International NGOs and Nonprofit Studies Minor or Certificate
An International Nongovernmental Organization (INGO) is a nonprofit organization that operates in multiple countries, separate from the government, to advocate on behalf of people and issues. INGOs seek to change the world through campaigns, policy, law and activism.
Be a Changemaker!
Do you admire work done by INGOs toward environmental protection (Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, Sea Shepherd), humanitarian aid (Red Cross, Oxfam, and Care), law (International Commission of Jurists, Advocates for Human Rights), and human rights (Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch)? Our certificate program and minor program provide students with a strong foundation to begin making impactful change.
Career Opportunities
- Elected Official
- Public Administration
- Nonprofit and NGO Strategist
- Community Organizer
- Philanthropy
- Human Rights Advocate
- Grant Writer
Why INGOs and Non-Profits? | Why Our Program?
- study how individuals make change around the world
- engage in hands-on community work in Providence
- travel abroad to work on human rights, poverty, healthcare, and environmental issues
- join an alumi network of working professionals in nonprofits and NGOs
- learn what makes the world go round
"Earning an INGOs certificate was a pivotal step in my governmental career to better understand the necessary efforts to serve my community and create meaningful change."
-Annisha ‘18
Minor Program Course Information
We also offer International NGOs and Nonprofit Studies as a minor program. For undergraduate students, declaring a minor allows you to explore other areas of interest and make interdisciplinary connections with your major program. Minor areas at ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ complement and reinforce all major areas of study. By declaring a minor, you can set yourself apart as a candidate for job, internship and volunteer opportunities.
Program/Learning Goals
Upon completion of our programs, students will have:
- been exposed to the many ways that nongovernmental actors and groups of actors shape the world
- effectively contextualized INGOs as important members of global civil society and the global system
- an understanding of global issues and problems and an appreciation for the creative ways that INGOs solve these problems
- knowledge of the objectives, approaches and tactics of specific INGOs
- been introduced to community engagement through the RI Food Justice Project
- taken part in INGO activities through internships, giving them practical and valuable job experience and allowing them to apply ideas and theories explored in the classroom
- cultivated their critical-thinking skills through in-depth case studies of INGOs across a range of issue areas
- honed their skills for success in working with/for INGOs: carrying out research, making an argument, providing evidence and persuading a listener, writing clearly and concisely, and speaking publicly
- engaged with important global issues
Alumni Successes
We're proud to say that program graduates have gone on to work for establishments such as:
- United Nations
- Plan USA
- Save the Bay
- Capital Good Fund
- Mayor’s Office
- Dorcas International
- Graduate and Law School
Contact the Program Director
Department of Political Science
The Department of Political Science oversees degree programs in political science, public administration, geography and a certificate program in international nongovernmental organizations.
- emailpoliticalsciencedept@ric.edu
- phone401-456-8056
- placeGaige Hall, Suite 240
