Student Success Center
M.S. in Nonprofit Leadership and Management
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Welcome!
As an online student, most of your interactions with the university will be done through various websites. For example:
- You’ll use your USD Email Address for all university-related communications.
- You’ll use Canvasfor all of your coursework and assignments. See Canvas Tips and Tricks Page.
- You’ll use your MySanDiego Portal for tuition payments and to access most campus resources.
- You’ll use this site, your Student Success Center, to get specific information about textbook information, deadlines, and more!
(619) 260-7503
COMPLETE YOUR MANDATORY NEW STUDENT CHECKLIST
Our number one priority is you! Our team has prepared a checklist of items that will set you up for success and clarify all action items as a new student. After you have enrolled for your first term, please complete and review all of the following before classes start.
1. View Your Mandatory New Student Welcome Webinar
This webinar will go over a comprehensive look at your program and what to expect as an online learner including resources and tips for success. Each webinar should last around 30-40 minutes. Please RSVP for your Welcome Webinar as soon as possible.
2. Schedule Your New Student Check-in Call
In this call, you’ll “meet” a member of your Student Success Team for your program. Once you attend the welcome webinar, you will be given the link to schedule your new student check-in call. This will be a chance for us to answer any additional questions you have before you start your first term. Please be sure to have any Canvas-related, program-related, or finance-related questions prepared.
3. Complete Your Canvas Orientation Course – Due September 1, 2023
Once you have been registered in your classes, you will be able to access your New Student Orientation Course on Canvas within 24 hours. When accessing Canvas, please make sure to use Firefox or Chrome as your browser.
The New Student Orientation course is designed to help you navigate your way around Canvas prior to beginning your first class. You will learn where to find the syllabus, course schedule, assignments, and discussion boards.
Your Orientation is mandatory, and must be completed before the first day of class—so we encourage you to get started! Please plan to spend about 8 hours completing the Orientation course. You can move through the Orientation at your own pace, so schedule your time accordingly.
Looking for assistance?
4. Finalize Your Tuition Payment Plan
We recommend that students start this planning early as some funding sources can take some time to process. Tuition payments should be completed in full by the first day of the semester. Visit the “Tuition & Payment Methods” section for more information.
5. Review your Student Handbook
Please make sure to review your student handbook prior to the first day of class, and reference it as needed throughout your program. The handbook is where you can find information on academic expectations, drop and refund policy, technology requirements, curriculum, frequently asked questions, and more.
Download a pdf version of your student handbook.
Graduate Student Success Program
2023 Dates: Monday, July 24 – Wednesday, July 26, 2023
The Graduate Student Success Program is an optional opportunity for students to unpack the hidden curriculum of graduate school, connect with other graduate students across the university, and feel empowered to step into the new identity of being a graduate student and scholar. Through workshops and presentations, our virtual program will address questions such as:
- How do I make the most of my experience as a graduate student?
- What if I feel like I don’t belong here?
- How do I interact with faculty as a graduate student?
- How do I tend to my financial wellness while in graduate school?
- What are some strategies to access support?
IMPORTANT DATES
Below is a list of significant dates regarding the registration process, payment deadlines, and other important academic and program deadlines.
