2 answers
Madelyn
Student
Wichita, Kansas
1
Question
Asked
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What major should I get for working in nonprofits?
I'm a high school senior and do a lot of volunteer work in my community and want to make a career out of helping others. I'm good at organizing people so I thought I could go work for a nonprofit as some sort of manager. Is this feasible and if so what major should I look at getting that would be the most helpful? I would also like to study agriculture and animal science and try and tie that into working for a nonprofit.
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2 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Madelyn. When thinking about a college major, it's important to consider both the skills nonprofits value and what you enjoy studying. Common majors for nonprofit careers include business administration, nonprofit management, public administration, or social sciences like sociology or political science. These programs teach important skills such as leadership, budgeting, project management, and communication, all of which are highly useful in running or managing nonprofit organizations.
Since you're also interested in agriculture and animal science, you can combine this with nonprofit work. Many nonprofits focus on food security, sustainable farming, animal care, or community gardening programs. Studying agriculture or animal science can help you work for organizations that teach people about farming, rescue and care for animals, or create programs for healthier communities.
Besides choosing a major, gaining hands-on experience while in college is very important. Volunteer work, internships, and part-time jobs with nonprofits teach you how these organizations work and help you develop leadership skills. Even if your classes are not directly about nonprofits, this experience shows future employers that you are committed and capable of managing projects and people.
Since you're also interested in agriculture and animal science, you can combine this with nonprofit work. Many nonprofits focus on food security, sustainable farming, animal care, or community gardening programs. Studying agriculture or animal science can help you work for organizations that teach people about farming, rescue and care for animals, or create programs for healthier communities.
Besides choosing a major, gaining hands-on experience while in college is very important. Volunteer work, internships, and part-time jobs with nonprofits teach you how these organizations work and help you develop leadership skills. Even if your classes are not directly about nonprofits, this experience shows future employers that you are committed and capable of managing projects and people.
Kirthi KN
Computers
35
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Kirthi’s Answer
Hi Madelyn,
That's a fantastic goal to have, and it's great you're planning this early.
Let's get your first question out of the way: Yes, your plan is 100% feasible. In fact, it's a brilliant idea. The nonprofit world is desperate for people who have both a passion for the mission (helping people, animal science) and the skills to actually run the organization (management, organizing people).
You've already figured out the secret: a nonprofit is still a business. It needs managers who can handle budgets, organize volunteers, and plan events—all skills you're good at.
Your interest in agriculture and animal science doesn't compete with your nonprofit goal; it focuses it. Think about it:
Animal shelters and humane societies
4-H or FFA (Future Farmers of America) organizations
Food banks that work with local farmers
Sustainable agriculture and conservation groups
Global organizations that provide livestock to families (like Heifer International)
All of these are nonprofits that would love to hire a manager who actually understands the science and mission behind their work.
So, here’s how to think about your major. You have a few great pathways.
Pathway 1: The "Specialist" Route
You major in your passion (the "what") and minor in the skill (the "how").
Major: Animal Science or Agriculture (or a related field like Agribusiness)
Minor: Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, or Leadership Studies
Why this works: You will be the subject-matter expert. When you work at an animal shelter, you will deeply understand animal welfare, nutrition, and health. This gives you huge credibility. The minor gives you the "organizing people" skills you'll need to run the place.
Pathway 2: The "Manager" Route
You major in the skill (the "how") and minor in your passion (the "what").
Major: Nonprofit Management (many colleges now offer this!), Business Administration, or Public Administration
Minor: Animal Science or Agriculture
Why this works: You will be the management expert. You'll be the one who knows how to write grants, manage the finances, market your mission, and organize large-scale volunteer efforts. Your minor ensures you can "speak the language" and are genuinely connected to the cause.
Pathway 3: The "Connector" Route
These majors are a great blend of both and are very popular in the nonprofit world.
Major: Agricultural Communications: This is a perfect blend. You learn about agriculture, but the focus is on how to communicate with the public, manage public relations, and organize events—all key nonprofit skills.
