What’s in a name? More than some might realize, especially when dealing with nonprofit organizations and the management needs of such entities. In many cases, the nonprofit ideal is a misnomer, with sound business practices and cogent leadership being as necessary as within most “for-profit” counterparts.
Career Opportunities with this Degree
A number of advanced degrees centered around the study of nonprofit management are available today. A master of arts or master of business administration – both in nonprofit management – are two, with a third, a master of science in public policy with a focus in non profit management, also among the most prominent options. From 1994 to 2008, the number of nonprofit organizations in the United States grew by more than 50 percent, The number of employees of nonprofit companies grew even more – to the tune of a more than 61 percent increase over the same period of time, and overall growth is expected to continue as the number of nonprofit entities continues growing as well
Jobs & Salaries with This Degree
Students who successfully earn a master’s in nonprofit management may be a solid fit for opportunities as policy analysts, government relations officers, directors of policy, or program directors. While managers of private establishments can expect to earn more on average, managers of nonprofit organizations carried a mean annual salary of approximately $69,000.
Requirements for Earning this Degree
In addition to holding a bachelor’s degree, students interested in obtaining admission to a master’s in nonprofit management program are also expected to complete either the graduate record examination (GRE) or the graduate management admission test (GMAT). Relevant undergraduate coursework, prior experience in the non-profit sector or in dealing with public policy formation is recommended as well. Once admitted, likely coursework includes the study of ethics and social justice, organizational leadership and management, human resources management, finance and budgeting for the nonprofit sector, board governance and volunteer management and the study of planning: collaboration, cooperation and coordination, among others.