PhD & Master's (MS) in Nonprofit Management Graduate Programs

What Is a Nonprofit Management Degree Program?

Nonprofit Management Graduate Programs prepare students with leadership skills necessary to help not-for-profit organizations meet business and financial goals typically through philanthropy and fundraising. Courses may focus on both the creation of long-term plans and how to conduct day-to-day administrative duties.

About Nonprofit Management

Nonprofit management and administration combines both business and managerial skills to positively impact a community. While similar to for-profit businesses in many ways, nonprofits face unique challenges in meeting financial goals.

For instance, as opposed to having to generate a profit, nonprofits look to make an impact. To do that better, they need to find new charitable donors, retain existing ones, and create a sustainable plan for the future. Nonprofit management graduate programs cover these unique facets and more, so students might help these organizations run smoothly and effectively.

Common Careers in Nonprofit Management

After earning your nonprofit management degree, there are a few careers you may be ready to pursue. Depending on the role and the size of the organization, specific duties might vary. For instance, at a larger nonprofit, a community service manager may be responsible for only one program. At a smaller organization you may have the same title, but may be in charge of a number programs. Financial analysts could help manage non-profit organizations.

Some example careers, and their 2023 median annual salary, are listed below.

• General and Operations Managers: $136,350
• Administrative Services Managers: $106,470
• Public Relations and Fundraising Managers: $119,200
• Social and Community Service Managers: $77,030
• Human Resources Managers: $136,350

Most of the management positions listed above only require a bachelors degree and a few years of experience. However, according to BLS, some organizations, especially larger ones, look for candidates with a masters degree.

Nonprofit Management Graduate Courses

Nonprofit Management Graduate Programs prepare students with leadership skills necessary to help not-for-profit organizations meet business and financial goals typically through philanthropy and fundraisin look to teach the skills and knowledge for better leadership. As a result, classes cover a wide variety of topics. Coursework may focus on how to create budgets, manage staff, and ensure an organization is working towards their philanthropic mission.

Other classes may look at how to show the board of directors and donors the ways services are succeeding. Typically, this is through data and statistics.

Additional non profit administration course topics may include how to meet face-to-face with important donors, apply for government grants and organize fundraising events. Coursework and research may also look into leadership approaches and use case studies to demonstrate theories and best practices.

Finally, while earning your graduate non profit management degree, you may study business principles tailored specifically to nonprofits. Some of these are accounting, finance, and business law.

Specific nonprofit management courses you might take are below:

• Introduction to Managing Not-for-Profit Organizations
• Grant Writing
• Financial Analysis and Reporting for Nonprofit Leaders
• Program Evaluation and Research Application in the Nonprofit Sector
• Strategy and Performance in Nonprofit Organizations
• Strategic Fund Development
• Leadership and Organizational Change
• Board Governance and Volunteer Management
• Nonprofit Social Entrepreneurship
• Leadership and Human Resources Management in Public Services

These are just a a few examples. Nonprofit management schools each have a unique set-up and course offerings, so contact an advisor for details.

Choosing Nonprofit Administration Graduate Programs

To meet the needs of a variety of students, nonprofit management graduate programs are offered at a three different levels. While each have similar objectives, the depth of study, admissions requirements, and length of study may vary.

For instance, a Strategic Fund Development certificate course will typically require less research and critical analysis than a doctorate level course of the same name. Below is a brief overview of each level to help get you started.

Masters Nonprofit Management Programs

Masters in nonprofit management programs seek to prepare students to step into leadership and management roles. Typically, degrees are offered in four different forms. They are MA, MS, MPA, and MBA. Each have similar goals and are academically equal.

However, where they may differ is in their emphasis and areas of focus. For instance, an MPA (Masters in Public Administrations) may focus more on public policy, while a MBA (Masters in Business Administration) with a concentration in nonprofit management may cover more general business principles.Therefore, these programs may require that students have a few years of professional experience.

Other nonprofit management masters programs, such as the MS (Master of Science) and MA (Master of Arts), may focus more narrowly on charitable organizations.

Regardless of the degree type, most students earn a non profit masters degree in approximately 2-3 years of full time study. Programs may require coursework as well as internships, practicums or the completion of a thesis. Schools vary so be sure to follow up directly for exact requirements.

PhD Nonprofit Management Programs

A PhD in nonprofit management is the terminal degree in the field. That means it is the highest degree that you can earn in non profit administration.

Courses strive to provide a deep understanding of important principles and may be more research focused. Sample topics include tax and regulatory issues, financial reporting, and fund development.

Typically, upon completing all required courses, students propose, write, present, and defend a dissertation to a board of faculty. This is where students may contribute new ideas to the field.

Given these requirements, most full time students earn their PhD in four to five years. Some schools however offer a two-year program.

To apply to PhD nonprofit management programs, students typically must hold a masters degree from an accredited university, with a 3.0 GPA or higher. However, programs vary so follow up for details.

Nonprofit Management Certificate Programs

A graduate certificate in nonprofit management is a shorter, non-degree program. Many focus on teaching the latest trends in nonprofit administration. This is often done by analyzing specific organizations to learn how to apply those theories.

Other programs may allow students to explore a specific topic in detail to enhance their knowledge or see if nonprofit management is a fit for them.

Many certificate programs are made for part-time students who work full-time. Therefore, this might be a perfect option for those looking to further their education around their busy schedule. In fact, most certificates only require four to six courses. At some schools, you may be able to earn your certificate in as little as a year.

Typically certificate in nonprofit management programs require that you’ve earned a bachelors degree from an accredited university. Some also ask that you maintained a minimum GPA. However, admissions rules vary from school to school.

Earn Your Nonprofit Management Degree Online

Pursuing an online non profit administration degree program may provide you the freedom to perform coursework at your convenience. That’s because online courses are often accessible anytime and any place with an internet connection. While programs vary, many schools also offer online students access to campus facilities and services, like online libraries, career services or tech support.

GradSchools.com offers 106 Graduate Schools with Nonprofit Management Graduate Programs