Overview of the Nonprofit Sector

Course Available
1 Unit
Online Fixed-Date

Course Description

Explore Nonprofit Management Fundamentals

Nonprofit organizations are responsible for some of the most valuable, community-enriching work that occurs in our country. And with missions devoted to anything from arts accessibility to wildlife rescue to helping underserved populations, there is a seemingly endless list of things to know when one decides to enter the nonprofit sector. 

Our Nonprofit Sector Overview course provides a foundation for understanding nonprofit organizations within the greater context of the nonprofit sector and society as a whole. Students will learn the characteristics of nonprofit organizations, their organizational structures and unique dimensions of the state of the sector. They will also explore leadership best practices and grow to understand the integral role nonprofits play in our communities

Course Details

Number of Units: 1.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours

Applies Towards the Following Certificate(s), Professional Programs and Series: Nonprofit Management Certificate

Required Materials: All required materials are available through the online learning platform.

Technical Requirements

Course Options

Course Date Units Price
MGT-X800 – 039 14 Jan 202510 Feb 2025 1 $299

Overview of the Nonprofit Sector

14 Jan 202510 Feb 2025
1
$299
Online Fixed-Date
Online
Leslie Hennessy

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the New Student Orientation and your online course.

MGT-X800 – 040 13 May 202509 Jun 2025 1 $299

Overview of the Nonprofit Sector

13 May 202509 Jun 2025
1
$299
Online Fixed-Date
Online
Leslie Hennessy

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the New Student Orientation and your online course.

What You Will Learn

  • Define predominant models and theories of nonprofit management
  • Evaluate nonprofit industry trends shaping activity in the sector
  • Understand key theories of board governance

Instructors

Professional development courses offered by the University of San Diego’s Division of Professional & Continuing Education are taught by faculty that possess a depth and breadth of academic and real-world professional experience.

Why USD?

The Professional and Continuing Education program nurtures key partnerships on the local, national, and international level. The goal is to better serve working professionals who seek to enhance or build their careers and help achieve their highest value and potential. Contact us today to learn more.

Informative Stats and Facts

600+

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50+

In-depth, innovative, and relevant topics

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Learning Method Information

Courses offer a convenient, yet rigorous style of learning that allows you to structure your education to suit your schedule while keeping you on pace toward achieving your educational.

Online Fixed-Date

Online Fixed-Date: Online fixed-date courses offer a convenient, yet rigorous style of learning that enables you to collaborate with your instructor and other students in a shared, online learning environment. These courses have fixed start and finish dates, but as an online student you will have 24/7 online access to your classroom assignments, syllabus and course resources. Our online fixed-date courses allow you to work on your assignments anytime, although you are required to complete the assignments by specific dates.

How is the learning structured? In an online fixed-date course, you and your classmates will proceed through the curriculum together, collaborating in a shared learning experience. Each online fixed-date course is asynchronous, meaning that you can work on your assignments anytime, although required to complete the assignments by specific dates. The course is designed with learning modules where all of the content is grouped into weekly assignments. Each module covers one or more topics. Within each of the learning modules, you can expect the following components:

  • Module introduction that outlines what you can expect to learn in the module.
  • Required readings (textbook, articles, journals, etc.) and presentations (audio and/or video).
  • Assignments with due dates (which may include: written assignments, journal entries, research, blogs, etc.) based on the readings and presentations.
  • Discussion forum where you answer prompts from the instructor and interact with your classmates.
  • Module conclusion to review the topics and what you should have learned.
  • Typically, there is a final project, paper, or exam due in the last module that culminates all of the topics covered in each of the learning modules. You’ll find that the design of the learning modules has a rhythm to help you manage your time in the course.

Testimonials

Excellent course, learnt a lot, instructor was prompt in replying to questions.

This was my favorite course so far. The instructor was engaged every step of the way, responding to nearly everyone’s posts. This did not happen in my first course. Leslie was very knowledgeable and shared her knowledge with us. The readings were up-to-date and relevant. The workload (assignments) was much more aligned with the schedules of working professionals. I learned so much about the nonprofit sector that I didn’t know! Great course. Great instructor!

I thought I had already filled this out. This class exceeded my expectations. I had no idea I would learn so much. Great job, Leslie!!

This course actually exceeded my expectations. Really interesting module content-the discussions questions were well thought out and engaging. I really enjoyed this class.

I appreciated the thoughtful and comprehensive selection of readings. The assignments were fun and offered the student the opportunity to choose their own areas of interest while still covering an overhead view of the nonprofit sector. Great course, thank you!