Minor in Nonprofits, Philanthropy, and Volunteerism

This four-course minor focuses on the nonprofit sector – its organizations, philanthropy and voluntary action. The three-course core provides: (1) an overview of the nonprofit sector and philanthropy, including historical and theoretical foundations; (2) the study of voluntary action and service as a means for social change; and (3) insight into the management of nonprofit organizations.

Students select an elective that extends their understanding to the role of nongovernmental organizations in international affairs or to the role of public relations for nonprofits.

This minor is intended for students who plan to (1) work in a nonprofit or charitable organization, whether it is a large organization such as United Way, a small social service agency, an environmental advocacy group, a museum or a religious organization; (2) participate with nonprofits as a volunteer; or (3) pursue graduate work in a service-related profession.

***To ensure completion of minor on time, make sure to complete the required courses before taking the elective courses, and take note of which semester the PPD courses are offered because not all PPD courses are offered every semester***

Required Courses

Students are required to take the following courses:

PPD 371 The Nonprofit Sector and the Public Interest  Gateway course: 4 units (Fall, Spring)
Theories of the voluntary nonprofit sector in society and its relationship to government and business; public policies related to the sector.

PPD 402 Management of Public and Nonprofit Organizations: 4 units (Spring)
Contemporary management theory. Understanding the nature of complex organizations, organizational and intergovernmental arrangements, the roles and responsibilities of managers, organizational effectiveness, and organizational structure and dynamics.

PPD 478 Social Innovation: 4 units (Spring)
Strategies and processes of social innovation and change; examination of social change in the market, government, and within the nonprofit sector; dynamics; civic action and activism

Electives

Students are required to select one course from the following:

• PPD 318 — Financial Accounting in Public and Nonprofit Organizations, 4 units (Fall)
• PPD 372 — Public Service in an Urban Setting, 4 units (sporadic)
• PPD 353 — Philanthropy and Social Change, 4 units (sporadic for Fall and Spring)
• PPD 382 — International Development (Spring)
• BUCO 485 — Business Communication Management for Nonprofits, 4 units
• PR 455 — Public Relations for Non-Profit Organizations, 4 units
• IR 371 — Global Civil Society: Non-Governmental Organizations in World Politics, 4 units

For detailed course information, please see the Course Catalogue. For a course schedule, please see the Schedule of Classes.

To declare this minor program, please click here.

Please contact our office with questions:
Office of Admissions – [email protected]