Master of Science in Nonprofit Management — Boston
The Master of Science in Nonprofit Management integrates theoretical approaches with practical applications, preparing you to excel in leadership positions in the nonprofit sector.
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Overview
Unlike a traditional MBA, Northeastern’s Master of Science in Nonprofit Management degree focuses on the core competencies in the nonprofit world: fundraising and development governance, strategic management, and the tools to foster positive change.
Through action-oriented coursework, opportunities to collaborate with nonprofits, and experiential projects guided by faculty who work in the field, this program prepares students to become mission-driven leaders with the skills to make a meaningful impact in education, health care, and the social sector.
Featuring focused courses in financial management, human resources, fundraising, and development, this master’s degree program equips students with the opportunity to advance their career and become an effective decision maker in the growing nonprofit industry.
Upon completion of this degree program, graduates emerge prepared—and inspired—to make a meaningful impact and engage in social innovation
About the CFRE Certification Transfer Credit Opportunity:
Northeastern University recognizes 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
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
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.
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 with six targeted concentrations to choose from so you can focus on the skill set and passion that most interests you.
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
Career Prospects
Beginning your journey with us is a big decision. But it's a smart one. Your field is evolving rapidly. That's why we're constantly innovating our programs to anticipate your industry's needs. So, no matter where your field goes, you can lead the way
Average Salary, PR and Fundraising Manager
Average Salary, Promotions Manager
Northeastern's signature experience-powered learning model has been at the heart of the university for more than a century. It combines world-class academics with professional practice, allowing you to acquire relevant, real-world skills you can immediately put into action in your current workplace.
This makes a Northeastern education a dynamic, transformative experience, giving you countless opportunities to grow as a professional and person.
Get Set With a Custom Course Plan
Please note: The following is a sample curriculum and is subject to change. Enrolled students should reference the academic catalog for current program requirements.
Required Courses
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 |
Electives
Complete two of the following:
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
3.00 | Credits 4.00 | |
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 2.00 |
Concentrations
Required Courses
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 |
Electives
Complete a minimum of 6 quarter hours from the following:
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 |
Note: ALY 6010 and ALY 6070 should be taken together.
Required Courses
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 |
Electives
Complete a minimum of 9 quarter hours from the following:
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 1.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 |
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:
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 |
Fewer than two years of project management experience:
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 |
Electives
Complete a minimum of 5 quarter hours of the following:
Complete these two courses together:
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 |
Or complete this course:
Credits 3.00 |
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 |
Note: Students who take Foundations of Project Management (PJM 5900) are not required to take an elective course in this concentration.
Required Courses
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 |
Electives
Complete a minimum of 5 quarter hours from the following:
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 |
Note: ALY 6110 should be taken with ALY 6070.
Required Courses
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 |
Electives
Complete a minimum of 3 quarter hours from the following:
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 |
Note: ALY 6010 and ALY 6070 should be taken together.
PJM 5900 and PJM 6000 should be taken together.
Distinguished Faculty
The Master of Science in Nonprofit Management introduces our students to the multiple career opportunities offered by purpose driven, nonprofit organizations. We live in an exciting historical moment in which initiatives from the public administration, the industry, and the nonprofit sector are pivoting the next generation of social change. Our network of faculty, staff, students and partners aims to nurture the necessary skills to lead this process.
- Monica Borgida, Faculty Lead - Nonprofit Management
-
Monica Baraldi Borgida
Lead Assistant Professor for the Finance and Accounting Management program.Full bio
I would 100% recommend this program. We worked directly with nonprofit organizations, helping them build marketing plans or working with their boards. The faculty are also amazing and experienced. The classes were very in-depth whether online or in person. I met so many intelligent people; a lot of them were already working in the field which was great to learn from.
Lia Mancuso - Master of Science in Nonprofit Management, 2017
Cost and Tuition
Tuition
Avg Institutional Aid
% Receiving Aid
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2024-2025 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.
For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.
Application Deadlines
Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:
Domestic Application Guidelines
International Application Guidelines*
*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.
Did you know?
Below is a look at where our Management alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.
-
Where They Work
- State Street
- Fidelity Investments
- Dell EMC
- IBM
- Liberty Mutual Insurance
-
What They Do
- Business Development
- Sales
- Operations
- Finance
- Entrepreneurship
-
What They're Skilled At
- Management
- Leadership
- Customer Service
- Microsoft Office
- Project Management
Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on Linkedin.
Related Programs
Admissions
- Online application
- Statement of purpose (500–1000 words): Identify your educational goals and expectations of the program. Please be aware that Northeastern University's academic policy on plagiarism applies to your statement of purpose.
- Professional resumé
- Unofficial undergraduate transcripts; official transcripts required at the time of admission
- The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals who have either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities such as a faculty member, colleague, or mentor, preferably one from your current employer
- English language proficiency proof. Students for whom English is not their primary language must submit one of the following:
- Official associate or bachelor's degree transcript from an accredited college or university in the U.S., stating degree conferral and date
- TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo, or NU Global Exam scores
Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.
Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Professional Studies admissions process, policies, and required materials.
Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.
How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.
Some courses in this program offer transfer credit for students’ experience through prior learning assessments and professional certifications. View the full list of eligible certifications and transfer credits.
Let’s Find Your Path Forward
Our enrollment representatives can walk you through the application process and help you explore your program options.
Call Toll Free: 877.668.7727