University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law recently hosted a webinar highlighting the Non-Profit and Social Capacity Management concentration within the Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Master of Public Policy (MPP) programs. The webinar featured Dr. J. Brandon Philips, Director of Public Policy and Public Administration Programs, who shared insights into the growing need for professionals who can strengthen organizations while building the social capacity necessary to support long-term community change.
During the session, attendees learned how McGeorge prepares students to lead mission-driven organizations and address real-world public challenges through a combination of leadership development, policy understanding, and practical management skills.
What Is Nonprofit Management and Social Capacity?
When many think of nonprofits, they think of solely human service organizations, but the field includes more often overlooked in those conversations: charities, foundations, labor unions, social and recreational clubs, etc. Managing these organizations requires a specialized skillset and a deep understanding of the fundamentals, such as mission-driven administration, managing stakeholders, fundraising, clients, advocacy, and other hallmarks associated with nonprofit work.
Another key aspect of the field involves looking at the influence of nonprofit organizations upon the community. How can we improve existing organizations and build new ones that address social capacity and changing systems? McGeorge prepares students to graduate and make an impact, taking their learned skills with them.
A Concentration Designed for Mission-Driven Professionals
McGeorge’s Non-Profit and Social Capacity Management concentration teaches the skills necessary to strengthen organizations that serve communities. Within nonprofit management, social capacity is a key component. Social capacity refers to the ability of organizations, institutions, and communities to work collectively toward meaningful and sustainable solutions. In practice, that means developing leaders who understand how to collaborate across sectors, build networks, manage resources, and create systems that support long-term impact.
The Non-Profit and Social Capacity Management concentration is designed for students interested in careers in:
- Nonprofit leadership and administration
- Public service and advocacy
- Community development
- Public policy organizations
- Social impact and mission-driven work
What You’ll Take Away
Students in the concentration develop practical skills in leadership, negotiation, organizational management, collaboration, and systems-level thinking while gaining a deeper understanding of the legal and policy frameworks that shape nonprofit and public sector work. Classes within the concentration include:
- Non-Profit Management
- Enhancing Societal Capacity
- Leading Systemic Change
- Negotiations
The concentration concludes with an externship placement, providing students with the opportunity to work within a nonprofit, build relationships, earn experiences, and give back to the community.
Understanding the Difference Between the MPA and MPP
McGeorge School of Law, nationally ranked and now over 100 years old, is the first law school to offer the MPA and MPP professional degrees.
- The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program emphasizes management, implementation, and leadership techniques. It contains 30 units.
- The Master of Public Policy (MPP) program places greater emphasis on data skills, research, analysis, evaluation, and development of public policies. It contains 39 units.
McGeorge’s experienced faculty focuses on critical competencies that specifically prepare students to gain the capability and skills needed to run an organization. Both MPA and MPP programs are grounded in a core curriculum focused on five learning outcomes:
- Lead and manage in public governance
- Participate in and contribute to the public policy process
- Analyze and synthesize information in support of complex decision-making
- Articulate and apply a public service perspective
- Communicate and interact productively with diverse public stakeholders
This is a field full of motivated, passionate people who want to help support others and give back to the community. If you’re looking to advance in nonprofit leadership, advocacy, or public service careers, McGeorge’s MPA and MPP programs offer a flexible, career-focused pathway to developing those skills.
Learn more about the MPA and MPP programs and apply today.