The nonprofit sector has been steadily growing over the years, and as a result, there is a rising demand for professionals with expertise in nonprofit management. Nonprofit organizations aim to create a positive impact on society, and this requires skilled professionals who can effectively manage these organizations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the nonprofit sector is expected to grow by 12% between 2021 and 2031, which is faster than the average for all occupations. When it comes to salaries, nonprofit management careers can be financially rewarding. According to BLS, the average salary for Social and Community Service Managers is $74,000 per year, but this can vary depending on factors such as the size of the organization and its location.
An online degree in nonprofit management can equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to lead and manage nonprofit organizations effectively. You will learn about nonprofits’ unique challenges, such as fundraising, volunteer management, and grant writing, and how to navigate them successfully.
Nonprofit Management Degree Program Requirements
When applying for a nonprofit management degree program, you can expect to encounter the following requirements:
| Program | Credits Required | Duration | Admission Requirements |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 | 4 Years | High school diploma or equivalent; Transcripts |
| Masters Degree | 36-60 | 2 Years | Minimum 3.0 GPA; Letters of recommendation; Resume; Personal Statements |
Bachelor’s Degrees in Nonprofit Management
#1. Georgia Southern University
Program: B.I.S. Nonprofit Management Concentration
Tuition: $182.13 per credit
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by SACSCOC
Financial aid: Available with 94% of students receive financial aid.
To complete the Nonprofit Management concentration, students must earn 18 credit hours, including PBAD 2231 and NMLI 2231. Four upper-division courses are also required. This concentration is exclusively for Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies or Online Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies majors.
#2. Kennesaw State University
Program: B.S. in Human Services with a concentration in Nonprofit Management
Tuition: $185.40 per credit (resident); $654.33 per credit hour (non-resident)
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by SACSCOC
Financial aid: Available, with 92% of students receiving financial aid.
The Nonprofit Management and Social Innovation minor at Kennesaw State University equips
students with the skills needed to succeed in the rapidly expanding field of nonprofit work. Students have the opportunity to engage in career development and co-curricular experiences to prepare for occupations, volunteer experiences, or graduate study in nonprofit management,
leadership, and social innovation.
#3. University of Central Florida
Program: Nonprofit Management, BS
Tuition: $212.28 per credit
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by SACSCOC
Financial aid: Available with 94% of students receive financial aid.
The BS in Nonprofit Management program at UCF equips students with the fundamental knowledge of how nonprofit organizations operate, with a focus on fiscal and human resources. The program offers a well-rounded approach, providing students with the necessary skills to support nonprofit organizations in various roles such as program management and evaluation, development/fundraising, human resources/volunteer management, financial management, and communications.
#4. Southern New Hampshire University
Program: BBA Concentration in Nonprofit Management, 120 credit hours
Tuition: $320 per credit
Accreditation: Programmatically accredited by ACBSP. Regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education
Financial aid: Available with 81% of students receiving financial aid.
The nonprofit management concentration offers a specialized curriculum to equip you with essential skills for achieving organizational goals in the nonprofit sector. It covers topics such as grant writing, government and nonprofit accounting, management, and entrepreneurship, taught by experienced instructors with real-world expertise. The courses are developed with input from business professionals to ensure practicality and relevance.
#5. Toccoa Falls College
Program: BS Nonprofit Business Administration
Tuition: $350 per credit
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by SACSCOC
Financial aid: Available with 89% of students receive financial aid.
This Nonprofit Business Administration program is an online degree completion program designed to cater to the increasing demand in the nonprofit sector of the global economy. The program offers students the opportunity to acquire knowledge and experience to effectively manage and lead nonprofit organizations in various fields, such as social services, government, non-government, and faith-based organizations.
#6. Huntington University
Program: BS in not-for-profit leadership
Tuition: $402 per credit
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Financial aid: Available with 100% of students receive financial aid.
Huntington University’s faculty and staff recognize the importance of being guided towards a career through a calling and a desire to serve others. The Bachelor of Science degree in not-for-profit leadership offered by the university provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to lead and optimize their impact through a non-profit organization.
#7. American Women’s College at Bay Path University
Program: BS in Business Nonprofit Management
Tuition: $410 per credit
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education
Financial aid: Available with 100% of students receive financial aid.
The American Women’s College at Bay Path University offers a Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management designed to prepare students for careers in the nonprofit sector. The program covers topics such as nonprofit law and ethics, financial management, marketing and fundraising, and program evaluation. Students will also gain practical experience through internships and capstone projects.
#8. Colorado Christian University
Program: B.S. in Nonprofit Management, 120 credit hours
Tuition: $494 per credit
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Financial aid: Available, with 99% of students receiving financial aid.
Colorado Christian University offers a Non-profit Management Bachelor’s degree that prepares students to manage charitable organizations’ financial and business affairs. The program equips students with the knowledge necessary to increase the effectiveness and sustainability of non-profit organizations.
#9. University of the Southwest
Program: BBA Nonprofit Management
Tuition: $549 per credit hour
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Financial aid: Available with 92% of students receive financial aid.
University of the Southwest provides an online BBA degree with an emphasis on nonprofit management. This degree program offers students a strong foundation in business fundamentals, followed by an in-depth study of the topics crucial to success and leadership in the nonprofit sector. Students will gain knowledge and skills necessary to work in managerial and administrative roles in philanthropic foundations, NGOs, and international/multilateral institutions.
#10. Lakeland University
Program: Business Administration with an Emphasis in Nonprofit Management
Tuition: $1,030.00 per credit
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Financial aid: Available with 100% of students receive financial aid.
