Individuals passionate about positively impacting the nonprofit sector may be well-suited to pursue an online MBA in nonprofit management. With many robust curricula covering strategic planning, financial management, fundraising, and more, earning an online MBA in this field can help students meet their professional goals on their timeline. Graduates with this degree can find employment as fundraising and public relations managers and often progress to coveted leadership positions such as executive director or program manager.
Regarding cost, tuition fees for online MBA programs in nonprofit management vary across institutions. The average annual cost of graduate school tuition is $12,596 at public schools and $28,017 at private schools.
How To Choose an Online MBA in Nonprofit Management Degree Program
Choose your area of study
Many online MBA in nonprofit management programs will allow you to select a concentration and focus your studies on a particular niche in this field, such as fundraising, strategic planning, or program evaluation. When choosing an area of study, it’s essential to consider what matters most to you for your future career. Consider your personal interests, skills, and goals. Reflect on what aspects of nonprofit management resonate with you and align with your long-term aspirations.
Research schools and programs
Next, research the curriculum and course offerings of different online MBA programs in nonprofit management. Evaluate whether the program covers the areas of study that interest you the most and provides a comprehensive understanding of nonprofit management and principles. Look for courses that align with your desired specialization and career objectives.
You should only apply to institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
Ideally, your online MBA in nonprofit management program will also be accredited by a respected industry group like the Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). These programmatic accrediting organizations have particularly high standards for business education.
Exploring the faculty and their expertise within the program can also be beneficial. Investigate whether the professors have experience in the specific areas of nonprofit management you wish to focus on. This can ensure that you receive quality instruction and mentorship in your chosen field.
To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
Standardized test scores and applications for admission are often your first opportunity to make a positive impression on admission committees, so you’ll want to devote some time to this part of the process. To start, thoroughly research your desired programs’ requirements, as every school has their own application process. Understand the deadlines, required documents, and additional components such as essays or recommendation letters. A proactive approach will help you plan your timeline effectively and allocate sufficient time for each step.
Note if the program requires standardized test scores, such as the GMAT or GRE, for test preparation. If so, create a study schedule and utilize resources like practice exams, study guides, and online test prep courses. Familiarize yourself with the test format, question types, and time constraints to enhance your performance.
Regarding applications, focus on crafting a compelling personal statement or essay showcasing your passion for nonprofit management and relevant experiences. Highlight your achievements, leadership roles, and commitment to making a positive impact in the nonprofit sector. Request recommendation letters from individuals who can speak to your skills, character, and potential for success in the program. You will need to submit undergraduate transcripts as well. Also, you should always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.
Select your program
After conducting thorough research, preparing for tests, and completing applications, selecting the right program for your online MBA in nonprofit management involves careful consideration and evaluation.
Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Speak to financial aid counselors at the schools you’re interested in for the most accurate and specific information about program cost. When choosing an online MBA program, figuring out how to finance your degree is paramount. Fortunately, there are many financial aid options for these degree programs.
Start by assessing your financial situation and identifying resources like personal savings or employer tuition reimbursement programs. In addition, scholarships and grants specific to nonprofit management or MBA programs can be found through online scholarship databases, professional organizations, and the program’s financial aid office.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal student loans and need-based grants. Federal student loans usually carry lower interest rates and offer more flexible repayment terms, making them preferable to private loans.
The Top 29 Online MBA in Nonprofit Management Programs
Discover More Options
How We Rank Schools
For this list, we focused on finding flexible programs that can be completed fully or primarily online. Many of these programs allow students to take a combination of online and in-person classes based on their schedule and preferences.
As a measure of quality, we only included regionally accredited schools. Many of these options also have programmatic accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
We evaluated each program based on reputation, outcomes, flexibility, faculty, and cost, then calculated an Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 for each. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
What Can You Expect From an Online MBA in Nonprofit Management?
An online MBA in nonprofit management offers a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of managing nonprofit organizations at every level. The curriculum typically covers nonprofit leadership, strategic planning, financial management, fundraising, grant writing, and more. You can expect to gain a significant understanding of the unique challenges and dynamics of the nonprofit sector, as well as the skills needed to lead and manage these organizations effectively.
Most students take 18 months to three years to complete their MBA in this field, but some programs offer accelerated options that can be completed in a shorter time frame. In addition to coursework, some programs may encourage students to engage in practical experiences, like internships and capstone projects, to apply their knowledge in real-world nonprofit settings.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online MBA in nonprofit management program
- Nonprofit Leadership: This course focuses on the principles and strategies of effective leadership within nonprofit organizations. Students learn about the roles and responsibilities of nonprofit leaders, board governance best practices, ethical decision-making, and developing the leadership skills necessary for managing and inspiring teams in the nonprofit sector.
- Financial Management for Nonprofits: This course delves into nonprofit organizations’ unique financial considerations and challenges. Students will gain expertise in budgeting, financial planning, reporting, and managing resources and revenue streams effectively in a nonprofit context. Topics covered may include grant management, fundraising strategies, financial sustainability, and measuring financial performance.
- Program Evaluation and Impact Assessment: In this course, students learn about assessing the effectiveness and impact of nonprofit programs and initiatives. Students develop a deep understanding of evaluation methodologies, data collection and analysis, outcome measurement, and reporting findings to stakeholders. The course equips students with the skills to evaluate program success, make data-driven decisions, and improve programmatic outcomes.
- Strategic Management and Planning: This course introduces students to the strategic planning process and its application within the nonprofit sector. Students will learn how to develop and implement strategic plans that align with a nonprofit organization’s mission, vision, and goals. The content may touch upon various subjects, including environmental scanning, goal setting, strategy formulation, and monitoring and adapting strategic plans to address changing needs and circumstances.
- Fundraising and Development: This course explores the essential techniques and strategies for successful fundraising and resource development in nonprofit organizations. Students will learn about donor cultivation, relationship management, grant writing, and creating effective fundraising campaigns. The course may also cover major gifts, planned giving, corporate partnerships, and leveraging technology for fundraising efforts.
What Can You Do With an Online MBA in Nonprofit Management?
Career outlook
Since the nonprofit sector is so large, many career paths are open to those with an MBA in nonprofit management. If you are interested in a particular industry, such as health care, for example, you may look for positions within hospitals, clinics, or nursing facilities. Here are some other positions that are available to workers with this degree:
- Social or community service manager — Oversee operations and secure funding for programs that support public well-being.
- Median annual salary: $77,030
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 9%
- New job openings projected: 16,000 annually
- Management analyst — Advise organizations on how to improve performance and efficiency.
- Median annual salary: $99,410
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 10%
- New job openings projected: 92,900 annually
- Top executive — Coordinate the work of an organization by establishing goals, overseeing activities, and appointing department heads and managers.
- Median annual salary: $103,840
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 3%
- New job openings projected: 311,600 annually
Online MBA in Nonprofit Management Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online MBA in nonprofit management degree program?
Before applying to any online MBA program, it’s essential to consult with an admissions counselor to ensure you have a clear understanding of the program’s specific requirements and deadlines. Typically, you must complete an online application form, submit official transcripts from previous institutions attended, and provide a current resume highlighting relevant experience. Many programs also require letters of recommendation, preferably from professional or academic references who can attest to your potential for success. Some programs may require standardized test scores like the GMAT or GRE, while others may have waivers available or test-optional policies.
How much does an online MBA in nonprofit management degree cost?
The average annual tuition for a graduate degree program is $20,513. It’s also essential to consider the additional expenses beyond tuition, like textbooks, course materials, and technology requirements.
To help mitigate the overall expenses, consider exploring your financial aid options, like scholarships, grants, and employer tuition assistance programs. These options help reduce the financial burden of pursuing higher education.
How long does it take to earn an online MBA in nonprofit management degree?
Most full-time students can complete their online MBA in 18 months to three years. Part-time enrollment can extend your completion time, with most part-time students taking two to four years to complete degree requirements.
The total number of required credits also impacts program length, with most online MBA programs requiring around 36 to 54. On-campus programs may have similar time frames, but online programs generally provide more flexibility for students to balance their studies with other commitments and to adjust their course load by semester to suit their needs best.
Is an online MBA in nonprofit management worth it?
If you wish to make a positive change in the world by working for a nonprofit organization, earning your MBA in nonprofit management is a good choice. There is expected to be robust growth over the next decade in nonprofit careers, leading to numerous open jobs from which you can choose.
Because of the breadth of areas represented in the nonprofit world, you also have the opportunity to choose a position with a specific focus that interests you. For example, if you are passionate about preserving wilderness or working with endangered species, you are sure to find an organization that aligns with your interest and allows you to pursue fulfilling work that matters deeply to you.
Although salaries in the nonprofit world vary greatly depending on the size and scope of the organization, there are opportunities to earn six-figure salaries, and your master’s degree will position you to take advantage of lucrative and satisfying jobs as they become available. The finance manager of a nonprofit, for example, can expect to earn an annual salary of around $156,100, while public relations and fundraising managers make an average salary of $130,480.