Degree Spotlight: Nonprofit Management
Earn the critical skills necessary for nonprofit success
It takes a special person to dedicate themselves to the mission of an organization in service to the community. Whether it be a large nonprofit organization with national or international penetration or a local not for profit, providing effective outreach services requires a specialized skill set and a focus on outcomes.
Bellevue University's new Bachelor of Science in Nonprofit Management is targeted to those interested in a management career within a nonprofit environment and those at the managerial level who wish to further build their competency in nonprofit revenue generation strategies, strategic planning and financial management.
Developed by subject matter experts
The program is quite intentional in design and has been developed as a cohesive program by subject matter experts who have and are practicing in both small and large nonprofit organizations. Professor Angie Longe, Director for the Nonprofit Management Program indicates that, "in our current economy, organizations simply have to do more with less. From a human resource perspective, this means that organizations and in particular, non-profit organizations need to have a workforce that can help them effectively serve their clientele as well as grow their businesses and meet strategic goals."
The Bachelor in Nonprofit Management is situated in Bellevue University's College of Business. This positioning speaks volumes in the recognition that a nonprofit organization is a business which must sustainably generate value for the community it serves.
"While an Executive Director of a Nonprofit may find an advance degree appropriate for them, they are in search of those who understand and can contribute to mission drivers and operational efficiencies in very tangible ways. The Bachelor of Science in Nonprofit Management can serve as an important building block in a career emphasizing service to community," says Dr. Pamela Imperato, Interim Dean of the College of Business.
Core courses
The first four core courses of the major are foundational and emphasize business and management competency applicable for nonprofit professionals who must understand and interface regularly with the for-profit environment and stakeholders. The final four courses of the major concentrate on nonprofit management and include Management and Governance of the Nonprofit Organization (NPMT 410), Financial Management of the Nonprofit Organization (NPMT 420), Generating Revenue for the Nonprofit Organization (NPMT 430) and Strategic Planning and Evaluation for the Sustainable Nonprofit Organization (NPMT 440).
The first course, Management and Governance of the Nonprofit Organization (NPMT 410), establishes the framework for the operational and managerial elements of a nonprofit including governance structures and relevant law. Financial Management of the Nonprofit Organization (NPMT 420) provides students with the resources to understand the structure and relevance of financial information in the day-to-day management of a nonprofit.
Imperato is particularly excited about the third course, NPMT 430 Generating Revenue for the Nonprofit Organization. The course will cover grant writing, but also dive into other areas of revenue generation. "Grant writing is fine, but that's not always the tool you want to select," Imperato explained. We're looking a host of other revenue generating tools and criteria for their selection and fit to mission and overall organizational sustainability."
The final course, Strategic Planning and Evaluation for the Sustainable Nonprofit Organization (NPMT 440) provide relevant practice in the actual develop, evaluate, and implement a strategic plan. "If you're a staff member or a manager, you want to have input into that process," Imperato said. "It's really boots to the ground aspect of the planning process that connects mission to day-to-day operations."
Questions about the Bachelor of Science in Nonprofit Management? Contact us at 1-800-756-7920 or OneStop@bellevue.edu.
