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
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
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.
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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 courses are delivered virtually but follow a predetermined schedule, requiring students to complete assignments, participate in discussions, and take assessments by specific deadlines—much like a traditional classroom. The key difference is that while traditional courses are conducted in person at set times and locations, online fixed-date courses allow students to engage remotely, offering more flexibility in where they learn while preserving structure and accountability through fixed timelines. (Note: Any scheduled Zoom sessions will be outlined on the class schedule.) 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. Instructor feedback is shared along with the graded assignments.
How is the learning structured? Each online fixed-date course is asynchronous, meaning that you can work on your assignments anytime, although you are 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.
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!
Data Analytics and Visualization Certificate - Bundle and save 10% when you enroll in all four courses (must add all 4 courses in one transaction for discount):
To apply credit, select the checkbox and select "BUS - DAV Bundle and Save 10%" for a discount on each course.
**Only one discount can be applied per course. Discount does not apply to certificate fee.**
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