Summer 2023 Dates & Deadlines
| Important Dates | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | April 10, 2023 |
| Registration Opens | March 6, 2023 |
| Registration Deadline | April 21, 2023 |
| Orientation Course Due Date | May 5, 2023 |
| Last Day to Drop with 100% Refund | May 8, 2023 |
| Payment Due Date | May 9, 2023 |
| Semester Begins | May 9, 2023 |
| First Course Start Date | May 9, 2023 |
| Last Day to Drop with 95% Refund/ Drop Deadline | May 12, 2023 |
| Last Day to Withdraw from Course A | June 5, 2023 |
| First Course End Date | June 26, 2023 |
| Second Course Start Date | June 27, 2023 |
| First Course Final Grade Submission Due Date | July 11, 2023 |
| Last Day to Withdraw from Course B | July 24, 2023 |
| Second Course End Date | August 14, 2023 |
| Semester Ends | August 14, 2023 |
| Second Course Final Grade Submission Due Date | August 28, 2023 |
Fall 2023 Dates & Deadlines
| Important Dates | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | August 1, 2023 |
| Registration Opens | July 5, 2023 |
| Registration Deadline | August 14, 2023 |
| Orientation Course Due Date | September 1, 2023 |
| Last Day to Drop with 100% Refund | September 4, 2023 |
| Payment Due Date | September 5, 2023 |
| Semester Begins | September 5, 2023 |
| First Course Start Date | September 5, 2023 |
| Last Day to Drop with 95% Refund/ Drop Deadline | September 8, 2023 |
| Last Day to Withdraw from Course A | October 2, 2023 |
| First Course End Date | October 23, 2023 |
| Second Course Start Date | October 24, 2023 |
| First Course Final Grade Submission Due Date | November 6, 2023 |
| Last Day to Withdraw from Course B | November 20, 2023 |
| Second Course End Date | December 11, 2023 |
| Semester Ends | December 11, 2023 |
| Second Course Final Grade Submission Due Date | December 25, 2023 |
Spring 2024 Dates & Deadlines
| Important Dates | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | December 1, 2023 |
| Registration Opens | November 1, 2023 |
| Registration Deadline | December 15, 2023 |
| Orientation Course Due Date | January 5, 2024 |
| Last Day to Drop with 100% Refund | January 8, 2024 |
| Payment Due Date | January 9, 2024 |
| Semester Begins | January 9, 2024 |
| First Course Start Date | January 9, 2024 |
| Last Day to Drop with 95% Refund/ Drop Deadline | January 12, 2024 |
| Last Day to Withdraw from Course A | February 5, 2024 |
| First Course End Date | February 26, 2024 |
| Second Course Start Date | February 27, 2024 |
| First Course Final Grade Submission Due Date | March 11, 2024 |
| Last Day to Withdraw from Course B | March 25, 2024 |
| Second Course End Date | April 15, 2024 |
| Semester Ends | April 15, 2024 |
| Second Course Final Grade Submission Due Date | April 29, 2024 |
Download a pdf of your academic calendar
Class Registration Directions
You have most likely already filled out an Enrollment Agreement, which enables our team to register you for classes each term. No further action is required on your part.
If you are not able to register for both of your courses in a given term, please contact your program coordinator immediately. This often happens for students who need to take a leave of absence.
Textbook information
Students are required to have their textbooks on hand by the first day of class. Unless otherwise specified, students may select any vendor they prefer (such as Amazon.com, Half.com, Alibris.com, etc.) to purchase their course materials. In the event a specific vendor is required, it will be specified in the course materials list. The best way to ensure that you have the correct book is to search by the ISBN number(s) listed on the book list.
Physical copies of books are not on hand at the USD Torero Store. The USD Torero online store does offer price comparisons for different online vendors for some books.
Although all textbooks for all courses are listed, students only need to purchase the items for the classes they are taking for the semester.
Digital Inclusive Access (IA) – Integrated VitalSource Textbooks
If your course is indicated to have a “Digital Inclusive Access” textbook, you do have the option to use the integrated Vitalsource e-textbook without needing to purchase a textbook through an outside vendor. For more information, view the “Digital Inclusive Access” FAQs document.
- Students are able to access the e-textbook directly in the course without worrying about purchasing the wrong version or textbook!
- If your course is indicated as using “Digital Inclusive Access” on the textbook list, please note that you must opt-out within the first 4 days of each course to avoid being charged for the guaranteed-lowest price textbook.
- If you do intend to use “Digital Inclusive Access”, no further action is required after you create a Vitalsource account.
- No refunds can be issued once the textbook charge has been assessed.
PAYing for your program
Tuition at USD is billed per semester, not per course. Payment (or enrollment in an official USD payment plan) is always due by the first day of the semester. Students may not carry balances from one semester to the next.
Accounts with outstanding balances after the official payment due date may be subject to course cancellations/removal or a student account hold during the semester; related holds can prevent upcoming registration, graduation, or obtaining transcripts.
Remember: tuition is always due by the first day of each semester.
Program Tuition
Once you have been registered for your courses, your student account will reflect the appropriate tuition costs according to your program. Your program’s tuition is the following:
- Per Unit (classes are typically 3-units) = $880
- Per Semester (assuming 6-units per semester) = $5,280
- Total Program Cost (including 5 semesters) = $26,400
Students who need to re-take or withdraw from a course may need to pay additional fees according to the Refund/Drop Deadline policies listed in your Student Handbook.
If you have any questions about your Student Account, please reach out to the One Stop Center via email at [email protected] or phone at 619-260-2700. All costs and fees are subject to change and are based on the academic year of enrollment.
Refund Policy
Students will be registered for their prescribed courses each semester. All courses must be dropped prior to the first day of the semester to receive a 100% tuition refund and within the first three days of the start date of the semester to receive a 95% tuition refund. No refund (reversal of tuition) will be provided after the third day of the semester for any class.
DEGREE PROGRESS & COMMENCEMENT
DegreeWorks
You can track your progress toward earning your degree using the Degree Works feature in your MySanDiego student portal. Degree Works shows you which courses you have completed, grades, cumulative GPA, any outstanding graduation requirements, and more!
To access Degree Works:
- Log in to your MySanDiego student portal.
- Under the “Torero Hub” tab, click on “My Academics.”
- On the right-hand side under “My Academic Resources”, click on “Degree Works.”
Petition to Graduate
Submitting your petition to graduate is a requirement for every student. About a semester before your final term, you will be reminded by your Program Coordinator to submit your petition to graduate. Once completed, your Academic Coordinator will review your academic record and contact you if there are any outstanding requirements or issues.
Commencement and Diploma Details
If you are planning on participating in the commencement ceremony (which means walking in your cap and gown here on campus), you will be invited to come to the University of San Diego in the month of May to participate in the ceremony. Commencement details and information will be sent from your Student Success Team around the month of February. Please note, there is only one commencement ceremony each academic year. Fall graduates will be invited to the commencement ceremony the May after they graduate, while Summer graduates will be invited to the commencement ceremony the May before they graduate.
The registrar will process their final audit of the degrees 6-8 weeks after grades are posted for your final semester. Once the degree is conferred in the system, the Registrar will order your diploma from the vendor and the vendor will send it to you directly to the address that was listed on your petition to graduate. Mailing time is an additional 6-8 weeks from the date of order, and you will likely receive your diploma in the mail in 3-4 months after you have completed your degree requirements. *Please note, if your mailing address changes after you submit your Petition to Graduate, please notify the Graduate Records office at (619) 260-2217 or [email protected].
Course Requirements
The 30-unit program will consist of ten courses. Courses will be offered year-round with three semesters every year; Spring, Summer, and Fall. Each semester will last 14 weeks. Students will take two courses per semester. Courses will run for seven weeks each with a one or two-week break in between semesters. This intensive format will allow students to focus on one course at a time and to still complete the degree program in 20 months.
Course Titles and Descriptions
LEAD 502A: Leading in The Nonprofit Sector
This is a survey course that is intended to prepare students for leadership roles in the nonprofit sector by helping them gain an understanding of America’s “nonprofit nation” and its place relative to nonprofit sectors throughout the world. This course is focused on the integration of theory with practice. It explores the development, history and nature of the sector , governance structures of nonprofit organizations, leadership perspectives, and operating strategies. Topics will include socio-economic, historical, and critical perspectives related to the legal structure of nonprofits, board responsibilities, regulatory reform and accountability measures, the structure and nature of philanthropy. The course is designed as an interactive and reflective learning experience that incorporates significant case study and group problem-solving exercises.
