Philanthropy and Nonprofit Management: Interdisciplinary Programs

Offered by: Social Sciences

Slippery Rock University’s Philanthropy and Nonprofit Management (PNPM) program offers a unique opportunity for students to earn a degree that directly makes a positive impact on their communities. Graduates are able to advocate for social change and apply what they’ve learned at SRU to have a real-world impact.

This is currently the only Philanthropy and Nonprofit Management bachelor’s degree program in Pennsylvania and one of fewer than 25 nationally. In addition to earning a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Programs-Philanthropy and Nonprofit Management, students are eligible for the nation's only nonprofit management credential, Certified Nonprofit Professional, which is awarded by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance.

Why Major in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Management?

The skills learned in this program are fundamental for success in the nonprofit sector. These include advocacy, budgeting, community development, recruitment, leadership, marketing, public relations, and diversity and cultural competency. As the program is flexible, you can also easily secure PNPM as a second major or earn a minor within your four years at SRU.

SRU also features student organizations to further your personal and professional development. These include the Student Nonprofit Alliance, our professional association for students working toward careers in the nonprofit sector, and Sigma Nu Alpha, a nonprofit honorary society.

What Will You Learn?

Through a strong curriculum, you’ll graduate with the ability to develop programs, generate funds through events and grants, create marketing and public relations materials, and much more. Management skills such as hiring staff and recruiting volunteers allow you to gain an advantage when applying for managerial positions.

In addition to traditional classwork, there are also internships, networking opportunities, and hands-on projects with regional nonprofits that help you gain crucial knowledge into how philanthropy works.

Careers In Philanthropy and Nonprofit Management

If making a difference is important to you, then a job in the nonprofit sector is a perfect fit. Managers at nonprofit organizations make important decisions that help both the organization and the community thrive. There are jobs in almost any area of interest you have. Nonprofits exist for animals, the arts and humanities, children and youth, the environment, faith, health and wellness, international development, recreation and leisure, senior citizens, social justice and social services, and veterans. These nonprofits include:

Animal protection agencies like Humane Society, ASPCA, and the Pittsburgh Zoo
Arts and Humanities organizations like the Children's Museum, Pittsburgh Ballet, and the Carnegie Museums
Crime prevention and re-entry programs for former offenders
Disability services like Special Olympics and Autism Speaks
Environmental organizations like Water for People
Faith-based organizations like Cru, United Methodist Committee on Relief, American Jewish World Service, churches, and youth groups
Fitness centers like the YMCA
Food banks and housing programs like the Greater Pittsburgh Area Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity
Health clinics and hospitals
Health-related organizations like Red Cross, American Heart Association, and Stand Up for Cancer
Human rights organizations like Invisible Children and End Human Trafficking Now
International nonprofits like Africare, UNICEF, Operation Smile, and Save the Children
Professional associations like the American Bar Association
Recreation services like Outward Bound, Venture Outdoors, and American Camping Association
Senior citizen centers, nursing homes, and organizations like AARP and the Alzheimer Association
Social service agencies that provide shelter, food, clothing, and other help to people in need
Veterans service agencies like Wounded Warriors
Victim rights organizations like women's shelters
Youth serving organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and YMCA

When you graduate with an SRU degree in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Management, you have the knowledge and experience to:

join the fastest growing employment sector in the world (44,000+ new jobs each year)
launch your career in one of the nation's 1.6 million nonprofit organizations
manage agencies and projects, provide direct services to those in need, advocate for social justice and raise funds to change the world
be part of an elite group of passionate, highly qualified college graduates who bring both advanced knowledge and experience to the nonprofit sector

Earn your Philanthropy and Nonprofit Management Degree at SRU!

Slippery Rock University’s Philanthropy and Nonprofit Management program provides students with the tools they need to succeed in the evolving nonprofit world. Interested in learning more about this major? Request more information today!