Nonprofit Studies Programs
The Alan Shawn Feinstein Institute for Philanthropic Leadership, Certificate of Undergraduate Studies (C.U.S.) in nonprofit studies, is a 16-credit course of study that provides students with knowledge and skills appropriate for challenging professional positions in the growing nonprofit sector in Rhode Island and beyond. Students interested in establishing careers in a wide variety of fields – ranging from philanthropy, education and human services to community development, environmental conservation and the visual or performing arts – will benefit from exposure to the world of nonprofit organizations.
Program participants learn how nonprofit organizations are established and administered; how they serve different segments of society; how they are funded and the role of philanthropy; how their programs are planned, budgeted and evaluated; how reliable client data are collected and analyzed; and how human resources, legal and ethical problems are resolved. Courses are taught by Rhode Island College faculty and professional experts drawn from community-based organizations, with an emphasis on real-world experiences and case studies.
Program elements include a two-semester, core course on American nonprofit organizations and philanthropy (6 credits); a field experience/internship in philanthropy or nonprofit studies (4 credits); a summer institute on professional skills relevant to the nonprofit sector (3 credits); and an elective (3 credits) in an aspect of nonprofit organizations or philanthropy with greatest relevance to each participant's current or likely career trajectory. Successful completion of the 16-credit program leads to the conferring of the Rhode Island College C.U.S. in nonprofit studies.
This program may be undertaken concurrently with any degree program or as a free-standing professional development experience. Earned credits may be transferable to several of the college's degree programs at the discretion of those programs' directors.
Students may apply to the certificate program through the Center for Public Policy and the Alan Shawn Feinstein Institute for Philanthropic Leadership, which jointly administer the program.
The Certificate of Graduate Studies (C.G.S.) in nonprofit leadership is a 15-credit graduate course of study that is designed to strengthen leadership and analytical skills for current and future leaders of nonprofit organizations. The program design affords new and existing nonprofit professionals key competency skills in nonprofit management areas including, but not limited to, fundraising, strategic planning, personnel, finance and governance. This program was developed in response to an increasing demand for training and education in leading and managing nonprofit organizations. C.G.S. courses explore theories in order to understand connections between leadership and change, to understand the dynamics of interpersonal relationships in organizations, communication, fund development, marketing and finance. This program prepares the next generation of leaders to address organizational complexity and strengthen the future nonprofit network.
Program elements include the following courses: Advanced Institute in Nonprofit Studies (3 credits), Financial Management (3 credits); Advanced Leadership and Change (3 credits); Advanced Human Resources and Program Development (3 credits); and Communications and Resource Development (3 credits). Successful completion of the 15-credit program leads to the conferring of the Rhode Island College C.G.S. in nonprofit leadership.
This program may be undertaken concurrently with any degree program or as a free-standing professional development experience. Earned credits may be transferable to several of the college's degree programs at the discretion of those programs' directors.
Applicants should apply through the Office of Graduate Studies. For questions or inquiries, please contact Eileen Ryan 401-456-8864.
Admission Requirements
1. A completed application.
2. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a minimum grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
3. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and any graduate records.
4. Three letters of reference
5. A current résumé.