LEAD 502B: Applied Research Methods for Leaders and Managers
This course is designed to help nonprofit leaders become critical and well-informed consumers of research to support effective program planning, evaluations, and decision making in their organizations Students learn the basic principles of well conducted research through readings and analysis of relevant research studies from both the popular and academic settings so they may understand the power and limitations of social science research. Moreover, this course facilitates the understanding of intercultural, ethical, and legal considerations involved in conducting research and emphasizes processes of research to address issues of social justice and equity.
LEAD 505: Developing Human Capital
A study of how leadership and change in contemporary organizations are connected conceptually and in practice. Students will study models of organizational change, connect them to models of leadership and management and learn collaborative skills and behaviors that will help them be change agents in their organizations and professions. Emphasizes the overarching theme of changing institutions and our society to help them be more humane and responsive to solving the difficult problems that we face.
LEAD 512: Policy Advocacy Leadership
The course focuses on the role of policy advocacy as an essential tool in shaping governmental and corporate policies. Understanding advocacy practices is essential to improved program outcomes across organizations, including schools, nonprofits, and the government. Students will apply existing best practices and analytical frameworks to analyze the role of advocacy in issue emergence, policy making, and policy implementation across different political, institutional, and cultural contexts. Students learn how to execute policy research and analysis, map political systems and actor positioning, and develop appropriate advocacy strategies advancing constituent interests. Students will also explore the leadership dimensions of building diverse and inclusive advocacy coalitions, develop effective communication strategies, and address opponents and counter-mobilization.
LEAD 516: Governance and Strategy
This course focuses on the governance of nonprofit organizations, including the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders such as the board of directors, CEO, staff, and constituents. It covers key elements of governance, such as strategy, accountability, fiduciary responsibilities, and the function and structure of the board of directors. The course also teaches how to assemble and manage a board, build positive relationships between the board and staff, coordinate board work, manage information flow, and evaluate board effectiveness.
LEAD 521: Leading Change in Complex Ecosystems
The course focuses on the connection between leadership and change in contemporary organizations and societies. Students will learn about established and emerging theories of leadership, management, culture, and organizational and social change, and how they can be applied in a globalized world. The course also emphasizes the importance of developing collaborative skills and behaviors, to enable students to become change agents in their organizations and communities. In addition, this course emphasizes the overarching theme of changing institutions and our society to help the students be more humane and responsive to solving the difficult problems of social justice and inequity that we face.
LEAD 528: Nonprofit Financial Leadership
This course provides students with the knowledge required to effectively supervise the financial management of nonprofit organizations by focusing on five areas: financial policies and internal controls; financial statement presentation and analysis; revenues, expenses, liabilities, and cash management; budgeting; audit and tax reporting. Students will be asked to critically assess the finances of selected nonprofits and consider how, as leaders, they will convey their findings to a variety of stakeholders, such as their board, donors, constituents, and staff.
LEAD 529: Designing and Evaluating High Impact Programs
To ensure accountability to their constituents and the broader public, nonprofit leaders must be able to critically analyze and report on their programs. This course prepares students to undertake the research, design, and evaluation process used in nonprofit and public agencies to ensure the highest levels of program effectiveness and impact. Students will learn how to develop an overarching theory of change to guide the fundamentals of program development and assessment and to support a process of continuous improvement within their organizations. The course covers key topics such as assessing community needs, using research to guide program design, cultural competency, designing evaluation processes, applying an equity framework in evaluation, sharing evaluation results, and making modifications based on evaluation results.
LEAD 530: Resource Development and Philanthropy
This course examines the fundamental role of fundraising programs within nonprofit organizations. Students will learn to craft communications materials for key constituencies and stakeholders, identify and develop a well-balanced base of support from individual donors and institutional funders (foundations, corporations, government agencies), and gain knowledge of common fundraising cycles and philanthropy programs. The course will also cover the cultivation and solicitation of individuals, the role of boards in fundraising, grant writing, and special events. Throughout the course, there will be discussions on ethical issues, technical tools and skills and the management of fundraising departments within a nonprofit organization. The goal of this course is to ensure that each student gains a broad and sophisticated understanding of resource development/fundraising.
