The best online masters degree in Nonprofit Management focuses on the most affordable accelerated options in Nonprofit Management degrees. Professionals who are interested in pursuing an accelerated online Master’s in Nonprofit Management are often put into a position of not being able to find a program that fits their needs.
With so many traditional programs requiring full-time attendance on campus or internships that play havoc with an individual’s schedule, it can be hard to find a proper program. This is compounded by the fact that employers are increasing their demand for candidates who have a graduate degree in this field.
However, there has been an influx of accelerated online degree programs that cater to these professionals. These programs are the perfect fit for non-profit managers because they are flexible, affordable, and can be completed in as little as 20 months. Students also have more freedom over their curriculum and can choose to specialize in a particular aspect of the field that interests them.
Methodology: Ranking Low-Cost Accelerated Master’s in Nonprofit Management
With so many schools making it possible to earn an online degree program in nonprofit management, it is now necessary to create rankings to make the school search easier for professionals. This ranking was created with the aid of research that was done at the National Center for Education Statistics. An initial pool of 90 schools was identified by searching the site’s College Navigator database for the term “accelerated online Master’s in Nonprofit Management.” The final 10 online programs, which are listed below, were ultimately chosen based on their in-state graduate tuition rates.
10. Johnson and Wales University
Location: Providence, Rhode Island
Degree: Online Master of Science in Nonprofit Management
Tuition: $22,260
Johnson and Wales University provides students with an accelerated masters degree in nonprofit management online that students can complete in 15 months. This degree program is career-focused and offers students the chance to learn from industry leaders and experts while working on building their knowledge in the nonprofit management field.
This degree is 100 percent online with no residency requirements. Online courses are live or on-demand, which students complete in six-week and eight-week sessions. The same full-time professors that teach the courses on campus also teach online courses.
Students can expect to complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework, a graduate creative project, and a comprehensive written and oral exam. Sample courses include Resource Development for Nonprofits, Financial Management and Budgeting in Nonprofit Organizations, Strategic Planning, and also Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations (Nonprofit Leadership).
9. Post University
Location: Waterbury, Connecticut
Degree: Online Master of Science in Counseling and Human Services, Concentration in Non-Profit Management
Tuition: $21,090
Students at Post University have the incredible opportunity to earn an accelerated online masters nonprofit degree in management within a counseling and human services degree. The online MS in Counseling and Human Services from Post University requires 37 credit hours of coursework.
This program offers a specialization in nonprofit management and is a great choice for professionals who wish to create or work for an organization that focuses on human services. This course of study is incredibly comprehensive and requires an internship or a practicum to graduate. Students can complete one of these placements in their hometown or area of residence. In addition, students will find that all courses are online, so there is never a need to visit the campus. Courses are delivered asynchronously or synchronously and follow the traditional 16-week format.
Students who choose to study full-time and year-round can complete all the requirements in less than 20 months. This degree requires 37 credit hours of coursework, a practicum or an internship, a research project, a capstone course, and a comprehensive written and oral exam. Sample courses include Human Resource Management, Financial Management of Nonprofit Organizations, and Human Service Management and Information Technology.
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7. Troy University
Location: Troy, Alabama
Degree: Online Master of Public Administration, Concentration in Non-Profit Management
Tuition: $17,784
Troy University has an accelerated online masters in nonprofit management program that fits the needs of most working professionals. This degree focuses on public administration but comes with a nonprofit management concentration. This combination creates informed graduates for both industries. So, they are in demand and can use their skills to work in both sectors. Degree requirements include an internship for pre-service students. However, in-service students can waive this requirement.
Additionally, students can complete this program of study entirely online through asynchronous and synchronous formats. It is possible to complete the requirements for this degree in less than 20 months when students study full-time and year-round. They can expect to complete 36 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exam.
Sample courses for this degree include Executive Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations, Grant Writing and Management for Public and Nonprofit Organizations, Performance Measurement, and Management for Public and Nonprofit Organizations.
6. The University of Maryland University College
Location: Largo, Maryland
Degree: Online Master of Science in Management with a Specialization in Non-Profit and Association Management
Tuition: $16,488
It is possible to earn a one year master’s in nonprofit management online from the University of Maryland University College. This school provides students with an exceptional management degree with a specialization in nonprofit management. With a curriculum built by industry scholars and taught by seasoned veterans of the nonprofit sector, this program prepares any student for a strong career in nonprofit management.
This degree is 100 percent online. However, students who live close to campus may opt for face-to-face classes with approval from the department. The courses are delivered either asynchronously or synchronously through the school’s virtual portal and in the traditional 16-week format. Students who study full-time and take courses every term can complete this degree in one year.
This degree requires 36 credit hours of coursework, a graduate capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral degree. Sample courses include Process and Outcome Evaluation for Nonprofit Organizations, Strategic Management in Nonprofit Organizations and Associations, and Nonprofit and Association Organizations and Issues.
5. Our Lady of the Lake University
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Degree: Online Master of Science in Nonprofit Management
Tuition: $16,020
Our Lady of the Lake University offers students an affordable, accelerated masters in nonprofit management online that is available in the school’s fast-track format. Therefore, students can complete all the requirements in approximately 16 months.
The university designed this degree program for working professionals. It removes the residency requirement and provides maximum flexibility within the constraints of the educational system. This 100 percent online program can also be a hybrid program for students who get approval from the university. Additionally, students can complete all the courses required for graduation online through the school’s virtual portal. Courses are delivered asynchronously and synchronously.
The program includes 36 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exam. Sample courses include Talent Volunteer Management and Diversity Management in Nonprofits, Social Media and Information Technology for Nonprofits, and the Legal and Ethical Elements of Nonprofits.
4. The University of Houston Downtown
Location: Houston, Texas
Degree: Online Master of Arts in Nonprofit Management (MANPM)
Tuition: $14,718
Students in the University of Houston non profit management program become ethical nonprofit leaders. This multidisciplinary degree focuses on the field’s marketing, finance, branding, and public advocacy perspectives in community nonprofits.
Graduates receive a degree and a separate Graduate Certificate in nonprofit Leadership and Strategic Planning. Furthermore, students can earn the certificate while still in the program and boost their career prospects. This 100 percent online degree does not require any residencies on campus. Instead, students simply log into their school’s virtual portal and take their asynchronous and synchronous courses through the internet. Full-time students can complete this degree in 18 months, while part-time students may take up to three years.
The online MA in Nonprofit Management requires 36 credit hours of coursework. Students also complete a local internship, a capstone project, and comprehensive written and oral exams. Sample courses include Grant Writing for Nonprofit Organizations, Law and Advocacy in Nonprofit Management, and Governance of the Volunteer Board and Organizational Behavior.
3. The University of Central Florida
Location: Orlando, Florida
Degree: Online Master of Nonprofit Management
Tuition: $13,747
The University of Central Florida is home to an accelerated online master’s in nonprofit management that students can complete in as little as two years. This professional program operates as an online cohort degree plan of study. In addition, it is possible to complete a National Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Certificate during this degree plan.
Students will find that this nonprofit management online program helps them identify, analyze and resolve any management issues that may arise during their career. This curriculum is conferred online through asynchronous and synchronous courses. Furthermore, all courses follow the traditional 16-week format.
Students can complete this degree in less than two years when taken as a full-time plan of study. It consists of 36 course credit hours, a capstone project, and comprehensive written and oral exit exams. Sample courses include Volunteerism in Nonprofit Management, Public Program Evaluation Techniques, and Ethics and Governance in Nonprofit Management.
2. Louisiana State University at Shreveport
Location: Shreveport, Louisiana
Degree: Online Master of Science in Nonprofit Administration
Tuition: $12,323
Students at Louisiana State University at Shreveport offer students a one year online Master in Nonprofit Management that will provide them with the pathway necessary to become mid to senior-level administrators in the field. LSUS built this program on theoretical approaches and practical applications. Students have a healthy mixture of lectures and seminars as well as co-curricular activities, team projects, and research papers. So, they understand concepts and demonstrate competency through service oriented field experience.
This 100 percent online program offers asynchronous and synchronous courses to students in eight-week sessions. Students can expect to complete 27 credit hours of coursework, a graduate capstone project, and a comprehensive written exit exam before graduation. Sample courses include Nonprofit Administration Theory and Research, Administrative Law and Nonprofit Organizations, Development of Philanthropy, and Nonprofit Organizations.
1. Florida Atlantic University
Location: Boca Raton, Florida
Degree: Online Master of Nonprofit Management
Tuition: $10,934
Florida Atlantic University confers a 12-month master’s online in nonprofit management. This program prepares students to become ethical professionals in the field. With a sole focus on nonprofit management and all the different aspects of the area, graduates are ready to work.
This 100 percent online degree requires no campus residencies; students will take all of their courses online as asynchronous or synchronous offerings. Courses are delivered in a 10-week format, making it possible for students to complete all of the requirements in one year if they decide to study full-time and year-round.
This degree requires 33 credit hours of coursework, an internship in a student’s area of residence, and comprehensive written and oral exams. Sample courses include Human Resource Management for Nonprofit Organizations, Legal and Ethical Issues in Nonprofit Organizations, and Financial Management for Nonprofit Managers.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the Admission Requirements for a Nonprofit Management Master’s?
Admission to nonprofit management programs requires applicants to have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Applicants should have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA.
All applicants are required to submit:
- Graduate application and application fee
- Official transcripts from previous schools
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Personal Statement of educational and career goals
- Recommendations or Reference letters with a combination of academic and professional references
- Proof of English proficiency if not the native language
Cost
Student at a regionally accredited institution in a master’s programs can apply for scholarships and other financial aid packages. So, advancing your education is in reach.
What Do You Learn in a Nonprofit Management Program?
Nonprofit leadership degrees have required courses and elective courses. A typical curriculum includes core courses, specialization classes, and an internship or placement. Some topics of study and classes online students take in a master’s program are listed below.
- Nonprofit Organization Management/Nonprofit Leadership
- Consumer Behavior
- Grant Proposal Writing
- Organizational Communication
- Volunteer Management
- Diversity Management Social Media
- Community Solutions
- Nonprofit Sector Social Justice
- Program Development
- Consumer Behavior
- Information Technology Grant Writing
- Social Entrepreneurship
- Nonprofit Finance/Financial Management
- Revenue Generation
Program Specializations
Specializations offer career opportunities and professional experiences
- Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Project Management
- Local Government Management for Sustainable Communities
- Global Leadership/Global Studies
- International Nongovernmental Organizations
- Social Media and Online Communities
- Sports and Social Change
- Nonprofit Leadership and Organizational Communication
What are Career Options for a Master’s in Nonprofit Management Degree?
What can you do with a master’s degree in nonprofit management? A masters nonprofit management online gives you the skills to lead and advance in a nonprofit organization.
- Fundraising Program Director
- Non-Profit Executive Director
- Entrepreneur
- Community Relations and Liaison Director
- Chief Executive Officer of a Non-Profit Organization
- Program Director
- Community Service Manager
- Social Services Manager
- Project Management
- Non-Profit Conference Services Director
- Community Engagement Director
- SVP for a Non-Profit Organization
- Volunteer Manager/Volunteer Management
How Much Can You Earn with a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Management?
The average salary for a professional in this field ranges from $42,000 to $150,000. Professionals who work in the public sector, for local charities, or for the government will make salaries closer to the lower number in this range.
Conversely, those who work for international nonprofit organizations or private organizations make substantially more. There is also the consideration of certification and endorsements which may lead to some professionals making more money in the nonprofit sector than others.
What are the Various Disciplines of Nonprofit Management?
Nonprofit management is a field that is informed by the government, policy, public policy, management, leadership, community services, social work, human services, sociology, psychology, and more.
Professionals in the field will often find themselves engaging with the marketing, advertising, advocacy, communications, public relations, and also interpersonal skills disciplines. In addition, they handle management and administration and have excellent organizational skills. For professionals working in specialized fields, the discipline most apparent to them will be the one their organization works the most closely with.
What Qualities Do You Need for Nonprofit Management?
Nonprofit management is a field that requires well-educated and also passionate people. Professionals in this field must have a strong understanding of various aspects of the field, compassion for those who the nonprofit organization is helping, and a substantial set of both communication and interpersonal skills.
All of this can be learned when a professional chooses to pursue an accelerated online Master’s in Nonprofit Management. These online programs provide both the nonprofit sector and the public with well-rounded individuals who are dedicated to serving the greater good in community nonprofits.
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