Public and Nonprofit Administration

Major

Why This Program & What You'll Learn

If you have a passion for getting involved and serving your community, this major is for you. The skills you develop here will prepare you to affect change through a nonprofit or public-sector organization.

You’ll learn about everything from human resources and budgeting to public policy and how to motivate employees. You’ll practice your skills as a manager and leader. And you’ll develop a deep understanding of governance and citizen engagement.

You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to get practical experience and test your career choice in the real world. Many of our students take on internships with law offices, nonprofit organizations, congressional offices or even the governor's office. Our Capital City Internship Program connects with an internship in Michigan’s capital, where you’ll build your network, gain experience and get a first-hand look at state government.

Beyond the standard curriculum, you can earn a Certified Nonprofit Professional credential. It’s a great way to show potential employers that you’ve taken extra steps to understand best practices in the nonprofit sector.

Program Highlights

As a public and nonprofit administration major, you can:

• Expand your learning with an optional certificate in citizen engagement, international nongovernmental organization administration, public policy analysis or public and social entrepreneurship.
• Get involved and meet people through the Nonprofit Leadership Student Alliance, the Refugee Outreach Collective or another service-oriented student organization.
• Customize your education with electives in grant writing, IT management, public policy analysis and more.
• Learn from professors and practitioners who have decades of experience in the public sector.