Ministry and Church Leadership Certificate Program
Rev. Dr. Anne McKee, Director/Campus Minister and Coordinator
The Certificate Program in Ministry and Church Leadership is designed to equip students with a set of intellectual and practical skills that will help to prepare them for future work in ministry. Though this program is not a substitute for later professional or graduate study, it offers valuable academic and practical preparation for various forms of ministry, such as, youth ministry, social outreach, and other forms of parish and pastoral work. The College will award the Certificate to students who successfully complete all program requirements as well as the requirements for graduation. Typically, all requirements for the major and the certificate program can be completed in a normal four-year course of study. The Certificate Program is open to students from all majors.
The Campus Minister serves as the Director of the Certificate Program. Students work with the Director and with their faculty advisor to select appropriate courses and coordinate the requirements of the Certificate Program in relation to their other academic requirements. The internship component of the Program is arranged in consultation with the Director. Students interested in pursuing ministry in a non-Christian religious tradition will consult with the Director to identify appropriate course substitutions.
Ministry and Church Leadership Certificate Requirements:
Students are required to complete the following five components:
Certificate-Related Course Requirements
An additional course in Biblical Studies:
| REL 130 | Hebrew Bible World and Culture | 3 |
| | Or | |
| REL 140 | The New Testament World and Culture | 3 |
One additional course outside of the student’s major selected from the following: (3 Credit Hours):
And a supervised and reflective internship in a church/ministry setting - Students will engage in a semester-long supervised internship experience in a local/selected church context. In addition to working with a supervisor in the selected setting, the student will also meet regularly with the Director to engage in reflection and discussion about the nature and various dimensions of ministry. The internship will usually take place in the student’s junior or senior year. Depending on a student’s major, this internship may or may not be taken for credit.
Nonprofit Leadership Program
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
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