Program Overview

Introduction to the Certified Nonprofit Professional Program

The Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential is a nationally recognized credential that prepares students for careers in nonprofit management. This competency-based credential is offered through the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance and is available to undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students.

Program Requirements

The School of Politics, Society, Justice and Public Service offers a Public and Nonprofit Administration major and a Nonprofit Leadership and Service minor to prepare undergraduate students for leadership in the nonprofit sector. The required courses for students interested in pursuing a major or minor include:

• Major (B.A; B.S)
  • PAD 210 Introduction to Public Administration
  • PAD 211 Introduction to Nonprofit Leadership
  • PAD 313 Public Budgeting Processes
  • PAD 380QR Public Sector Research Methods (Students can take PSC 280QR or PAD 380QR)
  • PAD 411 Public Sector Human Resources
  • PSC 395 Internship in Government and Politics
  • Electives, select five PSC or PAD courses, at least two of which are PAD courses OR Undergraduate Certificate - International Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Administration Total: Major 33 semester hours
• Minor
  • PAD 211 Introduction to Nonprofit Leadership
  • PAD 355 Nonprofit Lobbying Strategies
  • PAD 399 CNP Internship for Nonprofit Sector (3 credit hours required)
  • PAD 412 Nonprofit Seminar (capstone experience)
  • PAD 521 Board Governance and Executive Leadership
  • PAD 523WI Fundamentals of Grant Writing and Management
  • PAD 375 and PAD 376 (must take 3 credits) Certified Nonprofit Professional Lab Total: Minor 21 semester hours

Internships

Internships are an integral part of the Public and Nonprofit Administration major. They offer unique opportunities to work closely with public and nonprofit organizations to gain the experience necessary to become effective leaders in the public sector. The educational goals of the internship include:

• Test theories, concepts and philosophies
• Test skills in management, supervision and leadership
• Engage in self-evaluation and assessment of the internship agency
• Establish positive interpersonal and professional relationships
• Observe and develop the values and ethics of nonprofit professionals
• Develop, plan and carry through with projects The learning objectives of the internship include gaining knowledge and skills in areas relevant to nonprofit management, such as:
• Communication, Marketing, and Public Relations
• Cultural Competency and Diversity
• Financial Resource Development and Management
• Foundations and Management of the Nonprofit Sector
• Governance, Leadership, and Advocacy
• Legal and Ethical Decision Making
• Personal and Professional Development
• Program Development
• Volunteer and Human Resource Management
• Future of the Nonprofit Sector

Certified Nonprofit Professional Exam

During the final semester, students will sit for the Certified Nonprofit Professional comprehensive exam. This exam focuses on the principle competencies of nonprofit leadership set by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance.

Four Core Components of Earning the Certified Nonprofit Professional Credential

The four core components of earning the CNP credential are:

1. Coursework: Students receive education and training in the core competencies that nonprofit managers want when they hire new employees.
2. Internship or Professional Experience: A minimum of 300 internship hours is required.
3. National Conference: Students have the opportunity to attend Elevate, a national nonprofit career development conference.
4. Leadership and Service Activities: Students participate in a wide variety of activities that support classroom learning and prepare them for future leadership roles.

Competencies

The CNP program covers eight competencies, including:

• Management and Leadership of the Nonprofit Sector
• Nonprofit Marketing and Communications
• Nonprofit Fundraising and Resource Development
• Cultural Competency and Diversity
• Nonprofit Budgeting and Finance
• Nonprofit Governance and Volunteer Management
• Designing Nonprofit Programs for Long-Term Sustainability
• Nonprofit Trends and Innovation

Employment Opportunities

The Nonprofit Leadership Alliance is a powerful network of professionals who are leading some of the country's most successful social-impact organizations. Employment opportunities after earning a CNP include:

• Administrative roles, such as Executive Director/CEO, Human Resources, and Public Relations and Communications
• Program roles, such as Community Outreach, Government Relations and Advocacy, and Volunteer Management
• Fundraising/development roles, such as Alumni Affairs, Annual Fund, and Grant-seeking