Applied Sociology Program

Certificate of Non-Profit

The Nonprofit Management minor program with the optional embedded CNP certificate will provide the skills and training needed for individual students to become a leader in the nonprofit community. Although the Nonprofit Management minor at Utah Tech University will initially be housed in the Applied Sociology Program, it will be structured as a Minor that will complement any major on campus. This interdisciplinary approach will enable us to take advantage of current course inventory and bring together the many assets on campus that are uniquely Utah Tech University.

The Four Core Requirements for the Nonprofit Management minor and the optional CNP are as follows:

  • Minimum 300-hour practicum/internship/volunteer at nonprofit organizations
  • CNP Option: Attendance at a national career conference—the Alliance Management Institute (AIM) will be ‘virtual’ Conference this 2020-2021 academic year (02/24-02/26, 2021). Also, passing a National Qualifying Examination prior to receiving Bachelor Degree Graduation is a prescribed requirement. National License: Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (NLA), Kansas City, MO 64108.
  • Leadership and service-students participate in a wide variety of activities that support classroom learning and prepare them for future leadership roles
  • The Ten Prescribed Competencies

Ten Prescribed Competencies

1

Communication, Marketing & Public Relations

Highlights knowledge, attitudes and activities that nonprofit organizations use to understand, inform and influence their various constituencies

2

Cultural Competency and Diversity

Highlights the development of cultural competency preparation for professional practice in culturally diverse settings

3

Financial Resource Development & Management

Highlights financial resource acquisition, budgeting, financial management, control and transparency in nonprofit organizations.

4

Foundations & Management of the Nonprofit Sector

Highlights the history, contributions, and unique characteristics of the nonprofit sector and its management

5

Governance, Leadership & Advocacy

Highlights the stewardship and advocacy roles, responsibilities and leadership of the board of directors, staff and volunteers in the development of policies, procedures, and processes by which nonprofits operate and are held accountable

6

Legal & Ethical Decision Making

Highlights basic laws, regulations and professional standards that govern nonprofit sector operations, including a basic knowledge of risk and crisis management ethics, and decision-making

7

Personal & Professional Development

Highlights the nature of employment in the nonprofit sector, from researching career opportunities, applying and interview for a job, to continuing professional development

8

Program Development

Highlights program design, implementation, and evaluation strategies applicable to all nonprofits (youth, service, arts, environment, health, recreation, social services, advocacy, etc.)

9

Volunteer and Human Resource Management

Highlights the knowledge, skills, and techniques for managing volunteer and paid staff

10

Future of the Nonprofit Sector

Highlights the dynamic nature of the nonprofit sector, the importance of continuous improvement, emerging trends and innovations, and the critical role research plays in shaping best practices.

FAQs

Who is the licensing organization that approves the CNP?

The Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (NLA) the authorizing organization for the CNP. It is headquartered in Kansas City. This organization has been in existence since 1948. 1801 Main St., Suite 300 Kansas City, MO. 64108 Main: 816.463.9457 Also, the NLA has access via the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance website with access on Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, YouTube, and Zoom.

What is the difference between NLA CNP certificate and the UT CNP minor?

The four core requirements for the CNP are identical except for the identified courses required by each of the academic partners. Each of those courses must fulfill one or more of the prescribed ten competencies. A student may receive a Nonprofit Management minor without the CNP. The AMI attendance and the National Qualifying Exam are not a requirement to be granted a Nonprofit Management minor from UT.

What happens if a student completes the minor but fails to fulfill the requirements for the CNP?

The completion of the CNP coincides with the requirements of the minor. You must fulfill all of the four core prescriptions to receive both the minor and CNP.

Is there an NLA CNP test that needs to be taken for this certificate?

The Nonprofit Leadership Alliance requires that a formal qualifying exam be successfully completed. DSU students that complete all of the prescribed requirements will be recommended by the DSU Nonprofit Campus Director and reviewed by the NLA Assessment Board for approval.

Do students need to find their own internships to get the 300-hour practicum/internship hours or will UT provide the connection?

A minimum of two different organizations make-up the 300-hour practicum/internship. One practicum or Internship can represent a maximum of 240 hours toward fulfilling this requirement. UT will assist each student in the minor with identifying practicum/internship/independent study opportunities.

Will we accept transfer practicum hours?

To be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Hours would be calculated from the date that the student officially declared the Nonprofit Management minor.

Who will approve what qualifies as a practicum/internship/independent study?

The UT Nonprofit Campus Director with the appropriate discipline administration.

Can a student resister as non-degree-seeking, do the coursework-internship-conference and receive a CNP certificate but not the CNP minor?

No, the student must complete the requirement for a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Degree. The Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) will then be awarded.

Contact

Matt Smith-Lahrman, Ph.D.

Email: matt.smith-lahrman@utahtech.edu

Phone: 435-652-7825

Office: McDonald 240