College of Professional Studies

Nonprofit Management

Master's: Boston, MA
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Certificate : Boston, MA
Certificate : Online
Master's : Online
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The Master of Science in Nonprofit Management integrates theoretical approaches with practical applications, preparing you to excel in leadership positions in the nonprofit sector.

Boston, MA
Location
Full-Time
Part-Time
Commitment
12-18 months
Duration of Program
Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter
Entry Terms
Yes *
Meets F1 Visa Requirements
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Overview

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. 

More Details

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 six 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, Sales Management, 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

 

Testimonials

"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, Program Director

"Northeastern is a school that prides itself on its students and alumni. The Northeastern reputation is taken very serious."

Raymond Heath, Alumnus, MS Nonprofit Management '20

"I would 100% recommend this program. We work directly with nonprofit organizations, helping them to build marketing plans or working with their boards. The faculty are also amazing and experienced. The classes are very in-depth whether online or in person. I met so many intelligent people, and a lot of them were already working in the field which was great to learn from."

Lia Mancuso, Alumnus, MS Nonprofit Management ‘17

Looking for something different?

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Admissions

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

$39.8K *
Tuition
$2.6K
Avg Institutional Aid
11%
% Receiving Aid

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

  • 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.

Admissions Dates

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.

Curriculum

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.


For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

 

Experiential Learning

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.

Learn About Getting Real World Experience

 

Faculty

Our Faculty

Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

Students

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll be connected to students at our 13 campuses, as well as 300,000-plus alumni and more than 3,500 employer partners around the world. Our global university system provides you with unique opportunities to think locally and act globally and serves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

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.

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