Nonprofit Leadership Certification

Ms. Amy Gilliland, Director and Coordinator

The Nonprofit Leadership Program is a partnership between Maryville College and Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (NLA). The Nonprofit Leadership Alliance is a national organization that provides the Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential to students who complete the set of program requirements in addition to the requirements for their chosen major. The credential may be pursued by students in any major and is designed to prepare students to become skilled professionals and leaders in nonprofit organizations.

Typically, all requirements for the major and the credential can be accomplished as a part of a student’s overall course of study and should not normally add to the time required to graduate. The CNP is widely recognized and accepted by nonprofit organizations around the world and is a valuable credential for students interested in working in the nonprofit sector. The credential is recognized as evidence of outstanding preparation for entry-level professional positions by many local, regional, and national nonprofit organizations. Growth in the demand for professional management and leadership by nonprofit organizations is expected to continue.

The program is managed by an Executive Director, and governed by an Advisory Board that includes faculty of the College, as well as representatives from area nonprofit organizations. All program elements are part of the academic program of the College.

Students work with the Director of the Nonprofit Leadership Program and their academic advisors to establish individualized curricular and co-curricular programs that fulfill the requirements for the credential. Students will also participate in a student association related to the program.

The director of the program provides assistance and guidance to the student association, coordinates internships, and assists students in finding post-graduate employment. Placement assistance is also available through the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance.

Credential Requirements

The CNP credential is awarded to students who fulfill a prescribed set of requirements developed by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. Through successful completion of each of these requirements, students will gain essential competencies for the nonprofit sector.

Specific Requirements

1. Coursework:

SLS 203: Introduction to Nonprofit Management (3 hrs.)

BUS 201: Principles of Management (3 hrs.)

2. CNP Competency Knowledge Exam:

Must pass national exam with a score of 76% or better. Students will take the exam as the final for the SLS 203 course.

3. Nonprofit Experience:

Option 1: Documentation of a minimum of 6 weeks of part-time employment at a nonprofit.

Option 2: AmeriCorps or other service year experience.

Option 3: Internship:

An internship of at least 120 clock hours must be completed at a nonprofit organization. The Program Director will recommend and approve internships, and may collaborate with academic departments and the Career Center for internships that are simultaneously fulfilling the NLA requirements and Maryville College Works, major requirements, or service scholarship requirements. Internships pursued for credit must follow all procedures and meet all requirements of academic departments. Credentialing requirements may be satisfied by internships with or without academic credit, and may be paid or unpaid.

Option 4: Micro-Internships/Job Shadowing:

Minimum of 120 hours combined. Minimum of 20 hours must be spent in a professional office environment (job shadowing, completing project, etc.). Minimum of 20 hours spent on project- based activities (micro-internship). May be paid or unpaid.

4. Volunteer Service Experience:

Minimum of 20 hours of volunteer service.

5. Leadership Development Experience

Participation in a regional or national nonprofit conference (typically the Alliance Management Institute). Conference attendance should be part of the capstone experience after students have completed the coursework and at least half of the internship requirements.

6. Bachelor’s Degree