Online Education (master's In Nonprofit Management)

By Author: John Srob
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It takes a skilled manager to lead effectively in a nonprofit environment. Nonprofit organizations face unique challenges, ranging from funding uncertainties to disclosure regulations. Efficient operations, careful planning, and strong communications are critical to achieving a nonprofit organization's mission.

A master's degree in nonprofit management prepares you to run a mission-driven organization. Available both as a social science and business administration graduate degree, the master's in nonprofit management packs value both as a conceptual foundation for leadership and as a training ground for applied management skills. In addition to the education, the degree itself serves as a powerful credential capable of propelling you into positions of greater responsibility.

Are you an innovator aspiring to launch a nonprofit who feels confined by existing models? Do you seek a leadership role in a global NGO or large domestic not-for-profit organization? Have you been considering a switch from the corporate or public sector to a nonprofit career in order to deepen your commitment to social change? If so, then ...
... Milano’s Nonprofit Management program can move you much closer to your passion.

Building essential knowledge and skills is accelerated through assignments addressing real-world organizational challenges. You go beyond reading hypothetical cases and learn through action.

Our specialization in social entrepreneurship, for example, is unmatched in the live-client engagements and multidisciplinary approaches you will experience. Is your focus a global one? Then you will take advantage of targeted courses in our International Affairs program. You have the option to enhance your strengths in leadership and your ability to create agile organizations as you affiliate with our Organizational Change Management program.

A number of advanced degrees centered around the study of nonprofit management are available today. A master of arts or master of business administration – both in nonprofit management – are two, with a third, a master of science in public policy with a focus in non profit management, also among the most prominent options.

From 1994 to 2008, the number of nonprofit organizations in the United States grew by more than 50 percent, The number of employees of nonprofit companies grew even more – to the tune of a more than 61 percent increase over the same period of time, and overall growth is expected to continue as the number of nonprofit entities continues growing as well.

In addition to holding a bachelor’s degree, students interested in obtaining admission to a master’s in nonprofit management program are also expected to complete either the graduate record examination (GRE) or the graduate management admission test (GMAT). Relevant undergraduate coursework, prior experience in the non-profit sector or in dealing with public policy formation is recommended as well.

Once admitted, likely coursework includes the study of ethics and social justice, organizational leadership and management, human resources management, finance and budgeting for the nonprofit sector, board governance and volunteer management and the study of planning: collaboration, cooperation and coordination, among others.

Help your community by strengthening your ability to develop strategic, innovative, and cooperative solutions to societal problems. Unlike programs that focus exclusively on a business approach to nonprofit management, Master of Nonprofit Management and Leadership addresses leadership challenges and strategies specific to nonprofit organizations, including organizational and community collaboration, programming with a cultural context, and global non-government organization (NGO) perspectives.

It was designed around industry standards for nonprofit management education, including the graduate curriculum guidelines established by the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council (NACC). Simulations, group problem-solving, and real-time coaching sessions are used to strengthen the collaboration and communication skills needed by nonprofit leaders.

Convenient electronic textbooks are available for most courses, which lowers costs and provides immediate access to course materials. People who choose this degree are often pursuing nonprofit leadership positions, may wish to start their own nonprofit organization, or are considering a career change into the nonprofit sector.

Nonprofit organizations also employ an increasing share of the nation’s workforce with employment growth outpacing that of a number of major industries.* Advance your career in this important high-growth sector as you enhance your ability to create positive social change with Walden’s master’s in nonprofit management.

Whatever your background, you can gain the critical skills needed to lead diverse and complex nonprofit organizations. This online nonprofit management degree program allows you to engage with scholar-practitioners who share their academic and professional experiences to help you quickly apply what you learn.

Understanding your graduate degree options can help you find the program best aligned with your career goals. Nonprofit management encompasses business administration, public affairs, policy, and specific subject matters related to the organization's mission. The field touches on social science and health care disciplines such as anthropology, social work, international affairs, literacy, counseling, and public health.

Professional and Social Science Master's Degrees

Business administration and social science master's degrees feature similar curricula, but each program brings a unique perspective to the study of nonprofit management.

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

The MBA focuses on applying practical business skills in a nonprofit context. The emphasis is on sound financial planning, lean operations, and shrewd organizational strategy. For nonprofit managers aspiring to do more with fewer resources, this no-nonsense degree provides the necessary background.

Master of Science (MS)

The MS degree takes a more theoretical approach to the problem of managing a nonprofit. A traditional social science graduate degree, the Master of Science encourages students to pursue a specialized interest and produce an academic research thesis.

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

The MPA focuses on developing the leadership skills nonprofit managers rely on to coordinate teams and implement programs. The degree blends applied business training with more theoretical courses in policy and mission development.

You May Qualify For Financial Aid.