Serving communities and groups locally, nationally, and internationally, there are currently more than 10 million nonprofit and non-governmental organizations (NGO) operating worldwide. Of these organizations, approximately 1.8 million operate in the US, encompassing a variety of organizations from national charities and hospitals with substantial monetary foundations to local art centers. Making essential contributions at every level of society, employees at these organizations represent nearly 10 percent of the country’s workforce, holding a range of positions from advocating for vulnerable populations to raising awareness and fundraising for various causes. Immense growth within this sector translates to a need for individuals interested in affecting social change that are trained in the development and implementation of public policy.
A Master of Public Administration (MPA) with a specialization or concentration in Nonprofit Administration or Nonprofit Management is ideally suited for individuals currently working at a nonprofit organization interested in pursuing leadership roles or those seeking to transition their careers into the nonprofit sector. This specialization goes beyond the foundational curriculum of a general MPA, taking an entrepreneurial approach to social causes, focusing on long-term development and how to foster relationships between the public and private sector to achieve organizational goals.
- Curriculum Details for MPA Programs in Nonprofit Administration
- Instruction Methods for Online MPA Programs
- Admissions Requirements for MPA Programs
- Accreditation for MPA Programs
- Nonprofit Professional and Student Organizations
- Directory of Online MPA Programs with a Specialization in Nonprofit Administration
Curriculum Details for Online MPA Programs with a Specialization in Nonprofit
MPA programs that offer a specialization in nonprofit management focus on courses that bring together theories surrounding leadership, entrepreneurship, and social innovation. The foundational coursework of an MPA program typically includes classes in public policy, theory, research, and strategy as well as finance, personnel management, and ethics. Following the completion of the core curriculum, students can transition to a series of elective classes encompassing topics such as volunteer management, fundraising, strategic planning, navigating governmental oversight, and how to work with a board of directors.
Those who wish to pursue an online MPA with a nonprofit focus should investigate programs that offer specializations or concentrations in the following:
- Nonprofit Administration
- Nonprofit Management
- Nonprofit and Community Services
- Nonprofit Leadership
- Nonprofit Administration & Social Entrepreneurship
The average student, enrolled full-time, can typically earn their MPA within 16-24 months. Completing the required 36 to 48 course credits may take between 24-36 months if a student chooses to enroll part time. Some universities also offer dual master’s degree programs in Public Administration (MPA) and Nonprofit Management that may require an additional time commitment. Most MPA programs culminate with either a research or capstone project completed under the guidance of a faculty advisor. In addition, students without a certain level of work experience will often be required to complete an internship with a local nonprofit organization or agency.
It’s important to note the distinction between an MPA program that offers a nonprofit administration specialization and a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management (MNM), as an MPA focuses on leading the development and implementation of public policy while an MNM typically prepares students for leading the day-to-day operations of not-for-profit organizations. Graduates of MPA programs with a specialization in nonprofit management often pursue roles within government as well as the nonprofit sector. For a deeper understanding of the differences between an MPA in Nonprofit Administration, a Master’s in Nonprofit Management (MNM), and an MBA in Nonprofit Management check out our FAQ: MPA vs MNM vs MBA programs.
Note: On OnlineMPAPrograms.com, an MPA program must offer a dedicated area of study or certificate in nonprofit management in order to be classified as having a specialization or concentration in the field.
Examples of Nonprofit Specific Courses in Online MPA Programs
Courses in Nonprofit Administration or Nonprofit Management may include classes focused on the public sector, community development, performance measurement, and strategic planning. Since curricula often varies by university, the courses highlighted below should be viewed for example purposes.
- Grant Writing and Grants Management: Philanthropic support is essential to the sustainability and success of any nonprofit organization. In this course, students receive a comprehensive view of the grant process and what is required of a funding application. Emphasizing budget development, proposal writing, and cost management, students will also explore how to identify sources of funding, solicitation strategies, as well as cultivate and maintain donor relationships. To gain a complete understanding of the grant process, students will also learn about the review process associated with grant funding.
- Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector: Nonprofit (NPO) and non-government (NGO) organizational leaders require a fundamental understanding of the nonprofit sector, including related ethical, legal, financial, and global perspectives. In this course, students explore social entrepreneurship, marketing, communication, and governance. Students may also be asked to apply these theories and practices by evaluating an existing organization or developing a business plan for a new NPO or NGO.
- Board Governance, Volunteer Management, and Executive Leadership: An introduction to the fundamentals of governance, trusteeship, and executive leadership in nonprofit organizations. As the success of an NPO is largely attributed to the effective management of its program volunteers and board members, students will focus on the importance of volunteer management, including recruitment, orientation, training, supervising, and evaluating as well as the creation and maintenance of an effective Board of Directors to support the organization’s mission.
- Public, Private and Nonprofit Collaboration: Students are introduced to the main concepts, ideas, and theories of nonprofit collaboration with public and private organizations. Utilizing case studies and hypothetical situations, students will learn learning how to plan, develop, manage, and maintain these relationships as well as understand the benefits and drawbacks of collaborative work.
- Politics, Strategies, and Initiatives of Community Economic Development: Highlighting the importance of history in local economic development, this course also touches on key principles and strategies to help attract businesses and assist in bolstering the economic life of an area. Students will learn to apply these theories in decision making and project management, and effectively analyze prospective initiatives and policy proposals.
- Political Economy of Nonprofit Organizations: Students will gain an understanding of the role nonprofit organizations play in the development and administration of public policy. This course focuses on nonprofit management and the relationships between government agencies, private businesses, and nonprofit organizations within the context of current issues and future trends.
Below is a sample two-year curriculum a student might encounter when enrolled in a full-time online MPA with a concentration in nonprofit management or nonprofit administration. Course titles and the sequence of study will vary by institution.
Two-Year Sample Curriculum Plan for an Online Master of Public Administration with a Specialization in Nonprofit Administration or Management
| Year 1 | Core Courses:
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| Year 2 | Core Course:
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| Capstone Seminar / Independent Research Project Concentration Course:
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Instruction Methods for Online MPA Programs
Students looking for greater flexibility in completing a graduate program may benefit from pursuing a degree online. Digitally based programs offer the same curriculum as campus-based programs without having to commute to a campus or satellite location. This is especially beneficial for students whose local university does not offer programs that align with their area of interest, as it allows for enrollment without relocation.
Digitally based lectures are offered either synchronously (live broadcasted instruction) or asynchronously (recorded lectures and materials available to be viewed independently). While not all online programs utilize synchronous instruction, most, if not all, online programs contain asynchronous elements that students complete on their own schedule (e.g., readings, recorded lectures or PowerPoint presentations, assignments, and discussion forums). Students who feel they would benefit from live sessions should research programs that feature synchronous instruction, while those looking for a program with the greatest flexibility should look for programs offering mainly asynchronous instruction.
Even though a student is not physically present in the classroom, online degree programs still allow for networking with peers and faculty, as well as class discussions through class forums, breakout sessions, group projects, virtual events, etc. Students will find the curriculum equally, if not more, challenging than in a campus-based program, as online MPA programs often require greater personal drive and self-discipline to keep up with assignments.
Admissions Requirements for MPA Programs with a Specialization in Nonprofit Administration
Nationwide, more than 30 universities currently offer an online MPA program with a nonprofit specialization or concentration. Application requirements will vary by university, and while previous experience working at a nonprofit or NGO may not be required, consideration may be given to those with significant relevant experience. It is important to note that the majority of online MPA programs have a selective admissions process (as opposed to open admissions) in which students are not guaranteed admission, even if they meet all minimum admissions requirements.
When compiling the required documentation for application to a graduate MPA program, students should be sure to submit undergraduate transcripts or transcripts from any institution where graduate coursework was completed. Certain graduate programs may require a minimum GPA of between 2.5 and 3.0 on a 4.0 scale to be considered for admission; however, some online programs that require a GPA of 3.0 or greater may also offer conditional admission for those with a GPA between 2.5 and 2.99. Those accepted on a conditional or probationary basis are typically required to maintain a “B” average in their initial courses to gain full admission to the program.
In addition to GPA requirements, some programs require submission of standardized testing scores (GRE), as well as a resume or Curriculum Vitae, personal statement, and letters of recommendation(s). For students who have already completed graduate courses in public administration or a related field, acceptable transfer credits vary by institution. Some universities may not allow the transfer of any previous graduate credits, while others may allow students to transfer credits if the coursework completed significantly overlaps with courses that are part of the program’s MPA curriculum.
Accreditation for Online MPA Programs
As students consider prospective MPA programs with a nonprofit specialization, it is essential to determine whether the prospective colleges or universities are regionally accredited by one of six regional accrediting bodies or the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which accredits institutions that mainly offer online programs. These outside entities are all recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). All schools listed on OnlineMPAPrograms.com are accredited by a commission recognized by CHEA.
Schools may choose to pursue additional programmatic accreditation beyond the standard regional requirement. The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) is an independent organization that oversees faculty performance and curriculum standards required in accrediting individual MPA programs. This type of accreditation is optional, and some schools choose to forgo formal accreditation while still aligning their programs with NASPAA standards. Therefore, it is important for students to factor in a program’s curriculum, faculty, research opportunities, and student services when determining which program is the best fit.
Nonprofit Professional and Networking Organizations
Students of online MPA programs with a concentration or specialization in Nonprofit Administration may benefit from joining one of the professional networking groups specific to their area of study and expertise. These independent groups bring together young voices in the nonprofit community, connecting them with job opportunities and chances to interact with thought leaders in the field.
Alliance for Nonprofit Management – An active community of academics and leaders in the nonprofit sector, the Alliance for Nonprofit Management drives conversation surrounding issues relating to nonprofits with the goal of enriching communities and enhancing nonprofit efficacy and enacting positive social change. The organization provides opportunities to connect and interact with thought leaders through community gatherings.
Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN)– Bringing together more than 50,000 members of the nonprofit community across the US and Canada, YNPN is a growing community of young professionals working within the nonprofit industry. Connecting talent and providing support and training, the goal of this organization is to elevate the voices and ideas of young nonprofit professionals.
Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM) – A nonprofit academic organization dedicated to improving public policy through research, analysis, and education. The group hosts an annual research conference focusing on key current and emergent policy and management issues, in addition to the publication of its peer-reviewed multidisciplinary journal, and the hosting of a job board connecting members with prospective opportunities, including those in the Nonprofit/NGO sector.