Philanthropy Major

Paint a Pot Outreach Event

Create Change With Community

It is estimated that 1 in every 20 Texans works at a nonprofit organization. The United States is home to millions of nonprofit organizations doing great work in communities across the country and you may interact with more than you realize. Whether it be an art museum, afterschool program, hospital, or zoo there are many nonprofit organizations seeking to create the change they wish to see in the world. A degree in philanthropy prepares you to lead and serve in your community to act and advocate for change.

Philanthropy Highlights

Introduction to Nonprofits and Philanthropy

Partnered with River Legacy Foundation to increase attendance at their annual Earth Day Event. Students created social media posts, videos, posters and initiated tabling events across campus to practice their elevator pitch.  Students volunteered at the event to welcome guests, run children's activities, and create social media posts.

Fundraising and Development

Partnered with SafeHaven of Tarrant County to assist their development department with their annual 'Purple Party' fundraising event. Students created donor newsletters, a press release, social media content, and a table host fundraising packet. Students volunteered onsite to assist with check-in & welcome, social media, and running the silent auction. 

Nonprofit Management

Acted as consultants to assist with the formation & nonprofit management plan for a new nonprofit, POUR Ministries. Through research, developed an action plan to assist the board and executive director work through the process of how to form and launch their nonprofit, along with a first-year budget and a program logical framework for their first community program.

What Can You Do With A Philanthropy Degree?

  • Program Manager
  • Fundraising Specialist
  • Development Coordinator
  • Marketing Manager
  • Grant Writer
  • Program Officer
  • Corporate Social Responsibility Liaison

Courses In The Major

Foundational Courses

  • PCOM 2301 - Introduction to Nonprofits and Philanthropy
  • COMM 3300 - Communication Technology
  • COMM 3310 - Communication Law and Ethics
  • COMM 3315 - Communication Theory

Advanced Courses

  • PCOM 3301 - Fundraising and Development
  • ENGL 3379 - Grant and Proposal Writing
  • PCOM 4320 - Managerial Communication
  • PCOM 4395 - Directed Internship in Nonprofits and Philanthropy 

Internships and Opportunities

All philanthropy students are required to complete an internship with a nonprofit organization as part of the degree program. Upon reaching upper division status, students have the opportunity to intern with local, regional, statewide, or national nonprofits. Students are encouraged to contact their advisor or sequence coordinator to being to identify internship opportunities early.

Learn more about our current internships.

Philanthropy Coordinator

Dr. Carmin Harris

Assistant Professor of Practice, Philanthropy

Dr. Carmin Harris

Email: carmin.harris@uta.edu

Office: FAB 2119