Social Work Minor: Nonprofit Studies
Working in the nonprofit sector opens doors in multiple arenas:
- Arts & Humanities
- Community development
- Environment
- Education
- Health
- Social welfare
The Nonprofit Studies minor is designed for students from a variety of majors interested in working in the nonprofit sector. The Nonprofit Studies minor provides students with grounding in the skills and perspectives necessary to work in one of the 1.6 million nonprofit organizations in the US today. You will participate in an experience that emphasizes the critical role of the nonprofit sector in 21st Century Society through in-depth study, research and an internship.
Distinguishing Features
Faculty are drawn from academics and practitioners who are well grounded in current nonprofit practice and issues
- Faculty use a variety of innovative and experiential approaches to enhance learning
- Guest speakers, field trips and community service opportunities familiarize you with a wide variety of nonprofit settings
- Supervised Internship under an experienced nonprofit professional in your major discipline
- Capstone seminar providing an understanding of the catalytic role nonprofits can play in civil society through collaborative efforts
- Exposure to national and regional professional organizations
- Housed in the Department of Social Work
Course of Study
In conjunction with your major advisor and the Nonprofit Studies advisor you will select a Major Elective and a supporting elective.
The core courses of the Nonprofit Studies (NPS) minor are:
- NPS 300 Introduction to Nonprofits 3 credits
- NPS 320 Nonprofit Management 3 credits
- NPS 400 Internship/Practicum in Nonprofit Studies 4 credits
- NPS 450 Nonprofit Studies Capstone Seminar 3 credits
- Major Elective (a course supporting the student’s major 3 credits or related field of study to be determined in consultation with Nonprofit Studies adviser)
- Elective (to be determined in consultation with Nonprofit 3 credits Studies adviser)
TOTAL 19 credits
Nonprofit Studies Documents
You will need a JMU EID and password to access the following documents.
Nonproft Studies Course Descriptions
NPS 300. Introduction to Nonprofits. 3 credits. Offered fall and/or spring. An introduction to the development of the nonprofit sector in the American context exploring history, theories, legal issues, governance and ethical considerations. Global nonprofits are also explored. Provides a foundation for subsequent work in the nonprofit studies minor. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing with a declared major.
NPS 320. Nonprofit Management. 3 credits. Offered fall and/or spring. A study of organizational and management functions in the nonprofit sector. Examination of the unique role of volunteers, boards and public relations in the nonprofit environment. Prerequisites: NPS 300 and junior status.
NPS/FAM/GERN/SOWK 375. Grant Writing for Agencies. 3 credits. Offered on a rotating basis. Emphasizing active learning, this course teaches the basics of grant and proposal writing. Efficient research, persuasive prose and the importace of relationships are stressed. Private and corporate philanthropy are examined with guest speakers providing current insights. Students research, write and complete a funding proposal.
NPS 400. Internship/Practicum in Nonprofit Studies. 4 credits. (225 hours in agency), 6 credits (400 hours in agency). Offered fall, spring and summer. Supervised internship/practicum experience in a nonprofit organization setting that allows experimental learning and practice experiences. A research or applied paper, learning journal and presentation based on the experience are required. Prerequisites: NPS 300, NPS 320 and the discipline specific elective.
NPS 450. Nonprofit Studies Capstone Seminar. 3 credits. Offered spring. The capstone seminar is designed to integrate and apply knowledge from the student's major and the nonprofit studies minor. A substantial, individualized project will strengthen the student's capabilities in research and/or applied knowledge, information access, and self-directed learning. Prerequisites: NPS 300, NPS 320, NPS 400 and discipline elective. Related elective may be taken concurrently.
NPS 487. Special Topics in Nonprofit Studies. 3 credits. Offered when needed. Examination of selected topics in nonprofit studies that are of current importance in the nonprofit arena. Course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: NPS 300 or permission of the instructor.
NPS 490. Special Studies in Nonprofit Studies. 1-3 credits. This course is designed to provide capable nonprofit studies minors an opportunity to complete independent study under faculty supervision. Course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: NPS 300, NPS 320 and one additional course in the minor or permission of the instructor.
For additional information contact R. Ann Myers, Head, Department of Social Work @ 568.6980 or myersra@jmu.edu
