American Humanics Undergraduate Program

Undergraduate Nonprofit Leadership Studies Certificate

Nonprofit organizations encompass a wide ranging, diverse group of organizations—from food banks and domestic violence shelters to clubs that encourage kids' development to churches, art associations, and neighborhood community groups. They all have at least one thing in common: a strong commitment to a mission of service.

The Axelson Center is pleased to offer a nationally recognized Nonprofit Leadership Studies Certificate through an affiliation with American Humanics, a 50-year-old national alliance of colleges and universities, national nonprofit partners, and collaborating professional associations. The Nonprofit Leadership Studies Certificate is designed to prepare students for fulfilling and well-paying careers in management in the nonprofit sector, an area of the economy that is experiencing significant growth. More than one million nonprofit organizations are at work across the country, employing more than 10 million people and aided by over 100 million volunteers. It is estimated that these organizations, with society’s growing demand in their services, will need more than 50,000 new professionals every year to meet this challenge.

Designed to provide excellent preparation for entry-level careers in nonprofit organizations, this baccalaureate level certificate is intended to accompany any major and can also be applied toward a concentration in Nonprofit Management within the bachelor of science and business and economics degree program. To obtain the certificate, students must meet five program requirements, including fulfillment of a 300-hour internship in a nonprofit organization.

For more information about the Undergraduate Nonprofit Leadership Studies Certificate, please contact Christa Beall by email or by phone at (773) 244-5747.

Benefits

Coursework grounded in the foundations and best practices of nonprofit management
Tested practices and principles through experiential learning
One-to-one support, career development and mentoring
Networking opportunities
The opportunity to test skills and various nonprofit roles through internships, co-curriculum, and community service activities
Access to references and referrals from agency executive directors, advisory board members, and community leaders
Exposure to national nonprofit network of partners and career options
An increased sense of connecting with and helping in the community
The opportunity to build lasting friendships
Access to scholarship assistance for students entering the nonprofit career field

Program Requirements

These requirements are designed with one thing in mind: to prepare North Park University students for employment in the nonprofit sector. All requirements must be fulfilled in order to meet the nationally specified level of competency required by American Humanics. Each student should meet with the program’s coordinator to plan the path that will best meet his/her unique interests and career goals.

Two Core Courses

BSE 3720: Nonprofit Leadership and Management Workshop (2 semester hours) - an introduction to various issues and topics relevant to nonprofit leadership. Nonprofit leaders from a variety of organizations will share their expertise with the class.

BSE 3730: Leadership and Management of Nonprofit Organizations (4 semester hours) - provides students with knowledge and understanding of the leadership and management of nonprofit organizations. Students will gain theoretical and practical knowledge of the most essential leadership skills and attributes, as well as management functions exercised in nonprofit organizations. A final project involving assessment of a nonprofit organization is required. Prerequisite: BSE 3720

Three Electives

A course in Child and Youth/ Human Development:
PSYC 1000: Introduction to Psychology (4 semester hours)
PSYC 2300: Infant, Child, and Adolescent Psychology (2 semester hours)
PSYC 2400: Adulthood and Aging (2 semester hours)
SOCA 1910: Introduction to Sociology (4 semester hours)
YM 1510: Introduction to Youth Ministry (4 semester hours)

A course in Communication Studies:
COMM 1910: Public Speaking (4 semester hours)
COMM 2010: Introduction to Communication Studies (4 semester hours)
COMM 2030: Interpersonal Communication (4 semester hours)
BSE 2540 and BSE 3510: Business Communications I and II (4 sh total)

A course in Financial Management:
BSE 1010: Introduction to Business and Economics (4 semester hours)

Nonprofit Management Internship

BSE 4970 (1-4 semester hours)
A minimum of 300 hours: equivalent to two semesters of 10 hours per week, one semester of 20 hours per week, one summer of 25 to 30 hours per week or some combination of these options. May be taken for variable credit according to institutional internship program policy. Up to eight semester hours of internship credit may be applied toward graduation. May be paid or unpaid. Check with the program coordinator for more information.

Student Association Membership

Active Membership in the Nonprofit Leadership Student Association (NLSA) for at least two semesters. NLSA is designed to operate like a nonprofit. This student-led organization meets twice a month to plan and implement nonprofit awareness events and activities. The mission of the Nonprofit Leadership Student Association is to prepare and educate future professionals for lives of significance and service in the nonprofit sector through cultural, social, and educational co-curricular opportunities. NLSA membership is open to all North Park students.

Attendance at American Humanics Management Institute

Held in early January, the Institute brings together hundreds of college and university students from across the country to learn more about the field of nonprofit management and network with prospective employers and colleagues.

Nonprofit Partners

Vibrant partnerships with local and national nonprofit organizations provide abundant student opportunities for leadership, interaction with professionals, and internship placements. Students benefit immediately from the thriving American Humanics network of professionals, faculty, and students. National and local nonprofit partners of American Humanics and the Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management include:

American Red Cross
America's Second Harvest
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
Boys and Girls Clubs of America
Boy Scouts of America
Camp Fire USA
Catholic Charities USA
Covenant Ministries of Benevolence
Covenant Retirement Communities
Easter Seals
Family Counseling Service
Girls Incorporated
Girl Scouts of Chicago
Girl Scouts of the USA
Greater Chicago Food Depository
Greater North Pulaski Development Corporation
Junior Achievement, Inc.
Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly
March of Dimes
Metropolitan Family Services of DuPage
Museum of Science and Industry
National Arthritis Foundation
National Urban League
North River Commission
Presbyterian Homes
Special Olympics
Swedish Covenant Hospital
The Arc of the United States of America
United Cerebral Palsy
Volunteers of America
YMCA of the USA
YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago