Program Coordinator/Contact
Kimberly Gustafson, Lecturer
School of Health and Human Sciences
Wagner Hall 409
605-688-5161
Program Information
The Leadership and Management of Nonprofit Organizations major’s mission is empowering students to become successful leaders for nonprofit impact through a comprehensive educational curriculum, experiential learning, and community engagement. The Leadership and Management of Nonprofit Organizations (LMNO) program, prepares students with opportunities to increase their abilities and skills in the work of leadership and nonprofit operations. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the nonprofit sector. They will also learn fundraising best practices, examine volunteer management techniques, and apply leadership and team development strategies. To further student personal and professional skills, students will complete a 3 credit internship experience at a nonprofit organization related to their specific career interest.
Upon completion of the undergraduate program, students may also earn the Certified Nonprofit Professional credential with the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance organization. This certification requirements are listed in the section below.
Graduates will be prepared to obtain positions with local, national, and international nonprofit organizations or employers outside of the nonprofit sector. Examples of these positions include executive director of a nonprofit; marketing and public relations; fundraising and resource development; human resources director of a nonprofit; volunteer recruitment and management; community and economic development; program development, management and evaluation; and financial administration and management. Students graduating with the LMNO major may be employed by for-profits in their public affairs, community relations, or corporate responsibility departments or in the consultant industry.
Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure
Students may pursue the National Certified Nonprofit Professional credential through SDSU’s affiliation with the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. The Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential is the only national nonprofit credential preparing students (undergraduate, graduate and professionals) for careers in nonprofit management.
Course Delivery Format
Certification requirements are met through course work, co-curricular involvement, and an internship. National Certification through the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance in nonprofit management requires a 120-hour internship with a nonprofit organization, volunteering a minimum of 20 hours, passing a credentialing exam, and attending a national nonprofit conference.
