The minor in nonprofit studies is a program designed to prepare students for careers in management in the nonprofit sector, especially with agencies working with youth and social services. The nonprofit sector is growing by leaps and bounds, and the need for highly prepared professionals to lead nonprofits is also soaring. As government funding and programs are cut, there has been increased community dependence on nonprofits, more nonprofit involvement with vulnerable populations, and limited time and resources available to recruit qualified, new employees.
The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars
In partnership with The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars, an educational nonprofit organization, the Department of Political Science and Public Affairs offers undergraduate students an opportunity to complete an internship and coursework in Washington, D.C. for academic credit. Students select their internship placement from thousands of organizations in government, business and the non-profit sector. As part of their experience, students attend weekly seminars conducted by highly qualified faculty, providing them with the opportunity to further their understanding of the relationship between theory and practice. Interns also participate in The Leadership Forum, a public policy speaker series with distinguished leaders including cabinet members, members of Congress, journalists, and others.
The minor in nonprofit studies consists of 18hours of directed study, including: one core course, POLS 2120 The Nonprofit Sector, one course in nonprofit financial and fundraising management, POLS 2121 Financial and Fundraising Management, one course in organizational theory, one course in community and social issues, one course in management and one course in leadership from the following list. Students also will be required to complete an internship with a nonprofit organization. Student may apply a maximum of 6 credits from their major to the nonprofit studies minor (exclusive of internship experience).
Course List
Code |
Title |
Hours |
| |
POLS 2120 | The Nonprofit Sector | 3 |
POLS 2121 | Financial and Fundraising Management | 3 |
| 3 |
| Management Information Systems | |
| Principles of Management | |
| Social Entrepreneurship | |
| Principles of Marketing | |
| PRI-Intro to Public Relations | |
| Art and Science of International Negotiation | |
| Cross Cultural Negotiation and Conflict Management | |
POLS 2115 | | |
| Industrial/Organizational Psychology | |
| Formal Organizations | |
| Business Ethics | |
| Humanistic Management | |
| 6 |
AFAM 3311 | | |
| Introduction to Social Work | |
| Introduction to Gerontology | |
| Disability Studies in Social Work | |
| Gender & Sexualities in Social Work | |
| Child Welfare Policy-Practice | |
| Family Violence | |
| Black Politics | |
| Child Psychology | |
| Adolescent Psychology | |
| Social Psychology | |
| Social Inequalities | |
| Women, Culture and Society | |
Total Hours | 18 |