Top 9 Online Master's in Nonprofit Management for 2019
An online degree in nonprofit management prepares students to plan and oversee daily operations of nonprofit organizations. Professionals who work for nonprofits apply business knowledge to social, political, or religious causes. Many nonprofits host fundraisers and events to benefit the local community, all of which require detailed planning. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , employment for social and community service managers is projected to increase 16% from 2016 to 2026. With this increased demand for managers in the nonprofit sector, now is an ideal time to earn a master's in nonprofit management.
Featured Online Schools
What are the Best Online Master's in Nonprofit Management Programs?
Top 9 Online Masters in Nonprofit Management for 2019
Admissions Rate
66%
Graduation Rate
73%
Online Enrollment
36%
Retention Rate
79%
Default Rate
5%
Founded in 1877, Regis University is a Jesuit institution of higher education focused on academic and professional development. Regis offers an online master's in nonprofit management that prepares students for leadership roles in areas like fundraising, community outreach, and government relations and advocacy. The degree plan consists of 36 credits in required coursework, including topics in financial resource management, communication skills, and conflict resolution. Students must also complete a capstone experience, choosing either an independent project or service-oriented work. Online classes are structured in eight-week sessions with six start dates throughout the year.
Visit SiteSponsored
How to Choose an Online Master's in Nonprofit Management Program
When choosing a nonprofit management master's program, consider your individual requirements, such as the amount of time you are able to devote to your studies, concentrations you are interested in pursuing, and your budget. Also consider whether the school is nationally or regionally accredited.
Master's in nonprofit management online programs typically require 36 credits, which full-time students complete in one year. Each program offers similar core courses and covers foundational topics such as financial management and marketing for nonprofits. However, available electives vary widely by program. Some nonprofit management master's programs are offered completely online, and others are available in a blended format, which typically involves a capstone internship.
Careers for Graduates of Master's in Nonprofit Management Programs
Graduates with a master's in nonprofit management pursue a variety of career paths. Nonprofit organizations typically employ a team of professionals to ensure operations run smoothly. Each team member has a specific focus, such as fundraising, marketing campaigns, or internal affairs. With each of these positions multiplied by the number of nonprofit organizations in existence, graduates of master's in nonprofit management online programs have ample job opportunities. The following table highlights five occupations in the nonprofit sector.
Program coordinators work within the community, conducting outreach and overseeing volunteers.
Median Salary: $41,000
Job Outlook and Salary for Graduates of Nonprofit Management Master's Degrees
Employment for nonprofit management positions is projected to grow 16% within the next decade. While the number of positions will grow, salaries in the nonprofit sector vary depending on the organization's size and location and the professional's position. For example, a communications specialist will likely make less working for a small nonprofit in a rural town than they would working for a multinational organization based in a big city.
| Employment, 2016 | Projected Employment, 2026 |
|---|---|
| 147,300 | 170,400 |
Salary Growth by Experience for Graduates of Nonprofit Management Master's Programs
Promotions and raises generally come with experience; employees in the nonprofit sector typically experience salary growth as they gain experience in the field. However, salary growth rates vary by position. For example, directors tend to experience a steadier growth rate than program managers. The table below shows median salaries by experience level.
To determine the best online master's in nonprofit management programs, we looked at the most important factors prospective students, mainly common predictors of future success and a school's commitment to online programs. This boils down to admissions rate, student loan default rate, retention rate, graduation rate, and the percent of students enrolled in online classes. All data points are taken from information provided by colleges and universities to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Each factor is weighted evenly in order to give an objective view and determine the best online master's in nonprofit management programs. To calculate our rankings, we looked at a school's ranking when organized by a single factor, and then averaged each category's ranking to find an overall score: Admissions Rate (20%) + Default Rate (20%) + Retention Rate (20%) + Graduation Rate (20%) + Percent of Students Enrolled in Online Classes (20%) = Final score.