Experiential Learning

Experiential Learning Experiential learning is a core part of the Master of Nonprofit Management (MNPM) program. We believe students learn best when they can apply classroom knowledge to real nonprofit and public-service challenges. Throughout the program, students have multiple opportunities to gain hands-on experience, build professional networks, and strengthen career-ready skills. These opportunities are designed to be flexible, inclusive of different career goals, and aligned with the nonprofit sector. MNPM students may participate in the following experiential learning pathways with diverse community partners.

Internships

MNPM Students are required to take two internship courses, POLS 6380 and POLS 6381, each requiring 120 hours of management-level training in an approved organization. Internships allow students to gain structured, supervised professional experience in nonprofit organizations, foundations, public agencies, or mission-driven organizations. Internships may be completed during the academic year and can be tailored to students’ career interests and schedules.

What internships offer:

• Hands-on management and leadership experience
• Exposure to real organizational decision-making
• Opportunities to apply coursework in development, finance, governance, evaluation, and leadership
• Professional mentoring and networking
• Potential full-time hiring opportunities

Internship Application Form PDF

Special Projects

The POLS 6395 Special Project course offers MNPM students the opportunity to engage in hands-on, independent research as a form of experiential learning. Through this course, students design and complete a substantive research or applied project aligned with their professional interests, career goals, or organizational needs.

Students move through the full research process—from idea development to final presentation—gaining practical experience in evidence-based inquiry and project management. While individual topics and methods vary, the course provides structured support in core components of nonprofit and public sector research, including:

• Developing a focused research proposal and clearly articulated research questions
• Conducting and synthesizing relevant academic and practitioner literature
• Designing appropriate research methods and completing IRB applications when required
• Collecting, managing, and analyzing qualitative or quantitative data
• Writing, revising, and presenting a final research paper or project report

Rather than traditional lectures, the course is conducted through individualized, one-on-one supervision. Students work closely with a faculty mentor, meeting regularly to receive guidance, feedback, and support. Supervision sessions are driven by student progress and are tailored to each project’s scope and goals. Students are expected to come prepared with drafts, data, questions, or updates and to meet agreed-upon milestones throughout the semester.

Through POLS 6395, students develop advanced research, analytical, and communication skills while producing a meaningful project that can inform nonprofit practice, organizational decision-making, or future doctoral study.

Special Project Application Form PDF

Service-Learning Projects

Many MNPM courses integrate service-learning projects, where students collaborate directly with community partners as part of their coursework. These projects allow students to gain experience while enrolled in regular courses, making experiential learning accessible to all students. Service-learning emphasizes:

• Connecting theory to practice
• Working with real nonprofit organizations
• Producing deliverables that organizations can use

Travel Class

The MNPM program offers travel-based experiential courses, which may take place in the United States or abroad. Travel classes are designed to broaden students’ understanding of nonprofit work across different communities, regions, and global contexts. Travel classes typically include:

• Site visits to nonprofit organizations and community partners
• Conversations with nonprofit leaders and practitioners
• Comparative perspectives on nonprofit management and leadership
• Cultural, policy, and organizational context learning

Upcoming Summer 2026 Travel Class to New York City

In the past few years, MNPM students have traveled to China, New Orleans, Rio Grande Valley, Gulf Coast, Austin, San Antonio, El Paso, Dallas, and more. 

In Summer 2025, POLS 6314 Leadership Trend/Topics course travelled to New Orleans, LA. 

• Greater New Orleans Collaborative of Charter Schools
• YouthForce NOLA
• Propeller: A Force for Social Innovation
• Lowernine.org
• Eden Centers for Hope and Healing
• The Arc of Greater New Orleans
• Thrive New Orleans
• Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana
• Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans
• El Centro LA
• Puentes New Orleans
• Covenant House New Orleans

Travel Class Photos

12 organizations we visited in 2025 in POLS 6314 Leadership Trend/Topics