Major: Sociology or Social Work: These majors are all about understanding and helping communities. They are the backbone of human-services nonprofits. You could easily apply these principles to a nonprofit that serves rural or agricultural communities.
My Advice for You Right Now
Your Major is Only Half the Story: The most important thing on your resume will be internships. Whatever you major in, you must do internships at nonprofits. This is where you'll prove you can do the job.
Look for a Land-Grant University: Since you're in Kansas, look at schools like Kansas State University. These "land-grant" schools were specifically created to excel in agriculture and animal science and they often have strong leadership and business programs. You will find the perfect combination of classes there.
Keep Volunteering (Strategically): You're already doing this, which is great. Now, take it to the next level. Tell your volunteer coordinator, "I'm good at organizing and I want to learn about management. Could I please help you plan the next fundraiser or organize the volunteer schedule?" This is a small step from doing the work to managing the work.
Bottom line: You are on the perfect track. You don't have to choose between your interests. You just need to pick a major-minor combination that builds both. You've got this!
That's a fantastic goal to have, and it's great you're planning this early.
Let's get your first question out of the way: Yes, your plan is 100% feasible. In fact, it's a brilliant idea. The nonprofit world is desperate for people who have both a passion for the mission (helping people, animal science) and the skills to actually run the organization (management, organizing people).
You've already figured out the secret: a nonprofit is still a business. It needs managers who can handle budgets, organize volunteers, and plan events—all skills you're good at.
Your interest in agriculture and animal science doesn't compete with your nonprofit goal; it focuses it. Think about it:
Animal shelters and humane societies
4-H or FFA (Future Farmers of America) organizations
Food banks that work with local farmers
Sustainable agriculture and conservation groups
Global organizations that provide livestock to families (like Heifer International)
All of these are nonprofits that would love to hire a manager who actually understands the science and mission behind their work.
So, here’s how to think about your major. You have a few great pathways.
Pathway 1: The "Specialist" Route
You major in your passion (the "what") and minor in the skill (the "how").
Major: Animal Science or Agriculture (or a related field like Agribusiness)
Minor: Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, or Leadership Studies
Why this works: You will be the subject-matter expert. When you work at an animal shelter, you will deeply understand animal welfare, nutrition, and health. This gives you huge credibility. The minor gives you the "organizing people" skills you'll need to run the place.
Pathway 2: The "Manager" Route
You major in the skill (the "how") and minor in your passion (the "what").
Major: Nonprofit Management (many colleges now offer this!), Business Administration, or Public Administration
Minor: Animal Science or Agriculture
Why this works: You will be the management expert. You'll be the one who knows how to write grants, manage the finances, market your mission, and organize large-scale volunteer efforts. Your minor ensures you can "speak the language" and are genuinely connected to the cause.
Pathway 3: The "Connector" Route
These majors are a great blend of both and are very popular in the nonprofit world.
Major: Agricultural Communications: This is a perfect blend. You learn about agriculture, but the focus is on how to communicate with the public, manage public relations, and organize events—all key nonprofit skills.
Major: Sociology or Social Work: These majors are all about understanding and helping communities. They are the backbone of human-services nonprofits. You could easily apply these principles to a nonprofit that serves rural or agricultural communities.
My Advice for You Right Now
Your Major is Only Half the Story: The most important thing on your resume will be internships. Whatever you major in, you must do internships at nonprofits. This is where you'll prove you can do the job.
Look for a Land-Grant University: Since you're in Kansas, look at schools like Kansas State University. These "land-grant" schools were specifically created to excel in agriculture and animal science and they often have strong leadership and business programs. You will find the perfect combination of classes there.
Keep Volunteering (Strategically): You're already doing this, which is great. Now, take it to the next level. Tell your volunteer coordinator, "I'm good at organizing and I want to learn about management. Could I please help you plan the next fundraiser or organize the volunteer schedule?" This is a small step from doing the work to managing the work.
Bottom line: You are on the perfect track. You don't have to choose between your interests. You just need to pick a major-minor combination that builds both. You've got this!