Public and Nonprofit Administration, B.A., B.S.
Our public and nonprofit administration program is designed to prepare our students for a career in the public and nonprofit sectors. Students develop and learn fundraising, financial management, human resources, strategic planning and volunteer management skills.
Students are admitted directly into this program.Program Overview
Students in the public and nonprofit administration program learn how to serve the public interest ethically, effectively, and efficiently. They may choose to focus on:
- Community development and planning
- Community health
- Local economic development
- Public and nonprofit budget and finance
- Public personnel management
Why Study Public and Nonprofit Administration at Grand Valley?
- Students obtain the skills and knowledge necessary for success in public and nonprofit organizations. The curriculum emphasizes general public administration knowledge but also allows students to concentrate in selected specialties.
- All students participate in service learning courses and internships, through which they interact within the community, apply new skills, and build professional networks.
- Students obtain knowledge and skills necessary to manage and lead organizations and communities in the governmental and nonprofit sectors.
- The Steelcase Library's Johnson Collection on Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership is a valuable resource to students and one of the most comprehensive collections in the country on philanthropy, volunteerism, and nonprofit management.
- Students complete one or more internships, giving them the experience needed to succeed, make better career decisions, and jumpstart their careers.
Career Insights
This tool shows an overview of potential career opportunities for this major. Actual salaries, employment opportunities, and job titles may change over time.
Location & Format
Undergraduate students in this major study at Grand Valley's Allendale Campus.
Coursework
The public and nonprofit administration curriculum gives students a broad understanding of the subject, while offering some specialized courses to provide them with technical skills. Some of the topics covered include:
- Civic engagement and service-learning
- Local politics and administration
- Organization theory and dynamics
- Public budgeting and finance administration
Combined Degree Programs
Many GVSU undergraduate programs can be combined with an existing master’s degree program to save on tuition and get you into the workforce sooner. On average, you can save $8,500 by pursuing a combined degree and take up to four fewer courses than if earning the degrees separately.
Talk with an advisor about how you can build your combined degree from existing programs to further personalize your education and create your own niche area of expertise.
Admission Requirements
Visit the Admissions website for undergraduate requirements.
Helpful Links
For More Information
School of Community Leadership and Development[email protected]
288C DeVos Center
(616) 331-6575
“Grand Valley was very instrumental in helping me become who I am today.”
PUBLIC AND NONPROFIT ADMINISTRATION ALUMNUS, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF WEST MICHIGAN CENTER FOR ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY