This versatile degree builds traditional business skills in finance, management, and leadership while also introducing innovative coursework in grant writing, social entrepreneurship, and resource development.
Master's in nonprofit management online degrees appeal to many types of students. Some learners pursue this advanced degree after working in the field for several years. Others hold an unrelated bachelor's degree and want to shift their careers toward working in nonprofits.
What Is Nonprofit Management?
Until recently, many people viewed nonprofit organizations as charities relying solely on donations rather than businesses using profits to help others. Large nonprofit organizations whose business models incorporate money-making strategies, such as Goodwill, began to evolve the field, as did the emergence of formalized academic programs in nonprofit management.
Nonprofit management degrees focus on helping professionals who want to work in nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations gain the necessary skills. The curriculum incorporates traditional business topics that relate to nonprofit organizations as well as unique studies specific to the sector. Courses cover nonprofit governance, mission-based organization management, nonprofit financial management, and data analytics for the nonprofit sector.
In addition to coursework, nonprofit management degrees incorporate practical experience. Some programs require learners to complete an internship, while others require a comprehensive capstone.
What Is a Master's in Nonprofit Management?
A master's in nonprofit management online degree appeals to students who want to combine traditional business skills with nonprofit knowledge. These learners may be graduates of a bachelor's in nonprofit management who are ready to progress their careers to the next level. They may also be career changers coming from a traditional business background or an unrelated field.
Core coursework in a master's in nonprofit management covers grant proposal writing, nonprofit board governance, nonprofit organization fundraising, and public sector theory. Electives may include marketing and development, arts and cultural leadership, international development, or community development planning. Because so many focus areas exist, distance learners should take their time researching a school that fits their needs.
After completing a master's in nonprofit management, some learners may decide to pursue a doctorate degree. These programs best serve individuals who want to work in research or academia. Some prospective learners may decide a traditional master's in nonprofit management does not perfectly suit their interests. If so, an online MBA program or executive MBA program may be worth considering.
How Long Does It Take to Complete a Master's in Nonprofit Management?
Master's in nonprofit management online programs typically take full-time learners 18-24 months to complete, but several variables can affect this timeline. Students who completed previous credits at another institution may be able to transfer these to a new school, shortening their completion times.
Some learners may need to find a part-time program that fits with existing personal and professional responsibilities. For those who want to graduate as quickly as possible, an accelerated program lasting 12-18 months may best serve their needs.
Other factors to consider when assessing likely timelines include if a school offers year-round classes as opposed to only fall and spring classes and how long it will take to complete any required final projects.
What Does a Nonprofit Manager Do?
Nonprofit managers fill a variety of professional roles. Factors such as industry, location, education level, and the size of the nonprofit all impact the type of work they do and the communities they serve.
A professional working at a nonprofit college performs substantially different tasks than one employed by a nonprofit focused on foster youth advocacy, but the overarching goal remains the same: support people as they go about their lives. While for-profit business managers rely on the sale of goods and services to cover costs, nonprofit managers must develop fundraising tactics to ensure their goals come to fruition.
Nonprofit managers must have a passion for serving the public, an innovative spirit, the ability to solve problems, and a desire to work with a diverse population.
Nonprofit Management Jobs
Graduates of nonprofit management degrees can fill many different professional roles based on their interests and skills. We look at a few of the more common options below.
Public relations managers work to identify, build, and maintain favorable views of their companies in the public eye. They train spokespeople, answer questions from the media, prepare press releases, and create guidelines to hlep executives answer questions about the organization.
Fundraising managers create and execute fundraising programs to raise awareness of the nonprofit and reach new donors. They court these donors, invite them to events, and share the mission of the organization. They also apply for grants and work closely with financial managers.
Nonprofit managers at the C-level oversee common organizational functions such as marketing and public relations, finance, operations, and human relations. They typically oversee staff in each of their areas, set strategic goals for the department, develop budgets, and liaise with other top executives.
These professionals typically have significant experience in either nonprofit or for-profit organizations that helps them work up to a senior-level role.
These professionals often serve as program managers, ensuring communities can access services and support mechanisms that provide social benefit. They develop new programs based on stakeholder needs, hold community meetings to ensure the work of the organization aligns with neighborhood goals, and liaise with other organizational members.
Once a program is established, social and community service managers collect data on its effectiveness, conduct community meetings to learn about any shortcomings, and make adjustments as needed. They may also write grants to help fund programs and work with marketing professionals to build awareness.
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While a nonprofit management degree does not offer a direct path to governmental work, individuals with a passion for using legistlation to do significant good can find a home in government jobs.
Whether working at the metro, state, or federal level, legislators write and pass laws that benefit the public good. They meet with constituents and experts, assign research to legislative aides, and submit their proposed legislation for debate. They also develop and allocate budgets that help cover the legislation if passed.
Nonprofit Management Associations
Nonprofit managers have the option of joining numerous professional organizations to help them further their careers. Below are a few such organizations.
The largest organization of its type in the nation, ASPA has numerous chapters around the country. Promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and ethical decision-making in public administration, ASPA offers members networking opportunities, conferences and events, subscription to its three publications, and access to its Center for Accountability and Performance.
Committed to advancing research in the nonprofit sector, ARNOVA connects nonprofit leaders with professional academics. Membership perks include access to useful resources such as member networking and annual conferences as well as cutting-edge research in the field.
With over 25,000 members, the National Council of Nonprofits provides a large member network for nonprofit professionals to connect through. Dedicated to advocacy and advancing America's charitable nonprofits, the National Council of Nonprofits fosters connections, identifies areas of need, and helps organizations secure funding and achieve their goals.
Founded in 1997, YNPN specifically devotes itself to helping emerging nonprofit leaders achieve success. It boasts a member network of over 50,000, and members have access to its large network, leadership advancement resources, and annual conferences.
With a variety of publications to its name, including Nonprofit World, Society for Nonprofits provides members with many useful resources, including training and education programs, networking opportunities, discounted services, and insurance programs.
A newspaper that premiered in 1987, NonProfit Times provides journalistic coverage of issues and events relevant to nonprofit organizations. NonProfit Times also offers a job search board and grant listings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nonprofit management applies business concepts to organizations focused on providing social good.
A master's in nonprofit management is an advanced degree that provides graduates with the skills and knowledge required to work in high-level roles in nonprofits.
Graduates work in marketing, fundraising, human relations, and program management.
Nonprofit professionals hold myriad degrees, but as educational opportunities specific to the field become more widely available, more of these leaders pursue nonprofit management programs.
Because nonprofit management degrees incorporate many transferable skills, graduates can work in many different roles.
Nonprofit managers often wear numerous hats, working to ensure the nonprofit fulfills its mission and reaches those it hopes to serve.
