The Center for Nonprofit Organization Administration
An Overview of the Field
As of 2001, more than 10,000 nonprofit organizations were incorporated in the State of Colorado. These organizations range in size and complexity from the small, rural agency serving a limited population to those employing hundreds of people and addressing major needs on a local, regional and national scale. Nonprofit organizations work within the 'third sector', the voluntary sector that provides services that private or corporate interests and government cannot, or will not, fund. Nonprofit organizations address a wide spectrum of human service needs, including children, the elderly, the disabled, the homeless, the addicted and the mentally ill. Agencies are organized to research the causes and cures for every major disease known today; others work with those people suffering from these illnesses. Nonprofits are also responsible for the promotion and support of the arts, animal welfare, the environment, education, youth development, and civic improvements embodied by neighborhood community initiatives.
The nonprofit sector provides numerous employment and career service opportunities for students interested in this field of study. Many jobs exist in direct service - working directly with people and in the meeting the needs of certain populations. A wide variety of administrative positions are also available in the management arenas of fundraising, financial management, volunteer services, human resources, and may lead to an executive director position. While compensation in the nonprofit sector often does not parallel that of the corporate sector, continuous improvements are being made in salary and benefit structures, and nonprofits are often able to offer more family-friendly benefits in flexible working schedules, sick-leave or vacations. Since the 9/11 tragedy, more students have expressed interest in working in this sector, to make a differences in the lives of people and their communities.
At Metro State, the Center for Nonprofit Organization Administration (NOA) within the Department of Human Services provides a comprehensive program in the academic learning and specific skills set training to work in this field. While entry-level courses provide an introduction to the nonprofit sector to all human services students, upper division courses concentrate on building skills and experience in students desiring management and administrative jobs. The NOA program faculty members are experienced management executives from Denver-area nonprofits with significant community involvement.
Area of Concentration in Nonprofit Organization Administration
In addition to the Human Services core curriculum, the NOA concentration provides current and future nonprofit professionals will the academic background and management skills to become effective administrators in a wide variety of settings.
Required Courses: (15 credit hours total)
HSP 2010 Principles of Nonprofit Organization Administration 3
HSP 3610 Financial Accountability and Organizational Controls/NPOs 3
HSP 4680 Supervisory Techniques 3
HSP 4710 Critical Issues for Nonprofits 3
Students choose one of the following courses in fundraising as a required course:
HSP 3810 Fundraising Strategies for Nonprofit Organizations 3
HSP 4030 Grant Proposal Research and Writing 3
Electives: (9 credit hours total)
HSP 3210 Organizational Stability for Nonprofits 3
HSP 3510 Development and Administration of Volunteer Programs 3
HSP 4310 Human Resource Development in Nonprofit Organizations 3
Either HSP 3810 or 4030 may be chosen if not previously taken.
Total hours for the Human Services major with NOA concentration: 71
General Studies 33
Electives 16
Total for the Degree 120
Internship and Practicum in the NOA concentration
The bachelor's degree in Human Services with this concentration requires students to serve one practicum of 300 hours and one internship of 450 hours. Ideally, NOA concentration students should plan these placements in two different nonprofit organizations. These experiences provide an in-depth look at nonprofit systems, program development and evaluation, fundraising and issues faced by nonprofit organizations in changing economic and political climates. While securing a placement remains the responsibility of the student, the Center Director, BOA faculty and advisory board work with each student individually to ensure the best placement for professional opportunities and career success.
The Certificate in Nonprofit Organization Administration
The 24-semester-hour Nonprofit Organization Administration certificate program is for working professionals and non-degree seeking students who may or may not have a baccalaureate or master's degree or any other training in the administration and management of nonprofit and public organizations. Non-degree students may register for each course sequentially, or select only those classes that meet their professional goals (non-certificate). Courses for the certificate program are identical to those offered in the concentration area, above.
Admission to the Certificate in Nonprofit Organization Administration Program
In order to qualify for the Nonprofit Organization Administration Certificate, an applicant must be accepted as an MSCD student. Each student must also complete a minimum of 150 hours volunteer experience in a nonprofit agency while enrolled in the certificate program; this volunteer experience must apply the skills learned in the classroom. If the student can demonstrate that s/he has at least 500 hours work experience in a nonprofit organization or in a management position, this requirement may be waived.
Additional information on the NOA concentration area, certificate program or course descriptions is available by contacting the Center Director, Kelly Felice, at 303-556-3268, or by email at felice@mscd.edu.