Master’s in Nonprofit Management Online

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
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An unconfirmed yet arguably legitimate study shows that the nonprofit sector is the fifth-largest economy in the world. Considering the sheer magnitude of this sector and how it addresses the planet’s societal, moral, and environmental concerns, an online master’s in Nonprofit Management will teach students to develop and demonstrate a wide range of skills across various disciplines. Along with this skill set, students will also learn how to build a network of credible people, organizations, and resources necessary to succeed in a nonprofit or any other industry.

The online master’s in Nonprofit Management concentration builds an understanding of finance, business, planning, and evaluation. Whatever the background of the student, the certified nonprofit professional has the critical skills needed to lead diverse and complex organizations by applying concepts and strategies that can be applied to a plethora of real-world scenarios.

Curriculum and Skills Gained in Master’s in Nonprofit Management Online Programs

Irrespective of the type of Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management, the curriculum of most programs is based on interdisciplinary subjects such as sociology, law, history, economics, political science, business management, environmental management, ethics, and public affairs. Although the exact core courses offered vary by program, in general, a Master’s in Nonprofit Management online program will consist of the following courses, from a list of many more:

• Strategic Planning in the Nonprofit Organization: This course emphasizes the art of strategic decision-making for effective organizational development. Students explore the nuances of strategic planning, acquiring skills to guide nonprofits through dynamic landscapes and contribute to their sustained growth, impact, and mission fulfillment.
• Project and Program Management: This course equips students with essential skills for effective project and program leadership within nonprofit organizations. Students explore project planning, implementation, and evaluation, gaining practical insights to drive successful initiatives and contribute to nonprofit programs’ overall impact and sustainability.
• Theory and Future of Nonprofits: This course explores the foundational theories shaping the nonprofit sector and anticipates future trends. Students engage in discussions on the evolving role of nonprofits, gaining insights to adapt and contribute strategically to the sector’s development, impact, and mission fulfillment.
• The Legal and Ethical Element of Nonprofits: This course focuses on crucial aspects of legal and ethical considerations within the nonprofit sector. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of legal frameworks and ethical principles, empowering them to navigate complex issues and contribute responsibly to nonprofit organizations’ mission-driven endeavors.
• Board Governance: This course focuses on developing adept governance skills for effective board leadership within nonprofit organizations. Participants explore governance principles, strategic decision-making, and ethical considerations, gaining insights to foster a collaborative and influential board environment, ultimately contributing to the organization’s mission and impact.

Some of the core courses in a Master’s in Nonprofit Management program may include

• Social Media and Information Technology for Nonprofits
• Operation and Administration of Nonprofits
• Fundraising Strategies
• Strategic Planning
• Board Development
• Nonprofit Marketing
• Volunteer Management
• Proposal and Grant Writing
• Psychology of Motivation
• Leading Change
• Assessing Leadership Skills
• Conflict Management
• Fundraising and Planning
• Nonprofit Governance and Law
• Nonprofit Organization Startups and Policy
• Marketing for Organizations
• Legal and Critical Analysis
• Research Methods for Organizations
• Leading in a New Era
• Legal and Ethical Issues for Nonprofits
• Program Development and Accountability
• Conflict Resolution for Managers
• Best Practices in Organizations
• Fundraising and Development
• Nonprofit Innovation
• Theology of Leadership and Business
• Ethical Issues in Management
• Financial Practices for Managers
• Nonprofit Human Services Fundraising and Resource Development
• Business Analytics and Research Methods
• Board Development and Human Resource Management in Nonprofits
• Program Evaluation and Research Methods
• Leadership and Organizational Development in Nonprofits
• Nonprofit Law and Ethics
• Fundraising and Grant Seeking for Nonprofit Agencies
• Public Relations Campaign Methods
• Studies in Critical Thinking in Philanthropic and Nonprofit Issues
• Financial Decision-Making for Youth/Human Services Agencies
• Foundations of Nonprofit Management
• Obtaining and Managing Resources for Organizations
• Nonprofit Management Analysis
• Governing and Leading Organizations
• Public Budgeting and Financial Administration
• Seminar in Public Administration and Its Environment
• Research Methods for Public Administration
• Seminar in Public Policy Process
• Revenue Generation
• Introduction to Public Administration and Public Service
• The Policy Process and Democracy
• Public Service Leadership
• Foundations of Philanthropy
• Financial Management in the Nonprofit Sector
• Managing Diversity in Today’s Nonprofits
• Development and Management of Faith-Based Organizations
• Resource Development for Nonprofits
• Social Entrepreneurship
• Personnel Development in Nonprofits
• Theory and Practice of Nonprofit Management
• Statistics for Managerial Decision-making
• Organizational Theory and Behavior
• Financial Decision-Making for Managers
• Strategic Human Resources Management: Public and Nonprofit
• Public Ethics and the Common Good
• Economics of Social Issues
• Nonprofit Financial Management
• Organization Theory
• Introduction to Organizations
• Budgeting and Finance
• Advocacy and Public Policy
• Promoting Organizations
• Grant and Report Writing
• Legal and Governance Issues in Organizations
• Developing Leadership Capability

