Certificates

Program Locations Major / Total Credits
Non Profit Leadership CERT
  • Online
18 / 18

Minors

Program Locations Total Credits
Non Profit Leadership Minor
  • Mankato
21

Policies & Faculty

Policies

Students in the certificate and/or minor in Nonprofit Leadership are required to complete a three (3) credit internship in a nonprofit organization and fulfill NPL-related internship learning outcomes.The internship may be completed through any of the sponsoring departments in accordance with NPL-related learning outcomes. Students must have successful completed NPL 273 before completing the internship requirements. 

Contact Information

113 Armstrong Hall
Department of Sociology

Office (507) 389-5215
https://sbs.mnsu.edu/npl

Faculty

Chair
  • Kristi Rendahl, D.P.A.
Director
  • Kristi Rendahl, D.P.A.
Faculty

200 Level

Credits: 3

Designed as an introduction to the nonprofit sector, this course provides the foundation for students working toward a certificate in Nonprofit Leadership. This workshop addresses the historical and philosophical foundations in nonprofit leadership as well as exploring key leadership issues.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-09

400 Level

Credits: 3

Theoretical and practical aspects of administering arts organizations. Examines the management, budgeting, marketing, and administration or cultural organizations in the postmodern era.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

Designed as the sequel to NPL 273, this course addresses managing operations, developing and managing financial services, and managing people. This course will include a service-learning component. Prerequisite: NPL 273, or by special permission.

Prerequisites: NPL 273

Credits: 3

Designed as an overview to fundraising and development for nonprofit organizations, this course addresses the development of a fundraising plan and attracting donors. There will be an emphasis on organizational outreach using both traditional and new media.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

Designed as an overview of financial management for nonprofit organizations, this course addresses the integration of mission-driven planning and financial management with an emphasis on tax exemption, accounting systems, financial statements, budgets, and regulatory reporting.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

The internship in nonprofit leadership is designed to provide an opportunity to apply coursework, to develop key skills in the nonprofit sector, to experience professional socialization, and to inform potential career trajectories. The internship must be completed within a nonprofit organization.

Prerequisites: none