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Doctor of Philosophy in Human Services

School of Public Service Leadership

Nonprofit Management and Leadership

Prepare yourself to take a leadership role in your community. Changing demographics, an aging population, reductions in government programs, and other societal changes are increasing the need for nonprofit leaders with the skills to develop innovative solutions to these emerging challenges. This Nonprofit Management and Leadership doctoral specialization is designed around industry standards for nonprofit management education, including the graduate curriculum guidelines established by the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council (NACC). You will study such topics as organizational and community collaborations; multicultural and diverse population needs; employee and volunteer development; legal, regulatory, and tax issues; financial analysis and reporting; marketing; program evaluation; strategic planning; and advanced skills in fund development and stewardship—all from a nonprofit perspective. Simulations, group problem-solving, and real-time coaching sessions are used to strengthen the collaboration and communication skills needed by nonprofit leaders. You will also add to the nonprofit management body of knowledge with your own doctoral research. People who choose this specialization often wish to pursue leadership, faculty, or consulting positions in nonprofit organizations or are considering starting their own nonprofit organization.

Read what others have to say about this specialization, or leave your own comment, and be sure to check back often to converse with others about their Capella experiences.

Total Program: 120 quarter credits
Up to 48 quarter credits may be transferred into this specialization
Next Start Date: March 5, 2012
Quarter - Coursework: $4,530
Up to 3 courses per quarter
Quarter - Comps/Diss: $4,062

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Residency requirements: Three 4-day weekend experiences

Learn about the residential colloquia experience.
In addition to your online courses, you will complete 3 residential colloquia, each of which includes a 4-day weekend experience, at specific stages in your program. These energizing residencies provide you with insights and knowledge that will be valuable during your PhD studies and beyond.

Doctoral colloquia each have 3 steps:

Step 1: Colloquium Courseroom (opens approximately 2 weeks prior to Weekend Experience)
Step 2: Weekend Experience (4-day residency)
Step 3: Colloquium Courseroom—Assessment and evaluation (completed the week after the Weekend Experience)

What is the cost to attend?

The price for each colloquium is $1,495 (pricing is subject to periodic adjustment), but doesn’t include costs for evening meals or travel. You’ll be responsible for making your hotel reservations and travel arrangements.
  • Learn more about residency requirements.
  • Get more detailed information and learn how the residency experiences will enrich your learning at Capella University. Speak with an enrollment counselor at 1.888.227.3552.

Gain more value from your degree

Expand your educational and career opportunities by choosing one of Capella's degree enrichment options.

  • Add a concentration to gain deeper expertise

    Delve more deeply into a specific knowledge area by earning a concentration that will be included on your transcript and can enhance your career opportunities. If you have elective courses in your degree program, you may be able to use them to fulfill both your degree and concentration requirements at the same time. However, completing a concentration may extend your total credits beyond the requirements of your degree.

    Concentrations available as part of this specialization include:
    • Public Administration
    • Public Policy Management and Collaborative Governance
    • Public Health
    • Health Policy and Management
    • Homeland Security
    • Forensics
    • Fire Service Administration

Core Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)

  • HS8002 - Advanced Research in Adult Human Development and Behavior
  • HS8300 - Diversity in the Workplace
  • HS8106 - Epistemology of Practice Knowledge
  • HS8100 - Fundamentals of Social Science Research*
  • HS8122 - Quantitative Research Methods in Public Service*
  • HS8123 - Advanced Qualitative Research Methods in Public Service*
  • HS8124 - Advanced Study in Research Methods in Public Service*

Specialization Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)

  • NPL7104 - Leadership, Governance, and Ethics
  • NPL7208 - Strategic Fund Development
  • NPL8208 - Advanced Fund Development Philosophy and Practice*
  • NPL7304 - Financial Analysis and Reporting for Nonprofit Leaders
  • NPL7308 - Leading Resource Performance in Nonprofit Organizations
  • NPL7608 - Nonprofit Marketing, Public Policy, and Advocacy
  • NPL8304 - Collaboration, Coalitions, and Public Relations
  • NPL8308 - Nonprofit Legal Issues
  • NPL8312 - Program Evaluation and Research Application in the Nonprofit Sector
  • NPL7704 - Strategy and Performance in Nonprofit Organizations
  • NPL8404 - Global and Societal Interaction
  • NPL8704 - Innovation and Future Trends in the Social Sector
  • HS9919 - Doctoral Comprehensive Examination*
  • HS9920 - Dissertation Courseroom* - non-credit
  • HS9921 - Dissertation Research 1* - 5 quarter credits
  • HS9922 - Dissertation Research 2* - 5 quarter credits
  • HS9923 - Dissertation Research 3* - 5 quarter credits
  • HS9924 - Dissertation Research 4* - 5 quarter credits

Five Elective Courses (20 quarter credits)

  • Choose any graduate courses from the School of Public Service Leadership.
* This course has a prerequisite. Contact an enrollment counselor for more information.

Course Descriptions

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Progress!

September 2, 2011LaVerne I have just finished my doctoral journey with Capella. It was rewarding on so many levels. The course work was challenging and informative. The opportunities to meet new people as well as their enthusiasm and willingness to share was dynamic. The instructors and advisors were "hands on" and very approachable. There were moments along the way that were discouraging, but Capella staff and faculty has so many special ways of letting you know that they care. I received cards and emails with encouraging words from Capella, and Capella provides so many supportive resources. Yes, you've got to do the work, and the work is not easy. However, it is a journey that brings with it so much growth both personally and professionally. It is a journey that is worth the long-term investment of time and energy.

Dissertation focus for PHD in Non Profit Leadership

September 5, 2011Lori What's the focus of the dissertation for this program? Is it primarily research based or action/application based?
Image of enrollment counselor from the team that specializes in Capella's human services degree programs
Image of enrollment counselor from the team that specializes in Capella's human services degree programs

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