Online Master's in Nonprofit Management (MS)
Master of Science in Nonprofit Management: Public, Professional, & Social Sectors
Drexel University’s online Master’s in Nonprofit Management is built on the belief that you can run a nonprofit like a business while still keeping the philanthropic mission front and center. By combining nonprofit essentials like donor relations and campaign management with the fundamental business skills you need to successfully run an operation, you’ll be prepared to help your organization reach its fullest potential.
MS in Nonprofit Management Program Features
Throughout your studies in Drexel’s Master’s in Nonprofit Management online program, you’ll gain expertise in strategic planning, governance, fund development and stewardship, marketing and communication to help keep your organization running smoothly and expanding its scope.
In this program you:
- Focus on demonstrable skills like campaign management and donor cultivation, as well as on ethics and self-assessment to better prepare you to work in a nonprofit environment
- Experience real-world learning, including working with nonprofit agencies to look at solutions for problems that such organizations regularly face
- Explore opportunities with Drexel’s nonprofit entities such as the Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships, the Lindy Center for Civic Engagement and the Academy of Natural Sciences
- Learn on your own schedule, while still building meaningful relationships with classmates and professors through the interactive courses
What Can You Do with a Master’s in Nonprofit Management?
According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics, there are over 1.5 million nonprofit organizations in the United States alone, with almost 10% of all wages and salaries in the United States coming from the nonprofit sector. With nonprofit opportunities in fields such as education, philanthropy and social activism, a master’s in nonprofit management prepares you for positions such as:
- Executive Director
- Public Relations Manager
- Major Gifts Officer
- Director of Development
- Community Relations Director
- Fundraising Manager
- Board Member
- Alumni Relations Director
What Salary Will I Earn with a Master’s in Nonprofit Management?
Salaries in the nonprofit field can vary widely based on organization and role. On average, however, the median salary for a social and community service manager is $63,530 per year. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for this type of role is expected to grow 10% by 2024, a faster growth than average.*
Job Title
Median Salary
Executive Director
$112,200
Public Relations Manager
$106,250
Major Gifts Officer
$90,650
Director of Development
$88,150
Community Relations Director
$81,800
Fundraising Manager
$67,150
*Median salary figures via Wanted Analytics
Why Earn a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Management?
The benefits of earning a master’s degree in nonprofit management are two-fold: not only does it help you better contribute to an organization that you feel passionately about, but it’s a growing industry with a lot of opportunity. According to the 2016 Nonprofit Employment Practices survey, 57% of nonprofits reported an intention to create new positions, whereas only 36% of private companies planned to do the same. Those expanding organizations will need leaders with a dedication to their cause, as well as the business and professional insight to make sure they’re being run effectively.
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Related Program
Drexel’s online MS in Arts Administration & Museum Leadership program is designed to equip students with management practices, theory, and hands-on experience that are essential for leadership positions in arts and cultural organizations.
Drexel University offers a variety of Graduate Minors that can be added to any master's degree program.
State restrictions may apply to some programs.
Curriculum
This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year (as opposed to the traditional two semester system) which means you can take more courses in a shorter time period. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.
Required Courses |
12.0 | |
ACCT 608 | Government and Not-for-Profit Accounting | 3.0 |
NPM 501 | Foundations in Fundraising and Ethics | 3.0 |
NPM 520 | Writing for Nonprofits | 3.0 |
NPM 550 | Stewardship & Donor Cultivation | 3.0 |
NPM 600 | Nonprofit Workshop I | 3.0 |
NPM 602 | Nonprofit Workshop II | 3.0 |
NPM 603 | Regional Volunteer Experience | 3.0 |
NPM 645 | Strategic Planning for Nonprofits | 3.0 |
NPM 670 | Managing Effective Capital Campaigns | 3.0 |
NPM 700 | Capstone I | 1.5 |
NPM 701 | Capstone II | 4.5 |
Electives (Choose four) |
12.0 | |
AADM 520
|
Creative Enterprise and Innovation | |
AADM 660
|
International Cultural Policy | |
AADM 755
|
Community Cultural Planning | |
COM 536
|
Strategic Social Media Communication | |
COM 541
|
Foundations of Public Relations | |
COM 563
|
Event Planning | |
COM 575
|
Grant Writing | |
COM 576
|
Nonprofit Communications | |
COM 578
|
Focus Groups | |
NPM 610
|
Fostering Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace | |
NPM 615
|
Program Evaluation | |
NPM 680
|
Leading Nonprofit Organizations | |
PLCY 507
|
Nonprofit Organizations | |
Total Credits | 45.0 |
Admissions Criteria
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or an equivalent international institution
- GPA of 3.0 or above
Required Documents
With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.
- A completed application
- Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions you've attended (including trade schools)
- Two professional letters of recommendation (three preferred)
- Personal statement (minimum 500 words) describing your interest in the program:
- Why you're interested in the nonprofit sector
- How the program will help facilitate your future career goals
- How you'll contribute to the program and your peers
- Resume
- Additional requirements for International Students
Optional Documents
- GRE scores
- Example of a work/school project that demonstrates a specific related skill or area of expertise
An interview may be requested.
Tuition
The tuition rate for the academic year 2022-2023 is $1017 per credit. (A 25% tuition savings off Drexel's regular tuition rate of $1355 per credit)
- This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
- Special tuition rates available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of our Partner Organizations
- These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
- These rates apply only to fully online courses. Hybrid or on-campus courses may have different rates.
- Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
- All students must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
- Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
- When receiving special tuition plans with Drexel University Online, you may not combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.
Academic Calendar
2022-2023 Academic Year
Term
Classes Begin
Classes End
Exams Begin
Exams End
Fall 2022
September 19, 2022
December 3, 2022
December 5, 2022
December 10, 2022
Winter 2023
January 9, 2023
March 18, 2023
March 20, 2023
March 25, 2023
Spring 2023
April 3, 2023
June 10, 2023
June 12, 2023
June 17, 2023
Summer 2023
June 26, 2023
September 2, 2023
September 4, 2023
September 9, 2023
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