The program emphasizes the development of problem-solving and decision-making skills to ensure that its graduates are well-equipped for any challenge they may face in their careers. Additionally, Lakeland provides Master’s programs in Business Administration and Leadership & Organizational Development. Students can complete dual-credit courses as part of Lakeland’s “fast-track plan” to fulfill requirements for both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. An additional year of classes is necessary to obtain a graduate degree.
Online Masters Degree in Nonprofit Management
#1. University Of Central Florida
Program: Master’s in Nonprofit Management
Tuition: $327.32 per credit (in-state); $1,151.72 per credit hour (out-of-state)
Accreditation: Program accreditation: NASPAA. Regionally accredited by SACSCOC
Financial aid: Available, with 94% of students receiving financial aid.
A Master of Nonprofit Management (MNM) program equips students with the necessary skills to manage nonprofit organizations effectively, preparing them for leadership roles or career advancement. The program covers volunteerism, resource management, grant management, ethics, program evaluation, and other topics. Students gain practical experience through service learning, building community partnerships, and professional networks.
#2. Indiana Wesleyan University
Program: MPA specializing in Nonprofit Management
Tuition: $559/ Credit Hour
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Financial aid: Available, with 85% of students receiving financial aid.
The Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership program provides leaders with valuable resources and training in financial management, decision-making, fundraising, and organizational effectiveness to enhance their nonprofit’s reach and impact. The program is designed to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage and expand their nonprofit organizations.
#3. Cairn University
Program: Nonprofit Leadership M.S.
Tuition: $645 for the whole program
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by MSCHE
Financial aid: Available with 99% of students receive financial aid.
The M.S. in Nonprofit Leadership program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to become effective leaders in nonprofit organizations. This program offers a combination of courses in organizational leadership, nonprofit management, and strategy, providing students with the ability to direct nonprofit organizations, social ventures, and other agencies with innovation and excellence.
#4. Gratz College
Program: MS Nonprofit Management & Philanthropy
Tuition: $698 per credit
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by MSCHE
Financial aid: Available
Non-profit Management program is designed for professionals committed to creating positive changes locally and globally. The program is geared towards providing thought leaders with theoretical and practical skills to innovate, guide, and transform nonprofit organizations. The program is an excellent choice for students who seek to serve their community, advocate for vulnerable populations, preserve cultural heritage, and educate for social good.
#5. Bay Path University
Program: MS Nonprofit Management & Philanthropy
Tuition: $720 per credit
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education
Financial aid: Available with 100% of students receive financial aid.
The Master of Science in Nonprofit Management & Philanthropy program offered by Bay Path University is known for its practicality, diversity, and relevance. The program aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become efficient leaders in nonprofit organizations.
#6. Springfield College
Program: MBA – Non-profit Management
Tuition: $724 per credit
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education
Financial aid: Available with 99% of students receive financial aid.
Springfield College’s MBA in Non-Profit Management program is designed for students who want to accelerate their careers. With the option to complete the program in one academic year, students can pursue the degree at their own pace on a part-time basis. The program provides a blend of theory and practice, offering learning experiences and business acumen critical to working in the non-profit sector.
#7. Johnson & Wales University
Program: MBA Nonprofit Management
Tuition: $842 per credit hour
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education
Financial aid: Available with 50% receiving aid.
The MBA in Nonprofit Management degree program enhances business competencies to propel leadership abilities in the nonprofit sector and beyond. The program emphasizes strategic and creative thinking skills essential in today’s evolving and dynamic nonprofit environment.
#8. North Park University
Program: Master of Nonprofit Administration
Tuition: $1,240 per credit hour
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Financial aid: Available with 100% receiving aid.
The Master of Nonprofit Administration program is designed to train individuals to lead nonprofits across the sector. This degree covers all essential disciplines required to operate efficient mission-driven organizations, including financial decision-making, fundraising, and governance. A special emphasis on strategic management, as well as relevant regulations and external reporting requirements, will enable students to acquire the necessary skills to become executives in both small and large organizations.
Which Degree is Required to Work as a Nonprofit Manager
If you are interested in pursuing a career as a nonprofit manager, you may be wondering what degree is required to work in this field. While there is no one specific degree that is required to work in nonprofit management, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field is typically preferred by employers. Many nonprofit managers have degrees in fields such as business administration, public administration, nonprofit management, or social work.
Degrees held by nonprofit managers:
Career Prospects in Nonprofit Management
A degree in nonprofit management can open the door to a variety of rewarding career paths. Some popular job titles in the nonprofit sector include:
| Occupation | Salary Range |
| Advocacy Director | $71,000-$119,000 |
| Chief Executive Officer | $104,000-$271,000 |
| Chief Operating Officer | $73,000-$203,000 |
| Communications Director | $88,000-$119,000 |
| Development Director | $68,000-$171,000 |
| Program Director | $85,000-$180,000 |
Graduates can find employment opportunities in diverse organizations such as charitable foundations, advocacy groups, social service agencies, educational institutions, and professional associations. With the right combination of education, experience, and networking, your nonprofit management degree can be the springboard for a fulfilling career that impacts the world.
Is A Degree In Nonprofit Management Worth It?
Whether an online degree in nonprofit management is worth it depends on your personal and professional goals. If you are passionate about positively impacting society and want to work in the nonprofit sector, pursuing a nonprofit degree can provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in this field. Additionally, many nonprofit organizations prefer to hire individuals with a degree in nonprofit management as it demonstrates a level of commitment and understanding of the unique challenges of managing a nonprofit organization. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that pursuing a nonprofit degree may not lead to the highest-paying job. Still, it can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment that many individuals find rewarding.