Some programs require students to opt for at least one elective course, examples of which include but are not limited to:

• Women in Leadership
• Public Relations Management
• Data-Driven Business Decisions
• Business Communications
• Applied Nonprofit Management
• International Business
• Managerial Economics
• Ministry and Cultural Diversity
• Managing in a Multicultural Society
• Fund Development
• Nonprofit Boards and Executive Leadership
• Crisis Communication
• Dynamics of Change at the Community and Social Level
• Intercultural Communication
• Ethics and Public Decision-Making
• Urban Economic Development
• Social Entrepreneurship: Concepts and Cases
• Comparative Public Policy and Administration
• Effective City Management
• Managing Public Networks
• Urban Politics and Government

Upon graduating with a Master’s in Nonprofit Management, graduate students would have developed skills in many areas critical to the success of organizations, such as fundraising, management, program development, advocacy, and volunteer management. Additionally, graduates of this degree will be prepared to:

• analyze and appropriately use statistics, research methodology, and program assessment to conduct research related to nonprofit ventures;
• devise, understand, and apply concepts, principles, strategies, and processes related to organizations in both domestic and international environments;
• develop and apply concepts and processes related to budget, finance, resource management, and strategic planning for nonprofit organizations;
• strategically plan, manage, communicate, and drive fundraising campaigns;
• effectively apply relevant legal and ethical guidelines and practices in public and private nonprofit sectors;
• effectively utilize oral, written, and presentation skills to easily and effectively communicate and collaborate with others in the nonprofit sector;
• understand and apply theories, policies, and practices of governance in public, private, domestic, international, and nonprofit sectors;
• apply cultural competency in public, private, and nonprofit organizations through the understanding and application of cultural diversity;
• effectively deploy marketing, public relations, and communication strategies in nonprofit organizations;
• effectively manage human resources and acquire, train, manage, and retain volunteers for nonprofit operations; and
• bring about positive social change in domestic and international communities.

Master’s in Nonprofit Management Degree Types

Many students will likely assume that an MBA (Master’s in Business Administration) in Nonprofit Management is the default Master’s in Nonprofit Management. This assumption is far from the truth. Nonprofit management can be taught and learned in several other avatars, such as an MNM, MA, MS, or MPA.

Important: Read more about the MBA program with a concentration in Nonprofit Management, if any other degree type is not a preference.

Specializations in Master’s in Nonprofit Management Programs

As with most Master’s programs, a Master’s in Nonprofit Management online program also offers specializations as subdivisions of a major or an interdisciplinary track. A specialization gives graduates in-depth knowledge within the field of study and critical skills necessary to work in a particular sub-field. Some of the options of concentrations, specializations, and majors available in Nonprofit Management degrees include but are not limited to:

Timeline for graduation from Online Master’s in Nonprofit Management Programs

In general terms, the duration of a Master’s in Nonprofit Management online program requires 12 to 18 months to complete if taken up full-time. Working professionals who study part-time usually take 2.5 to 3 years to graduate. Some online colleges allow students to take up to 7 years to complete their degree.

Accelerated Nonprofit Management Programs

Accelerated Nonprofit Management Programs offer an expedited path for students to acquire expertise. Participants benefit from streamlined learning, quicker degree completion, and immediate application of skills. However, prospective students opting for accelerated programs should thoroughly research program structures, faculty expertise, and alumni outcomes to ensure alignment with their career goals and educational needs. Here are two excellent examples of universities offering accelerated nonprofit management masters programs:

• Louisiana State University ¹– 12 months
• Northeastern University- College of Professional Studies²– 12-18 months

To pursue a Master’s in Nonprofit Management online, applicants must have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in any discipline from a regionally accredited institution. The coursework of these programs should have preferably covered topics in management, humanities, economics, and sociology. In addition to this requirement, applicants are expected to submit:

• A Graduate Application and prescribed Application Fee
• Official Academic Transcripts
• A Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• At least 3 Academic and/or Professional Reference Letters
• Proof of English proficiency if English is not a native language

In general, applicants must have a minimum of 3.00 cumulative Grade Point Average or GPA (scale is 4.00 = “A”) in the last 60 hours of their first Bachelor’s program. In most cases, a standardized test score on the GRE or GMAT is not required.

Note: Some schools may ask applicants to submit a Statement of Educational and Career Goals indicating in sufficient detail compatibility between the school’s educational objectives and capabilities.

The GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, is a standardized test assessing verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing skills for graduate admissions. Many universities have temporarily waived the GRE requirement post-pandemic, considering challenges posed by testing availability and recognizing a broader range of factors in evaluating applicants. Here are a few examples of Universities that require No GRE:

• Louisiana State University ³
• University of Central Florida⁴

Any nonprofit organization always accepts a well-recognized and accredited online Master’s in Nonprofit Management program. Students must always opt for regionally accredited schools whose degrees are programmatically accredited by competent bodies. For example, the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council (NACC) ⁵ accredits Master’s in Nonprofit Management programs at several schools, as does the Network of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) ⁶.

