Best Online Master’s in Counseling Management
Updated October 10, 2023
thebestschools.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Are you ready to discover your college program?
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.
Graduates work in various roles based in nonprofits, including community service manager and public relations and fundraising manager. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects these roles to grow by 13% and 8% respectively between 2018-2028, creating job stability in the coming years.
Featured Online Schools
Best Online Master's in Nonprofit Management Programs
These rankings include
#1 Best Online Master’s in Counseling Management
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The online master's in nonprofit management at University of Central Florida, located in Orlando, offers high academic quality. The rigorous curriculum prepares learners for advanced roles in the field. A master's degree can also prepare candidates for opportunities in new fields.
The curriculum emphasizes the best practices in nonprofit management. Learners focus the program with electives or a concentration. Applicants without a nonprofit management background may need to complete prerequisites.
Online enrollees participate in internship programs at approved locations in their local area. Graduate students expand their professional connections by attending virtual networking events.
University of Central Florida at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 44%
Total Online Master's Programs: 26
Program Name: Master's in nonprofit management
Graduate Tuition In State: $6,916
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $25,759
#2 Best Online Master’s in Counseling Management
Johnson & Wales University-Online
Providence, RI - 4 years
- Online
Graduate students seeking an online nonprofit management degree can enroll in the master of science in nonprofit management at Johnson & Wales University-Online, located in Providence, Rhode Island. The program builds specialized skills for leadership roles in the nonprofit management field and related industries. A master's degree also helps graduates pursue new careers.
The curriculum emphasizes research methods and analytical skills. Learners focus their training by choosing electives based on their interests and career goals. Applicants with a background in nonprofit management typically meet the admission requirements.
Online enrollees complete internships in their local community to gain real-world experience. The program hosts networking events and other professional development activities to help graduate students expand their professional connections.
Johnson & Wales University-Online at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 41%
Total Online Master's Programs: 8
Program Name: Master of science in nonprofit management
Graduate Tuition In State: $13,734
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $13,734
#3 Best Online Master’s in Counseling Management
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Graduate students seeking an online degree can enroll in the master of arts in philanthropy and nonprofit development at University of Northern Iowa, located in Cedar Falls. The program helps graduates move into leadership roles and increase their earning potential. Master's degree-holders can advance in their current field or pursue new opportunities.
The curriculum covers theoretical and practical approaches to nonprofit management. Learners specialize the program by choosing from a variety of electives. The program encourages applicants to gain experience in before applying to the program.
Degree candidates coordinate with the program to complete internships at approved sites in their local area. Graduate students grow their professional connections through internships and virtual networking events.
University of Northern Iowa at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 79%
Total Online Master's Programs: 14
Program Name: Master of arts in philanthropy and nonprofit development
Graduate Tuition In State: $9,159
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $21,375
#4 Best Online Master’s in Counseling Management
Arizona State University-Skysong
Scottsdale, AZ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Graduate students interested in a master's can earn their master of nonprofit leadership and management at Arizona State University-Skysong, located in Scottsdale. The program helps graduates increase their salary potential and take on more professional responsibilities. A master's degree also helps graduates pursue new careers.
The curriculum emphasizes current research in nonprofit management. Learners specialize their course of study to prepare for the job market. The master's program recommends a background in nonprofit management before applying to the program.
Online enrollees complete internships in their local community to gain real-world experience. Internships and other networking events help graduate students expand their professional network.
Arizona State University-Skysong at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 64%
Total Online Master's Programs: 48
Program Name: Master of nonprofit leadership and management
Graduate Tuition In State: $6,384
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $6,384
#5 Best Online Master’s in Counseling Management
Cairn University-Langhorne
Langhorne, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, Cairn University-Langhorne enrolls students in its top-ranked online master of science in nonprofit leadership. The rigorous curriculum prepares enrollees for leadership responsibilities. A master's degree helps graduates move up the career ladder or pursue a new career path.
The curriculum blends theory and practice to provide an advanced understanding of nonprofit management. Learners individualize the program to prepare for focused careers. The program recommends that applicants bring a background in nonprofit management or a related field.
Online enrollees gain hands-on experience during professional internships in their local area. Graduate students expand their professional connections by attending virtual networking events.
Cairn University-Langhorne at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 83%
Total Online Master's Programs: 12
Program Name: Master of science in nonprofit leadership
Graduate Tuition In State: $12,762
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $12,762
#6 Best Online Master’s in Counseling Management
University of Denver
Denver, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students interested in a master's can earn their master's in nonprofit leadership at University of Denver. The program emphasizes specialized skills, preparing students for increased responsibilities and a higher earning potential. Master's graduates can also pursue careers in new industries.
