Online Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management

Arizona State University’s Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management focuses on creating and advancing positive change in communities around the world. This specialized online degree equips you with the skills needed to pursue a variety of leadership positions within the nonprofit sector, such as roles in fundraising, advocacy and volunteer management.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 05/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 11

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 33

Degree questions, answered.

Have questions about the Nonprofit Leadership and Management (MNLM)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

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Gain the knowledge and skills you’ll need for nonprofit leadership roles

This program emphasizes skills that prepare you to positively influence the mission of an organization and the community it supports. By earning a master’s in nonprofit leadership and management, you can pursue a variety of high-demand roles in leadership across the nonprofit sector. This MNLM also prepares you for government positions or roles within a commercial organization that works collaboratively with nonprofits. Careers in nonprofit management can span virtually all industries, including arts and culture, education, environment, animals, healthcare, human services, foreign affairs, research and religion.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for social and community service managers is projected to grow 9% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than average for all occupations. Another role this program prepares you for, public relations and fundraising managers, earned a median annual salary of $125,620 in May 2022, according to the BLS.

The nonprofit leadership and management skills you’ll gain

 

This master's degree allows you to build well-rounded knowledge and abilities in nonprofit management and leadership. In your coursework, you’ll develop skills in many areas that support the success of nonprofit groups, such as:

  • Advocacy.
  • Fiscal management.
  • Fundraising.
  • Governance in nonprofit organizations.
  • Leadership skills.
  • Management of human resources.
  • Nonprofit organization management.
  • Program development.
  • Volunteer management.

Other skills that translate directly into career paths are financial management, executive management and board governance, and program management and evaluation. Nonprofits are constantly seeking trained and experienced people with these competencies.

Who’s a good candidate for this program?

 

This program builds on management fundamentals while incorporating an emphasis on nonprofit organizations to help you develop specialized leadership knowledge. The ideal candidate for this program could be working in the nonprofit sector looking to advance in their role, or someone looking to enhance their nonprofit work experience. In this program, you’ll sharpen your abilities, develop new competencies and network with colleagues working throughout the nonprofit sector.

Will my diploma say ‘online’?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

Nonprofit management master’s courses

During this program, you’ll first build knowledge in core courses that focus on subjects such as financial and resource management and the nonprofit sector. Then, you’ll choose your elective courses to build a specialized education that you’ll apply directly to your career goals.

Please note that you must complete 15 credit hours of related elective coursework, including the required practicum course. If you already have nonprofit managerial experience on your resume, it’ll be reviewed by the program director at the time of admission for a possible exception to the practicum requirement.


Core

Financial and Resource Management


Core

Program Evaluation and Information Management


Core

Strategic Human Resources Management


Core

The Nonprofit Sector


Core

Theory and Practice of Philanthropy


Core

Volunteer Resource Management


Elective

Community and Social Innovations


Elective

Executive Leadership and Governance


Prepare for leadership roles in nonprofit management

Upon graduating from this program, you can pursue advanced roles in a number of specialities based on your interests throughout nonprofit organizations. Career examples include, but are limited to:

  • Advocacy director
  • Development director
  • Events manager
  • Fundraising manager
  • Nonprofit executive
  • Philanthropy director
  • Public relations manager
  • Social or community service manager
  • Volunteer manager

Entrepreneur

Fundraiser

Public relations manager

Social or community service manager

Volunteer manager

Accomplished and distinguished instructors in community service

The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions are inspiring the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues around child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. Recent faculty highlights include:

  • Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.
  • Fellow of the American Psychological Association.
  • Member of the National Academy of Public Administration.

Accomplished and distinguished instructors in community service

The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions are inspiring the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues around child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. Recent faculty highlights include:

  • Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.
  • Fellow of the American Psychological Association.
  • Member of the National Academy of Public Administration.

How to apply

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.

Application requirements

Additional admission information

Nationally recognized public service programs

The Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions is a comprehensive public service college dedicated to addressing social problems through teaching, research and service. Our public service programs, from public policy, to social work, to criminal justice, to emergency management, are designed to help prepare our diverse student body to make a difference in the community.

#1


best graduate homeland security and emergency management programs, according to U.S. News & World Report.

#2 in the U.S. and #7 in the world


for hospitality, leisure, sport and tourism, according to the Center for World University Rankings.

Top 5


Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management in the nation, according to U.S. News & Report.

Top 10


best online master's in criminal justice programs for veterans, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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