SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
OU’s Master of Arts – Integrative Studies Volunteerism and Social Entrepreneurship Track Prepares Students for Careers Working With Volunteers
Organizations that rely on volunteer support as a pillar of their business models are increasingly interested in hiring people who understand how to develop, implement and maintain dedicated volunteer networks. The University of Oklahoma’s Master of Arts in Integrative Studies Volunteerism and Social Entrepreneurship Track prepares students for today’s workplace by giving them the skills needed to assess an organization’s volunteer needs and implement strategies to meet them. The program places an emphasis on what it takes to mobilize, monitor and retain a core group of talented and knowledgeable volunteers.
Featuring engaging and relevant topics taught by experts in the field, the Volunteerism and Social Entrepreneurship Track includes courses in Volunteering in the 21st Century, Volunteer Program Development, Volunteer Management and a volunteerism elective, as well as 15 hours of required Integrative Studies courses and a six-hour thesis or non-thesis. The track is part of the Master of Arts in Integrative Studies, a 33-hour, 100% online program that is designed to meet the needs of working adults.
Steve Gullberg, associate professor and lead faculty for the OU School of Integrative and Cultural Studies, said there is a significant need for people educated in how best to address social issues in business and how to work with and lead others as volunteers.
“A social entrepreneur is a person who explores business opportunities that have a positive impact on their community, in society or the world,” Gullberg said. “The goal of volunteerism is to help volunteers be effective in volunteer organizations, while social entrepreneurship allows individuals, startups and entrepreneurs to develop and fund solutions that directly address social issues. Graduates will know more about how to make valuable contributions in both areas.”
The Volunteerism and Social Entrepreneurship Track will prepare students for a career implementing and managing volunteer programs that benefit nonprofit, political, social, educational or economic organizations while ensuring that volunteers feel fulfilled and appreciated.
“This requires a different kind of motivation and a different kind of leadership,” Gullberg said. “Keeping people motivated by compensation other than money is a skill that must be learned and mastered.”
In addition to focusing on volunteerism and social entrepreneurship, students will learn theoretical perspectives from the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities, giving them a well-rounded understanding of interdisciplinary issues, as well enhanced research, critical-thinking and communication skills.
All courses are 16 weeks in length, and advisors are available to help students select the number of credit hours to take each semester, as well as what courses best suit their goals.
Visit the OU College of Professional and Continuing Studies website to learn more or find out if this degree option is the right choice for you.