The curriculum emphasizes research methods and analytical skills. Learners often choose a specialized concentration, which can help them stand out in a competitive job market. Applicants with a background in nonprofit management typically meet the admission requirements.
Online enrollees can often complete professional internships at approved locations in their own community. Internships and other networking events help graduate students expand their professional network.
University of Denver at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 59%
Total Online Master's Programs: 16
Program Name: Master's in nonprofit leadership
Graduate Tuition In State: $51,336
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $51,336
#7 Best Online Master’s in Counseling Management
North Park University
Chicago, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
From its campus in Chicago, Illinois, North Park University offers an online master of nonprofit administration. The program emphasizes industry-relevant knowledge and skills, preparing enrollees for decision-making responsibilities. A master's degree can also lead to opportunities in new fields.
The curriculum covers methodological and research perspectives. Learners prepare for the job market by choosing a specialty through electives. The master's program recommends a background in nonprofit management or a related field when applying.
Online enrollees can often complete professional internships at approved locations in their own community. The program encourages graduate students to participate in hands-on experiences and networking events to grow their professional connections.
North Park University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 48%
Total Online Master's Programs: 7
Program Name: Master of nonprofit administration
Graduate Tuition In State: $13,896
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $13,896
#8 Best Online Master’s in Counseling Management
Metropolitan State University
Saint Paul, MN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The master of public and nonprofit administration at Metropolitan State University, located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, uses a flexible distance learning format. The program builds specialized skills for advanced practice, preparing graduates for leadership positions with increased salary potential. Earning a master's degree can help graduates move into a new career or advance in their current field.
The curriculum covers theoretical and practical approaches to nonprofit management. Learners choose electives and concentrations to prepare for focused careers. The admission requirements include a background in nonprofit management or a related field.
Online enrollees gain real-world experience through internships offered in their local area. Internships and other practicum activities build both hands-on experience and professional connections.
Metropolitan State University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 56%
Total Online Master's Programs: 6
Program Name: Master of public and nonprofit administration
Graduate Tuition In State: $8,082
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $16,164
#9 Best Online Master’s in Counseling Management
Juniata College
Huntingdon, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
From its campus in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, Juniata College hosts a top-ranked master of nonprofit leadership. The rigorous curriculum prepares graduates for advanced roles in the field. Earning a master's degree can also help candidates pursue new career opportunities.
The curriculum explores theoretical and practical perspectives in the field. Learners individualize the program to prepare for focused careers. The master's program builds on undergraduate training or professional experience in nonprofit leadership.
Online enrollees complete local internships to gain hands-on experience. The program encourages graduate students to expand their professional connections through internships and networking events.
Juniata College at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 71%
Total Online Master's Programs: Data not available
Program Name: Master of nonprofit leadership
Graduate Tuition In State: $24,800
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $24,800
#10 Best Online Master’s in Counseling Management
Regis University
Denver, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The online master of nonprofit management, offered by Regis University from its Denver, Colorado, campus, ranks as a top program. Enrollees cultivate industry-specific skills, preparing them for leadership responsibilities. After earning a master's degree, candidates can also pursue careers in new industries.
The curriculum examines theoretical and practical perspectives on nonprofit management. Learners choose electives and concentrations to prepare for focused careers. Applicants without a nonprofit management background may need to complete prerequisites.
Online enrollees complete internship requirements at approved sites in their own community. The program hosts networking events and other professional development activities to help graduate students expand their professional connections.
Regis University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 71%
Total Online Master's Programs: 26
Program Name: Master of nonprofit management
Graduate Tuition In State: $14,441
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $14,441
Online Master's in Nonprofit Management Programs Ranking Guidelines
We selected the following degree programs based on their quality, the types of courses offered, the faculty, rankings, awards, and reputations, including the school's reputation for effectively providing online degree programs.
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 and Specialists
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.
Top Executives
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.
Social and Community Service Managers
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.
Legislators
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Nonprofit Management?
Nonprofit management applies business concepts to organizations focused on providing social good.
What Is a Master's in Nonprofit Management?
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.
What Can I Do With a Master's in Nonprofit Management?
Graduates work in marketing, fundraising, human relations, and program management.
What Degree Do I Need to Run a Nonprofit?
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.
What Kind of Jobs Can You Get With a Nonprofit Management Degree?
Because nonprofit management degrees incorporate many transferable skills, graduates can work in many different roles.
What Does a Nonprofit Manager Do?
Nonprofit managers often wear numerous hats, working to ensure the nonprofit fulfills its mission and reaches those it hopes to serve.
Learn more, do more.
More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge.
Popular with our students.
Highly informative resources to keep your education journey on track.
Take the next step toward your future with online learning.
Discover schools with the programs and courses you’re interested in, and start learning today.
