Why Nonprofit Management?
The Master of Science in Nonprofit Management integrates theoretical approaches with practical applications, preparing you to excel in leadership positions in the nonprofit sector.
The Master of Science in Nonprofit Management integrates theoretical approaches with practical applications. It prepares you for a leadership position in not-for-profit universities, hospitals, charities, foundations, NGOs, or religious organizations. Action-oriented coursework and faculty dedicated to student success prepare you to become a mission-driven executive leader, manager, employee, or board member at a public or private nonprofit organization. You will emerge prepared—and inspired—to make a meaningful impact.
Nonprofit organizations are challenged to thrive in a constantly changing social and business environment, with limited resources and complex needs to be satisfied. Successful nonprofit organizations are defined by leaders who not only possess keen business and managerial skills but can also effect change at a community or social level. Being successful in this dynamic and rewarding field requires strong leadership, managerial, and interpersonal skills, as well as in-depth knowledge of fundraising, strategic planning, marketing, and governance issues. Rather than a generic MBA program, our master's in nonprofit management is built to closely align with the core competencies of fundraising, policy, and strategic management.
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Unique Features
- Integrated experiential learning: Gain real-world experience and build your resumé through the program’s diverse experience-powered learning opportunities, including experiential projects with real-world sponsors, co-ops, and in-class case studies.
- Participate in a final capstone project, working hand-in-hand with a local organization like United Planet or the Boston Children’s Museum to solve a current issue.
- Flexible learning format: With courses offered 100% online, in person in Boston, or in a hybrid format, you can complete your degree without putting your life on hold.
- Tailor your degree to your career goals: There are five concentrations to choose from so you can focus on the skill set and passion that most interests you. Choose from Fundraising, Leadership and Management, Project Management, Social Innovation, or Social Media and Analytics.
- Join a community: Learn from thought leaders and experts in the field who have had hands-on experience in the industry. Join their vast network and leverage alumni who are helping drive social change at some of the top nonprofit organizations like Dana Farber Cancer Research Institute, the Boston Housing Authority, and more.
- Career-advancing degree: Featuring focused courses in management, human resources, fundraising, and development, this program provides you with the opportunity to advance your career and become an effective decision maker. In a growing industry such as nonprofit, there is a need for management and professionalism.
Program Objectives
- Explore leadership practices that contribute to organizational success
- Understand legal and governance issues in nonprofit organizations
- Hone your fundraising skills, including grant and proposal writing
- Recognize important social, organizational, and cultural change agents
- Discover traditional and nontraditional ways to promote nonprofits to supporters, the public, and the media
- Analyze national and international trends, issues, and political shifts affecting the nonprofit marketplace
Career Outlook
Hiring in nonprofit organizations is on the upswing. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nonprofit sector ranks third in the U.S. in overall employment, with more than 12.3m employees.
The fastest-growing jobs are in:
- Direct services
- Fundraising
- Program management
- Program support
A sample of where our recent graduates are working:
- YMCA
- Boston Children’s Museum
- Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
- Horizons for Homeless Children
- Oxfam America
- Marymount Manhattan College Prison Program
Unique Transfer Opportunity
About the CFRE Certification Transfer Credit Opportunity:
Why consider a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management from Northeastern University? We recognize the knowledge and nonprofit competencies demonstrated by those who have earned their CFRE certification. As a result, credential-holders have the unique opportunity to accelerate through a Northeastern University degree.
Successful applicants for a master's degree program with their CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive):
- Will be able to earn a master’s degree by completing 14 courses, rather than 15
- Transfer credit is awarded for the following course: NPM 6130–Fundraising & Development for Nonprofit Organizations
What you'll study
General Requirements
Required Courses
Electives
Complete two of the following:
Concentrations
Required Courses
Electives
Complete a minimum of 6 quarter hours from the following:
Note: ALY 6010 and ALY 6070 should be taken together.
Required Courses
Electives
Complete a minimum of 9 quarter hours from the following:
Note: CMN 6000 and INT 6000 should be taken together.
Required Courses
Complete the courses that are required based on the number of years of project management experience you have completed.
Two-plus years of project management experience:
Fewer than two years of project management experience:
Electives
Complete a minimum of 5 quarter hours of the following:
Complete these two courses together:
Or complete this course:
Note: Students who take Foundations of Project Management (PJM 5900) are not required to take an elective course in this concentration.
Required Courses
Electives
Complete a minimum of 3 quarter hours from the following:
Note: ALY 6010 and ALY 6070 should be taken together.
PJM 5900 and PJM 6000 should be taken together.
This program requires successful completion of a minimum of 45 credit hours that meet the degree requirements.
Required Courses
Electives
Complete a minimum of 5 quarter hours from the following:
Note: ALY 6110 should be taken with ALY 6070.