DENTON (UNT), Texas – Texas is home to the second largest number of nonprofit organizations in the nation – behind California – according to the National Center for Charitable Statistics. Forecasts indicate a strong outlook for jobs in the nonprofit sector and, as the number of nonprofits grow, there will be increased demand for skilled workers.    

The University of North Texas College of Health and Public Service is addressing that need with a new undergraduate degree program that will prepare students for careers in the nonprofit sector. The bachelor of science degree in nonprofit leadership studies, offered by UNT’s Department of Public Administration, will expand on courses already offered through a minor in leadership of community and nonprofit organizations and an academic certificate in volunteer and community resource management.

“Nonprofits are a vital part of our community and solve important social issues,” said Laura Keyes, lecturer and degree coordinator. “With this degree, students will have the opportunity to make a career out of making a difference.”

Courses will be offered in a mix of online and face-to-face classes on the UNT campus in Denton. Students will receive practical nonprofit management experience through a required internship. In addition, Keyes says, students will be well positioned to pursue graduate work in management or public administration, including in UNT’s master of public administration degree program, which offers a specialization in nonprofit management.

“We will address community resources for nonprofits, financial management, leadership theory and practice for volunteer managers, mediation, philanthropy and fundraising, proposal writing and grants administration and public speaking,” Keyes said.

For more information, visit hps.unt.edu/ and click on “Undergrad Degree” under “Program Offerings,” or contact Keyes at 940-891-6790 or laura.keyes@unt.edu.