Interdisciplinary Programs, Bachelor of Science (BS) - Concentration in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Management
PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
LO 1 – Knowledge (UO 3)
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
Interdisciplinary Programs - Philanthropy and Nonprofit Management, BS Program Page
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/Concentration 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
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The Rock | ||
| SUBJ 139 | Foundations of Academic Discovery 1 | 3 |
| ENGL 102 | Critical Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 104 | Critical Reading | 3 |
| MATH 117 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice | ||
| Ethics and Civil Discourse | ||
| Civil Discourse and Democracy | ||
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Integrated Inquiry | ||
| Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Humanities Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Social Science Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Natural Science Inquiry | ||
| SCI 101 | Science of Life | 3 |
| Physical Science Inquiry | ||
| SCI 102 | Understanding the Physical World | 3 |
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Thematic Thread | ||
| Select 12 Credits 2 | 12 | |
| Subtotal | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 42 | |
- 1
Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject.
- 2
One course from each category; six credits must be 300-level or above; no more than 4 credits from one subject area; specific courses required in first major, regardless of prefix of course, cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements; any course with same prefix as first major cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements, even if it is not a course in the first major.
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)
- Courses used in this major may not be used to satisfy ROCK Studies 2, a minor, or another major’s requirements.
- AP, Credit by Exam, CLEP, and institutional credit by exam may count towards the degree to a maximum of 45 credits. Pass/Fail and non-credit courses will not be counted in the major.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses 1 | ||
| NLPA 101 | Introduction to Nonprofit Management | 3 |
| Oral and Written Communication | ||
| Select at least three credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Professional Writing | ||
| Principles of Integrated Marketing Communication & Public Relations | ||
| Interpersonal Skills and Civic Responsibility | ||
| NLPA 120 | Civic Engagement and Community Decision-Making | 3 |
| or POLI 101 | American National Government | |
| NLPA 320 | Community Change and Development | 3 |
| Analytical, Quantitative & Critical Thinking Skills | ||
| NLPA 305 | Financial Best Practices for Decision Makers | 3 |
| NLPA 325 | Social and Ethical Issues in Philanthropy and Fundraising | 3 |
| Subtotal | 18 | |
| Emphasis Area 1 | ||
| Select 24 credits from the following and selected through advisement: | 24 | |
| Internship | ||
Internship Placement and Nonprofit Specialty area | ||
| 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.
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
- Student leadership development through the Student Nonprofit Alliance
- Co-curricular opportunities to plan, manage and evaluate nonprofit professionals
- Service-learning experiences with nonprofit and other community organizations
- Networking opportunities with SRU students, alums and other nonprofit professionals
- Opportunities to attend regional and national workshops and conferences
- Affiliation with nonprofit professional associations
- Internships
- Career education and development
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 (5198) / CIM 266
Concentration in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Management (PNPM)
This program is effective as of Summer 2026
Revised 05.13.2026
UCC 03.31.2026