Interdisciplinary Programs, Bachelor of Science (BS) - Concentration in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Management - Online Degree Completion Program
This academic online degree completion program is designed for experienced college students, who have completed some coursework and proven their ability to succeed at the college level. Specifically, this program provides a strong foundation for those who plan to work in the nonprofit sector and need to develop expertise in how to develop and manage programs, measure organizational effectiveness, generate funds through grants and special events, prepare budgets and maintain financial records, develop marketing tools and public relations materials, recruit and supervise volunteers, advocate for the needs of clients, and conduct human resources functions like hiring and evaluating staff.
To be considered for admission to this online program:
- Students should hold an associate degree (or minimum of 60 credits) from an SRU-recognized accredited program/institution, which must include competency in college-level mathematics and English writing.
- Students must have earned a sufficient number of Rock Studies credits.
- Students must have earned a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher from all post-secondary institutions attended.
- Student must be in good academic standing at the most recent institution attended.
Eligibility for admission of new or returning students into this program is determined by the Transfer Admissions Office. Current student eligibility is determined by the academic department for this major.
PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
LO 1 – Knowledge (UO 3 & 4)
Students will be able to identify, explain, and apply major social science theories, concepts, foundations, and methodologies to analyze social institutions, processes, and values that shape social life and social relations
LO 2- Critical Thinking (UO 2)
Students will be able to analyze and critically evaluate explanations of human behavior, social phenomena, and social processes informed by social science theories, empirical evidence, and arguments to construct well-reasoned explanations and evidence-based conclusions about social issues and social structures.
LO 3 – Community Inclusion (UO 9)
Students will be able to analyze and evaluate how systems of power, privilege, and inequality shape social experiences and outcomes across diverse populations, and apply social science concepts and evidence to propose informed responses or solutions
LO 4 – Effective communication (UO 1)
Students will be able to present and defend evidence-based arguments by integrating scholarly sources, appropriate methodologies, and disciplinary conventions from the social sciences in written and oral formats
LO 5 – Civic Engagement (UO 7)
Students will be able to demonstrate informed, ethical, and reciprocal civic engagement by applying social science knowledge and skills to community or public issues and reflecting on the impacts of their participation on themselves and the communities involved.
RELATED LINKS
Curriculum Guide
GPA Requirement
Major GPA: 2.0 or higher
Overall GPA: 2.0 or higher
Summary*
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Rock Studies 2 Requirements | 42 | |
| Major Requirements | 42 | |
| Electives | 36 | |
* All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits. Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate.
Rock Studies 2 Requirements
Online program students must complete a sum total of 42 SRU Rock Studies 2-based credits; there are no specific requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Complete 42 SRU Rock Studies 2-based credits | 42 | |
| Total Hours | 42 | |
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION REQUIREMENT
Students must take and pass a course with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) designation prior to graduation. Students can meet this requirement by taking any DEI - designated course in any program at any time during their undergraduate career.
Major Requirements
- 21 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
- 21 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above (Adviser approved courses)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| Oral and Written Communication | ||
| NLPA 101 | Introduction to Nonprofit Management 1 | 3 |
| ENGL 365 | Writing for the World Wide Web 1 | 3 |
| Interpersonal Skills and Civic Responsibility | ||
| NLPA 120 | Civic Engagement and Community Decision-Making 1 | 3 |
| NLPA 320 | Community Change and Development 1 | 3 |
| Analytical, Quantitative & Critical Thinking Skills | ||
| NLPA 305 | Financial Best Practices for Decision Makers 1 | 3 |
| NLPA 325 | Social and Ethical Issues in Philanthropy and Fundraising 1 | 3 |
| Subtotal | 18 | |
| Emphasis Area | ||
| Select 24 credits from the following: | 24 | |
| Internship 1 | ||
Emphasis course by Advisement | ||
Emphasis course by Advisement | ||
Emphasis course by Advisement | ||
Emphasis course by Advisement | ||
Emphasis course by Advisement | ||
Emphasis course by Advisement | ||
Emphasis course by Advisement | ||
| Subtotal | 24 | |
| Total Hours | 42 | |
- 1
Course counts for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA.
- *
Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course.
Graduation Requirements
Students must meet all Graduation Requirements as delineated in the University catalog, including the following requirement that should be considered as students are transferring credits and choosing SRU coursework.
- Students must complete 48 credits of upper-level coursework. Thirty-nine of the 48 credits must be at the 300 level or higher; the additional 9 credits may include courses requiring a 3 credit prerequisite. At least 24 of the 48 credits must be completed at SRU.
Co-curricular and Experiential Learning
Students are encouraged to explore additional curricular and co-curricular opportunities. There is a strong correlation between long-term student success and participation in the following types of programs and activities:
- International study programs (short-term, semester)
- High-Impact Practice (HIP) designated classes
- Student-faculty creative projects
- Internships
- Experiential Learning (Practice experience outside the classroom)
Important Curriculum Guide Notes
This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories. Enrolled SRU students should use the My Rock Audit Report and materials and information provided by their faculty advisers to ensure accurate progress towards degree completion. The information on this guide is current as of the date listed. Students are responsible for curriculum requirements at the time of enrollment at the University.
PASSHE - Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Institutions
INTERDISCIPLINARY PROGRAMS - BS (5197)
Concentration in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Management (PNPO)
This program is effective as of Summer 2026
Revised 05.13.2026
UCC 03.31.2026