Curriculum & Course Information
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"The program combines theory and practice at the highest level, while cultivating an atmosphere of camaraderie and mutual support.”
Nicole Miller-Coleman, Fundraiser and Consultant to Nonprofit Organizations,
class of 2012
Master of Arts in Leadership Studies –
Nonprofit Leadership and Management
(36 Units)
The goal of this 36 unit program is to provide existing and aspiring nonprofit practitioners with cutting-edge leadership theories and state-of-the-art management tools that can be used to create high-performing organizations. Students learn new ways of conceptualizing their work through their studies with noted faculty from the School of Leadership and Education Sciences as well as from prominent nonprofit practitioners who teach in our program. Most courses include applied projects with locally-based nonprofits where concepts learned in the classroom come to life. In addition, beginning in fall 2008, all students will participate in a multi-cultural academic experience of their choosing – either in San Diego or elsewhere – that is designed to strengthen their ability to understand and lead diverse organizations.
| I. Required Courses (32 Units) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Please note: the highlighted program links provide summary course descriptions, syllabi and faculty bios. Sample 2 and 3 Year Academic Schedule
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Please note: In rare instances where a student has a demonstrated competency in one of the following subject areas: Finance, Marketing, Strategic Planning, Fundraising, Nonprofit Legal Issues, or Research Design/Program Evaluation the student may approach the program director and subsequently, the course professor, about opting out of that course. If the director and professor agree, the student may substitute elective units for those required courses. No other course substitutions will be granted.
"Based on the work I did in Research, Design, and Evaluation of Nonprofit Programs, Turning the Hearts Center was awarded $325k per year for the next five years (over $1.6k) to provide re-engagment and recovery services to out-of-school youth in the South Bay!"
Doug Luffborough, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Turning Hearts Center, Current Doctoral Student in School of Leadership Studies
II. Electives: (1 unit and 2 unit course from which students will select 4 or more units):
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Other electives may be added.
“The education I attained opened doors to my professional career that never would have existed before. USD provided me with an extraordinary environment to develop both academically and professionally. From the beauty of the campus, to the engaging intellect of my fellow students, to the world-class quality of the NPLM program faculty, USD offers a tremendous opportunity to develop present and future nonprofit leaders.”
John Bolthouse, Executive Director, San Diego Water Conservation Garden,
class of 2008
III. Practice Component and Portfolio Requirements (please note: these are distinct from the general MA portfolio requirements).
The majority of the courses offered in the nonprofit concentration will contain one or more practice projects with nonprofit organizations. A student may not undertake more than 2/3 of his/her projects with a single nonprofit agency. Applied Projects Guidebook
The terminal project for this degree is a portfolio of demonstrated competencies which will be evidenced by a submission of no fewer than three practice projects with accompanying supporting documents, a narrative explaining the process you undertook to complete each assignment, and the impact said assignments had on the nonprofit agency with which you worked. In addition, each student will be asked to prepare a synthesis of what s/he learned in the core Leadership classes. The students’ portfolios will be evaluated by a nonprofit program faculty member and an external practitioner. Students must submit two copies of their completed portfolio to his/her program advisor in accordance to the set deadlines listed below.
Portfolio Deadline Dates:
Monday, November 28, 2011 for January 2012 graduates.
Monday, April 30, 2012 for May 2012 graduates.
Monday, August 6, 2012 for August 2012 graduates.
Student portfolio guidelines.
Criteria for Assessing the Portfolio:
In assessing a portfolio, the review panel will ask the following questions:
1. Does the portfolio demonstrate an ability to write clearly and organize and present materials in an effective manner?
2. Does the material demonstrate the student has incorporated the knowledge s/he has learned in class in a practice setting?
3. Have the selected projects made an impact on the nonprofit for which they were designed?
4. Does the portfolio demonstrate an ability to synthesize and apply knowledge acquired in the program?
Portfolio assessment criteria utilized by the reviewers.
The Nonprofit Leadership and Management Program's overview of the portfolio review process.
"The program provides a unique approach of foundational and in-depth theoretical knowledge, and applied learning projects. The courses are academically rigorous, the support system is outstanding, my cohorts are incredible, and the generosity of USD and donors is very humbling."
Lina Park, Membership Director, San Diego Asian Film Foundation,
class of 2011
IV. Exit Requirements
1. Students must submit a complete portfolio in accordance with the aforementioned requirements.
2. Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average to be eligible for the master’s degree.
Nonprofit Leadership and Management Program - Student Learning Outcomes
V. Optional Certification with the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance
Certification is open to all current students and alumni of the Nonprofit Leadership and Management Program.
Students wishing to be certified must complete the following:
- LEAD 501 - Capstone course on Nonprofit Management
- Completion of nonprofit competency requirements (which is a part of the NLM Program coursework). Competency areas of study include: Nonprofit Fundamentals, Ethics, Volunteer Management/Board Development, Fundraising and Resource Development, Finance, Management, and Marketing
- At least 300 hours of work in a nonprofit (this can be actual work experience in a nonprofit or volunteer work)
- Attendance at the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Institute or an equivalent professional development meeting (i.e. AFP national meetings, AMA Cause Marketing Conference, etc.)
- Personal Essay on Leadership
The first step of NLA membership is to create your student profile.
