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What is Nonprofit Management?

Nonprofit management is the area of management that deals with non-profit corporations and organizations, including but not limited to public organizations, schools, foundations and non-governmental organizations. Individuals in this field will utilize multiple fields of discipline in order to manage the administrative, financial, or human resources related areas of a given organization. An understanding of the laws that govern the formation of operation of such entities is required in order to successful operate.  According to the BLS, the nonprofit sector accounts for over 10% of the overall workforce in the United States translating to some 12 million jobs.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$80,640

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

54.04%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

122,310

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Organizational and Nonprofit Management Degree

University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) is one of the Ivy League universities and it is the first higher education institution built in America. It is globally-recognized because of the quality of education and research initiatives. Penn fosters an interdisciplinary approach to learning through many different programs allowing students to gain further knowledge. The School of Social Policy and Practice offers a MS in Nonprofit Leadership. The program prepares students to be thought leaders, social entrepreneurs, and innovators for social impact. Students can apply for full-time, part-time, or online programs. Other educational opportunities include international programs, and study grants. 

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Columbia University in the City of New York (New York, NY) is a private research university and an Ivy League member. The school is known as one of the top universities in the world. Columbia offers undergraduate and graduate programs, and professional degrees. The university boasts a comprehensive range of academic fields. Columbia University has a great international presence and maintains several Columbia Global Centers across the world. Nonprofit Management major is a program leading to a master’s degree. The program is focused on thought leadership and research on nonprofit initiatives. Students’ management skills will be enhanced in this particular sector. Full-time and part-time admissions are available for interested students. 

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Northwestern University (Evanston, IL) is a private university recognized around the globe for its educational excellence. It also ranks as one of the best undergraduate programs in the U.S. Northwestern University provides a variety of programs from certifications, diplomas; bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The university manages the Kellogg School Center for Nonprofit Management. It offers several certificate programs for nonprofit leaders and individuals who are interested in the sector. It offers different areas of study from fundraising, marketing, finance, to leadership and others. The certification programs are suited for any nonprofit leader regardless the size of the organization.  

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, IN) offers a wide range of educational opportunities for students. The university has a Roman Catholic affiliation and it is reflected on the university’s core curriculum. It has programs in business and marketing, social science, and biological sciences. The university has graduate programs and executive certificate programs focused on nonprofit leadership and administration. These programs offer courses on business, leadership, and management of a nonprofit organization. The Master of Nonprofit Administration can be awarded to a student within 10 months on intensive training and coursework. Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Management is offered online. 

Acceptance Rate

15.83

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Washington University in St Louis (Saint Louis, MO) is a private research university named after George Washington. The school is committed to learning and exploration, thus, the wide range of areas of study offered by seven graduate and undergraduate schools. The school also has an active research program. WUSTL awards either an advanced certificate and a master’s degree for students who are interested in nonprofit management. Students are expected to learn more about the different functions within the organization. Both programs are designed to adapt to the typical schedule of a working adult. Part-time and online programs are available. 

Acceptance Rate

13.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA) has two main campuses. Programs offered by USC across these campuses are dominated by sciences, medicine, and liberal arts. Meanwhile, other USC programs are conducted at different locations in Southern California. USC has a wide range of options for students who aim to take a career within the nonprofit sector. It offers a master’s degree, several certification programs, and a minor in Nonprofits, Philanthropy and Volunteerism. USC Price Master of Nonprofit Leadership Management provides a hand-on experience alongside leaders and philanthropists. USC attracts many international students and also provides opportunities to study abroad and international internships.  The university values collaboration, encourages interdisciplinary studies, public service, and takes pride in professional education. 

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Boston University (Boston, MA) Is a top-ranked private institution that offers quality education. BU offers programs for undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. BU students can choose among 250 fields of study. The school is known for its interdisciplinary programs, research curriculum, and esteemed faculty line up. The degree in Nonprofit Management and Leadership is a program that prepares students to be leaders in a nonprofit organization. Management and leadership are the core of the program curriculum. Students will also have the opportunity to expand their network and attend small group seminars. Successful applicants will be awarded with a certificate after this seven-month program. 

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

University of Richmond (University of Richmond, VA) is a liberal arts college that offers a variety of undergraduate programs. These programs are designed to develop students’ skills that will help them land employment. The curriculum can also be a help for the students to pursue graduate education. Master of Nonprofit Studies is a graduate program that offers advanced knowledge and leadership training for nonprofit leaders. The program requires students to take intensive coursework and attend seminars for further learning. The university also offers non-credit programs or courses on nonprofit studies allowing students and professionals to study the discipline. 

Acceptance Rate

28.33

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Brandeis University (Waltham, MA) is a private research university offering a variety of degree programs for students. The university is popular for its strong liberal arts programs. The school poses a wide range of opportunities for students. It is a member of the Association of American Universities and the Boston Consortium, allowing students to cross-register to courses offered in other universities like Boston College, Boston University, and Tufts University. The Heller School of Social Policy and Management offers a wide range of graduate programs exploring related disciplines. Social Impact is an MBA program for leaders who aim to address social issues. Graduates of this program can assume relevant roles across nonprofit, public and for-profit sectors. This graduate school is among the best in providing education focused related areas of study.    

Acceptance Rate

29.9

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH) is a top-ranked private research university offering a wide range of academic programs. Popular undergraduate programs in CWRU are engineering, nursing, research, and science. The university is also active in research with contributions from its faculty and students. CWRU has a wide range of programs focused on nonprofit management. It offers dual-degree programs, master’s degree opportunities, and certificates. An accelerated baccalaureate degree is also offered for nonprofit management. Master of Nonprofit Organizations is focused on developing management and leadership skills of students.  

Acceptance Rate

27.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

George Washington University (Washington, D.C.) is located near the White House. The proximity provides several opportunities for projects alongside government leaders, science and law professionals, and individuals from other disciplines. GW offers both on-campus and off-campus modes of learning allowing flexibility for students. Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management is granted to students who successfully completed the requirements. In some cases, credits from this certification program allows students to pursue a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree. The school has alumni who are internationally recognized in governance, entertainment, and others. 

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

University of Georgia (Athens, GA) is the flagship public university of the state. It is also recognized as one of the oldest public universities in the United States. UGA has a large number of continuing education students focused on public service and technology transfer related programs. UGA is a highly diverse university. It educates both local and international students. The School of Social Work offers a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management & Leadership. This program is delivered online allowing professionals to efficiently complete the requirements. Interested students can use graduate credits in applying for Master of Arts in Nonprofit Management and Leadership. This program includes coursework and internships. 

Acceptance Rate

45.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Syracuse University (Syracuse, NY) is a public research university offering a range of high-ranking degree programs for both undergraduate and graduate levels. Since 1911, the university has been offering study abroad programs for students to gain a global perspective for a variety of academic disciplines. Public and nonprofit management is one area of study under the Master of Public Administration program. This area of study focuses on providing broad-based analytical and managerial courses. SU’s program has been ranked as one of the top 12-month MPA programs. Graduates can assume relevant roles in the government and in nonprofit organizations.

Acceptance Rate

44.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Fordham University (Bronx, NY) is a private Catholic university. The university still fosters a curriculum that follows the Jesuit educational principles. The university emphasizes the liberal arts as a basis of education. The Fordham Graduate School of Social Service offers an 18-hour Executive Education Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership. This is designed to train nonprofit leaders with management skills and business expertise.  Fordham has a comprehensive study abroad program managed by the International and Study Abroad Programs (ISAP) Office.

Acceptance Rate

45.88

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT) is a public research university, considered one of the best in the United States. UConn has been considered as a Public Ivy by some publications. UConn offers a wide range of undergraduate majors and several graduate and professional disciplines for students to explore. A Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management is offered to interested students and leaders. It is a part-time online program designed to advance the skills and knowledge of individuals who are in the nonprofit sector. Most students are nonprofit professionals from across Connecticut and the United States.

Acceptance Rate

49.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Clemson University (Clemson, SC) is a public university established to be a scientific agricultural and mechanical arts institution. Today, the university is divided into five colleges and a separate graduate school is dedicated to over 100 academic and interdisciplinary programs. The university is also highly active with its research initiatives. Clemson University is consistently ranking among the best for its service, and academic and research performance. The degree in Nonprofit management is a course at the graduate level. It is offered under the Master of Public Administration program. The course focuses on providing essential theoretical and practical knowledge that address the needs of the sector across the country and the world. Clemson also has minor programs and online certificates on nonprofit management. 

Acceptance Rate

51.26

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

University of Central Florida (Orlando, FL) is a public research university offering a wide range of comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs. Students at UCF can also have the opportunity to study and conduct research abroad. UCF has a wide range of nonprofit management majors. It offers BS and BA degrees in nonprofit management. Students under other areas of study can also take the program as a minor. Graduate programs are also offered. Graduates are equipped with essential skills to assume roles across public and nonprofit organizations. 

Acceptance Rate

44.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

30:1

University of Minnesota- Twin Cities (Minneapolis, MN) is a public university divided into two campuses, St. Paul and Twin Cities. The university is recognized as a “Public Ivy” for its notable quality of education. The university offers both graduate and undergraduate courses. The Twin Cities campus offers a wide range of programs for students to choose from including biological sciences, health and medicine, design, law, and education. The university offers a graduate-level Certificate in Nonprofit Management. It is designed for individuals that do not have formal training in the business aspects of managing a nonprofit organization. Credits from this certification program can be used when applying to a degree program under the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. 

Acceptance Rate

56.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Texas A & M University (College Station, TX) is a public research university that focuses on agriculture, environmental and marine sciences, and alike. The university has a long list of undergraduate programs and over 130 graduate programs. Texas A & M also manages campuses in Galveston and Qatar. A & M is also highly recognized for being a highly active research university boasting world-class research facilities and strong student and faculty researchers. The Bush School of Government & Public Service offers a graduate level of nonprofit management certificate. Students will be taught and trained across every aspect of managing a nonprofit organization. Students also have a choice of specialization for this certificate program. This program is recognized as one of the best grad school programs in this area of study by the U.S. News & World Report. 

Acceptance Rate

57.79

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Austin College (Sherman, TX) is a liberal arts college that focuses on providing undergraduate education across a variety of majors. Interested students can also pursue a minor program as an additional specialization. Nonprofit Organizations and Public Service is a minor program offered to provide knowledge to students who are interested in the sector. The program curriculum includes lectures and experiential learning to further prepare students before assuming roles in the industry. 

Acceptance Rate

51.28

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

University of Denver (Denver, CO) is a private university that offers a wide range of graduate and undergraduate programs for students to choose from. It grants a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership. It aims to prepare students to assume advanced and upper level roles in a nonprofit organization. The program courses are delivered through evening classes or online. Students who do not aim to earn a degree can opt to take certification programs that could just take as short as six months. The graduate level students can also choose an area of concentration under this program - Executive Leadership and Governance, Mission-Driven Operations and Management, Philanthropy and Resource Development, and Social Enterprise, Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Acceptance Rate

58.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The New School (New York, NY) is a private research university that trains and provides education to progressive thinkers. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Some majors in the university are social sciences, liberal arts, humanities, finance, psychology, and public policy. Milano School's Nonprofit Management program leads to a master’s degree. It is offered as a full-time two-year program. Milano School also offers a graduate minor program, and graduate certificates for interested students. Currently, the school does not admit students for the master’s program. 

Acceptance Rate

57.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

North Central College (Naperville, IL) is a private liberal arts college focused on providing academic programs that prepare students to be informed and productive members of society. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs. Nonprofit management and leadership is a master’s program at NCC. Students are prepared to assume 21st century roles in the nonprofit sectors. Aside from coursework, an internship course is required to be taken by students. 

Acceptance Rate

53.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

University of San Francisco (San Francisco, CA) is a private Jesuit university offering undergraduate and graduate academic programs. USF also provides study abroad opportunities to students. The university has several institutional partnerships with other universities throughout the world. The university offers a Master of Nonprofit Administration. The program focuses on teaching leadership values and enhancing managerial skills. Full-time and part-time admissions are available. 

