Portfolio Program in Nonprofit Studies Overview
Nonprofit and philanthropic activity are vital to generating social impact, and addressing the complex challenges of the world today. As boundaries between the nonprofit, private and public sectors blur, it is increasingly important to gain skills and ideas that can be applied in multiple roles and organizations.
Effective leadership requires deep understanding of current trends and policy issues, and the willingness to take action. The Nonprofit Studies Portfolio is an opportunity to develop specialized skills in social finance, nonprofit management, philanthropy, cultural policy, social marketing and community collaboration. Students ready to make a difference in the world can advance their journey with the Certificate in Nonprofit Studies and with the RGK Center community of colleagues and faculty.
The Certificate in Nonprofit Studies is available to any currently enrolled graduate student at The University of Texas at Austin. To ensure certification appears on the academic transcript, a student is responsible for completing:
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Four (4) courses – 12 credit hours total – of preapproved classes, including one taught by an RGK Center faculty member and one internship or field placement. Any new class or course exception must be approved by the Program Coordinator and Director.
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Forty (40) hours of volunteer service at a nonprofit or public service organization.
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Four (4) networking and professional development events or activities.
Please review the FAQ and contact the Program Coordinator with any questions about program requirements.
With planning and the use of electives, students typically fulfill the requirements of the Portfolio Program without extending the time necessary to complete their graduate degree program. Explore the wide range of courses approved for the current semester below. See past semester offerings here.
COURSE TITLE (Spring 2021) |
PROFESSOR |
COURSE NUMBER |
FORMAT |
Advocacy |
Daly |
MAN 383 |
Face-to-face |
Austin Arts/Economic Development Policy |
Pedigo |
PA 388K |
Hybrid/Blend |
Building an Intergenerational Metropolis |
Angel |
SW 395K |
Internet |
City Consulting: Engaging Austin to Understand Homelessness |
Pedigo, Greenberg |
PA 388K |
Internet |
City Entrepreneurship for America's Children |
Hole |
PA 388K |
Internet |
Collaborative Governance |
Bixler |
PA 389L |
Internet |
Data Management and Research Lifecycle |
Ma |
PA 397C |
Internet |
Policy Implementation Seminar |
Childs |
SW 395K |
Face-to-face |
Leadership in Human Service Systems |
Landuyt |
SW 393T |
Internet |
Marica, Brazil -- City Entrepreneurship |
Eaton |
PA 388K |
Internet |
Meadows Fellows -- NGO Consulting |
Eaton |
PA 388L |
Internet |
Mobilizing the Community and Engaging Volunteers |
Bixler |
PA 388L SW395K |
Internet |
Nonprofit Law (2 credit hour class) |
Staricka |
LAW 279M PA 288K |
Internet |
Social Entrepreneurship |
Thornborrow |
PA 388L MAN 385 SW 395K |
Internet |
Social Justice Philanthropy |
Lentz |
PA 388L |
Internet |
Storytelling for Policy Wonks |
Stekler |
PA 388K |
Face-to-face |
Please review the FAQ and contact the Program Coordinator with any questions about courses or registration.
Applying during the first year of graduate study is recommended for maximizing opportunities and course registration support. Graduate students currently enrolled in a degree program at The University of Texas at Austin are eligible to apply. The online application asks for contact information, the courses expected (or taken) to meet the Certificate requirements, as well as career goals. Typically, a student receives a welcome email and is added to the program listserve within 24 hours of submitting an application.
Please review the FAQ and contact the Program Coordinator with any questions about the application process.