Regional Accreditation is awarded by agencies such as

• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) ⁷
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) ⁸
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC) ⁹
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)¹⁰
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)¹¹

The comprehensive Accreditation Guide highlights the importance and value of Accreditation.

Depending on the college and program, the cost of a Master’s in Nonprofit Management online program can be rather high. Paying for tuition and other associated educational costs can strain the wallet, but fortunately, students have a variety of options to fund these expenses. Here are a few examples of such funding options worth exploring:

Scholarships

Scholarships are usually merit-based and offer financial assistance that does not require repayment. Most Universities provide in-house scholarships, but there are private agencies, individuals, alums, and foundations that offer them.

Grants

Grants are funds provided by the federal, state, or private sectors covering the tuition fee and/or other associated student expenses, such as study materials, transport, equipment, etc. They are generally based on financial need and not necessarily on merit.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships

Graduate Teaching Assistantships allow a graduate student to assist the college or program either with teaching or other non-teaching work while studying simultaneously. For the part-time work that they do, students are compensated monetarily.

Working on Campus

Some universities allow students to work part-time on campus for a reasonable salary. Such work may or may not be academically related, but the money earned from it can certainly meet some educational expenses.

Student Loans

Student Loans are funds borrowed on interest from the federal government, banks, or private organizations to help pay for education. Students should note that irregular, delayed, defaulted payments can compound interest and add to student debt.

FAFSA

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is an application to check if one is eligible for financial aid. A complete look at FAFSA is available here.

The best Financial Guide outlines all there is to know about how to finance advanced education.

Scholarships for Master’s in Nonprofit Management Students

Scholarships for Master’s in Nonprofit Management offer financial assistance, empowering students to pursue advanced studies in the field. These scholarships alleviate financial burdens, enabling dedicated individuals to develop expertise in nonprofit leadership. Students should diligently research available funding options to secure support for their degrees and actively contribute to the transformative work within the nonprofit sector. 

The following are some scholarships and fellowships granted to nonprofit management students:

Upon completing the Master’s in Nonprofit Management degree, graduates will be prepared to work in the following variety of nonprofit sectors, such as:

• Charitable Foundations
• Education
• Art, Culture & Heritage
• Legal Organizations
• Health Care & Services
• International Rights
• Human Rights
• Media (Journalism, Publishing)
• Animal Rights
• Environmental Conservation & Protection
• Churches and Religious Bodies
• Civic Agencies
• Social Service

Although some career positions may require additional experience, training, and certification, it is not uncommon for Nonprofit Management graduates to take on complex roles. These roles include community outreach, fundraising, or grant writing, and apply for titles such as Community Engagement Director, Conference Services Director, Program Director, and many others. Other career examples include but are not limited to:

• Volunteer Manager
• Entrepreneur
• Program Specialist
• Social Entrepreneur
• Program Director
• Executive Director
• Program Manager

Certifications and licensing allow graduates to validate their skills, enhance employability, and gain industry recognition. These credentials provide a competitive edge, demonstrating expertise in specific areas. They open doors to job opportunities, career advancement, and increased earning potential, showcasing a commitment to continuous professional development.

One of the most sought-after credentials after completing a Master’s in Nonprofit Management online is the Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP)²¹, awarded by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. After this certification, professionals can earn the four tracks associated with the CNP – the Professional Track ²², Campus Partner Track ²³, Service Organization Track ²⁴, and Accelerated Professional Track ²⁵

While, in particular, working in the nonprofit sector does not require any licensure, some roles in governmental nonprofit organizations, especially those related to public policy, public affairs, anti-trafficking, and cross-border aid, may require additional qualifications and training.

Networking and connecting with others in the nonprofit world are crucial for career advancement and gaining additional knowledge. Graduates of Master’s in Nonprofit Management online programs should engage their peers, partner with them, and find strategic ways and means to deal with real-world challenges in the nonprofit sector. Understanding the nuances of Nonprofit Management from a non-academic perspective and building up contacts for fundraising can be achieved by tapping into widely and freely available resources. Here are a few to get started:

1. Nonprofitready.org ²⁶
   Nonprofitready.org claims to have over 500 free learning resources, including hundreds of free online courses, videos, and downloadable guides.
2. Global Giving ²⁷
   Apart from offering free courses in Nonprofit Management, Global Giving also provides videos, viewpoints, ‘Tups’ – a theory test lab, and a host of tools such as guides, templates, checklists, assessment cards, and more. There are also insights on crowdfunding and resources for companies, donors, and nonprofits.
3. Volunteer Management Group ²⁸
   The Volunteer Management Group provides resources for Nonprofit Management students and working professionals. The site offers training programs, courses, free grant writing services, internships, and more.
4. National Council of Nonprofits ²⁹
   The National Council of Nonprofits offers tools and resources under several categories: advocacy, leadership, financial management, ethics and accountability, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
5. Stanford Social Innovation Review ³⁰
   Stanford Social Innovation Review (SSIR) is a renowned publication offering insights on social change and nonprofit management. It provides in-depth articles, case studies, and analyses, connecting practitioners, academics, and leaders to advance understanding and collaboration for more effective social innovation and impact in the nonprofit and social sectors.