Acceptance Rate

64.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

LeTourneau University (Longview, TX) is a private, interdenominational Christian university. The university offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs both on-campus and online. Most undergraduate majors are focused on engineering, aeronautics, computer science, business, and education. The university also offers business and management graduate classes across Houston, Dallas, and Longview. Nonprofit Management is a minor program in the university. It provides knowledge to interested students admitted under another area of study. 

Acceptance Rate

44.51

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Top Nonprofit Management Degrees

Students interested in pursuing a degree in nonprofit management will have several options to choose from.  Programs span from certificate programs to graduate degree.  Additionally, prospective students can choose from classroom-based programs to online degrees in nonprofit management.  To help students make sense of each type of degree, we have summarized each below with a seamless opportunity to connect to schools of interest.

Certificates in Nonprofit Management

Certificate programs in nonprofit management can come in two forms: undergraduate and graduate.  The undergraduate certificate program is designed to provide students with essential principles of nonprofit businesses and management skills.  From introductory business concepts to organizational development, students will learn about foundational skills of nonprofit organizations.  On the other hand, graduate certificate programs are upper-level courses for qualifying students and working professionals.  Graduate certificates are often utilized to help upskill, add new skills, remain competitive in a field of study, and/or prepare for a job transition.

Bachelor Degrees in Nonprofit Management

Online bachelor degree programs in nonprofit management are 4-year programs for full-time students and longer for part-time students.  Degrees are conferred as a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) dependent upon the emphasis of the program.  Bachelor programs fuse liberal arts education such as communications, history, philosophy, psychology, and creative writing with core business classes.  Core courses in nonprofit management include classes such as marketing, management, economics, governance, financial management, accounting, logistics, fundraising, operations management, and organizational design.

Master Degrees in Nonprofit Management

Online master degrees in nonprofit management can be conferred as a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), or Master of Business Administration (MBA).  Master degrees will take approximately 2-years to complete for full-time students and longer for part-time students.  Core classes in a graduate-level program will vary from school to school.  However, most programs will generally cover topics found in the following classes: program management, financial management, governance, managerial economics, statistics, managerial finance, operations management, human resources, marketing management, strategic management, ethics, global management, conflict management, business research analysis, and performance management.

Graduates from a master’s program in nonprofit management will have the skills to join a variety of organizations.  Companies can include those from education, arts and culture, social assistance, health services, environmental protection, and economic development.  Job roles will vary by organization but common careers include: program administration, fundraising, management, grantmaking, public relations, communications, government relations, community outreach, advocacy, and operations management.

Educational Requirements for Managers

An education in the field is generally pursued at the bachelor degree level, though alternative management or business courses may be taken in lieu of such a program if it unavailable at a given school. Some school's may offer associate level degrees, though most employers will tend look more favorably upon candidates who have at least four years of education in the area as well as volunteer or internship experience.

A curriculum may include:

  • Non-profit Accounting and Reporting
  • Management of Limited Resources
  • Fundraising and Taxation
  • Business and Non-Profit Law
  • Non-Profit Corporate Structures
Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment Opportunities in Nonprofit Management

Individuals will seek employment with non-profit, non-governmental or governmental agencies. Individuals must be well versed in the daily operations of their employer, as well as be able to track finances, costs and other factors that may adversely affect continued operations. As such, an attention to detail, good interpersonal skills, the ability to work long hours, as well as mete out responsibility as needed to encourage efficiency and cost reduction is required in order to be able to find and maintain employment in this area. Organization may also require individuals to manage the intake of funds through donations or other means if funding is procured in such a manner.

Job Growth, Salary and Related Managerial Fields

The non-profit sector has grown significantly over the last twenty years, and is expected to continue seeing such growth as the role of such organization nationally and internationally continues to affect policy and introduce new ideas. As such, individuals should be able to find work, though those with master degrees in the field or higher will tend to experience less competition and better results due to limited positions overall. The annual salary for such managers is over $100,000 annually but may vary greatly based on success, experience, employer and location.

Individuals interested in non-profit, public, organizational management may also be interested in business administration, operations management, or customer service management. For additional research, consider the NCN and the SFN to learn more about the not-for-profit world of business and benefits they provide to their members.

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