LEAD 531: Capstone
In this capstone course, students apply their knowledge by working on a project with a nonprofit organization of their choice. They will assess the organization’s management and leadership functions and make recommendations for improvement. The course also requires students to reflect on their own leadership development and prepare a final reflection paper and presentation.
Student Resources
This list is helpful resources that will set you up for success. Haven’t written in APA formatting since your undergraduate program? We’ve got you covered! Want to know what type of computer you will need? No problem. We have listed helpful resources below.
Technical Requirements
You must own or have unrestricted access to a computer for this program. A fast Internet connection is also mandatory.
Courses will utilize a variety of technologies and multimedia. To complete course activities and to access course content, please verify that you have the following technologies and plug-ins available:
- Browser Plug-ins – Windows Media Player, QuickTime, Shockwave, Adobe Reader, and Java.
- Mozilla Firefox is the recommended browser.
- Microsoft Office is required. If you are using Office 2003 or earlier, download and install the Microsoft Office Compatibility pack.
- Speakers or headset – to listen to multimedia.
- Webcam – for recording video.
- Email – To contact your faculty.
- High-speed internet connection strongly encouraged (DSL or better)
Graduate Writing Expectations and Tips
All writing assignments must be formatted according to APA standards. Discussion posts must contain the appropriate APA citations. If you want additional writing support, we recommend Purdue Online Writing Lab ([email protected]). In addition to general writing support, the website includes a special section dedicated to APA formatting guidelines.
Another helpful writing resource is the School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES) Graduate Student Writing Center. Enrolled students can submit assignments for review by a writing professional.
Download Microsoft Office 365 (Free for USD Students)
Students at the University of San Diego are able to download Microsoft Office 365 for free! If you don’t have it already, you can download the Microsoft Office 365 suite using your USD student email.
TimelyCare – Telehealth for USD Students
TimelyCare is a provider of 24/7, no-cost telehealth services for USD students to address common conditions that can be safely diagnosed and treated remotely. TimelyCare services are available at no cost to the student. Services include:
- Live and on-demand self-care sessions (yoga, breathing, stretching)
- Access to on-demand counselors for emotional health support
- Access to schedule a session with a licensed counselor (up to 12 times per year)
- View the Nurturing Balance Webinar Recording to learn about more resources
MS-NP Student Handbook
The handbook is where you can find information on academic expectations, drop and refund policy, technology requirements, curriculum, frequently asked questions, and more.
Download a pdf version of your student handbook.
External Tutoring Resource
USD does not offer subject-specific tutoring resources, so students who are looking for tutoring support are encouraged to identify a tutor using Wyzant.com. Please note that Wyzant is not a USD-managed resource, so use them at your own discretion.
Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities for Graduate Students
It is the policy of the University of San Diego to adhere to the rules and regulations as announced in this brochure or other University Publications. The University nevertheless hereby gives notice that it reserves the right to expand or delete or otherwise modify this online publication whenever such changes are adjudged by it to be desirable or necessary. Changes will be made periodically as needed.
Canvas @ USD
In your program, you can think of Canvas as your virtual tool to share information with professors and peers. You will use Canvas to access your course content, find course syllabi, review your assignments, and more. Be sure to use your USD login credential to log in. If you have any difficulty logging into your course, be sure to contact ITS at (619) 260-7900 or [email protected].
Netiquette Guidelines
The concept of netiquette covers proper communication online. Read our guidelines to help cultivate a supportive and productive online environment.
your partners toward success
At USD, you join a community of individuals who are all committed to one common goal: your success. As you familiarize yourself with your team, take the opportunity to virtually meet and connect with the resources available to you as a student. Click on the profiles below to learn more about each office or staff member and watch a brief video about their role in supporting you through graduation.
Career and professional resources
Whether you’re hoping to find a new job or earn a promotion, USD has a wealth of resources available to prepare you for your dream role.