Key takeaways
- A nonprofit management degree is ideal for those who are passionate about working for the benefit of society.
- Through the program, you will develop a wide range of competencies in nonprofit management.
- At the undergraduate level, you can pursue an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree and a master’s or a PhD at the advanced level.
- Specializations in nonprofit management include human resource management, nonprofit finance, program development, and more.
- You can pursue a bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management from DePaul University, North Park University, Colorado Christian University, and others listed below.
- Arizona State University and University of Central Florida are some universities offering an online degree in the field.
- The average annual salary of a nonprofit manager in the United States is $94,697, per Glassdoor.
Nonprofit organizations are often at the heart of community service activities as that is their purpose of creation. If you are passionate about enabling nonprofit organizations and aiding them in achieving their goals, doing good for the public, and driving societal change for the better, a nonprofit management degree is the right choice for you.
In this guide, you will find an in-depth degree guide with program details, a list of colleges from which to pursue an on-campus or online nonprofit management degree, and career opportunities you can explore.
What is nonprofit management?
Nonprofit organizations also known as not-for-profit organizations, charities, or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) work primarily for the public good, unlike for-profit organizations whose main goal is to earn profit through business operations. Naturally, monetary inflow, management, and outflow in nonprofit organizations work entirely differently from that of regular businesses.
Such organizations usually have goals to fulfill and missions to accomplish such as advocating for equal rights, raising awareness against animal cruelty, working toward poverty eradication, and so on. Whatever the organization stands for, it works toward.
Since they do not sell a product or a service, cash inflow comes from donations or fundraising activities. Organizing such events, pitching to donors, and maintaining transparency in accounts and spending are all essential for nonprofit organizations as building and maintaining public trust is essential for their success.
Nonprofit management is a vast field that involves multiple aspects of organizing and running a not-for-profit business. It involves processes such as:
- Fundraising
- Program planning
- Event organization and execution
- Building and maintaining relationships with donors, board of directors, and the public
- Human resource management
- Fund allocation
- Marketing and communication
- Compliance with laws, rules, regulations, and ethical and moral code of conduct.
What does a nonprofit management degree entail?
Through a nonprofit management degree, students build the competencies and skills needed to manage and lead nonprofit organizations. The curriculum covers topics such as fundraising, financial management, management, event planning, human resource management, strategic planning, ethical decision-making, and more. The skills you will develop will be vast and varied allowing you to pursue a variety of career opportunities.
You can pursue a nonprofit management degree at varying levels from an associate’s all the way to a PhD.
Associate’s degree in nonprofit management
An associate’s degree lasts 2 years and features 60 credits. The program focuses on building foundational skills in the field preparing graduates for a bachelor’s degree or some entry-level job roles in the field. You can pursue a nonprofit management associate degree from one of the many 2-year community colleges across the United States.
Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management
At the undergraduate level, a bachelor’s degree offers a more comprehensive scope of learning and presents a wider range of job opportunities for graduates. The program lasts four years and features 120 to 135 credits. With a bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, you can pursue job opportunities such as fundraising manager, social and community service manager, outreach coordinator, and more.
Master’s degree in nonprofit management
At the advanced level, a master’s degree is the first degree you can pursue. It lasts 1 to 3 years depending on the program and a student’s learning pace. Through it, you can develop specialized skills in nonprofit management and develop leadership skills. After graduation, you can pursue upper managerial-level positions involved in leading, directing, and coordinating the organization and its resources.
PhD in nonprofit management/Philanthropic leadership/Organizational leadership nonprofit and public administration
For those who want to go into research or academia, a PhD is the ideal qualification to pursue. The program lasts 3 to 5 years but can be extended up to 8 years. Throughout your doctoral program, you will engage in several research projects and will also have to publish your doctoral thesis to qualify for graduation.
Program details for a bachelor’s nonprofit management degree
A degree in nonprofit management teaches students how to lead and manage nonprofit organizations. Such organizations are at the forefront of social and community service activities, providing support to those who need it most. Nonprofit organizations provide support through healthcare, education, job training, food drives, housing, advocacy, and more.
Through the 4-year curriculum, you will learn how to design and lead activities that will help nonprofit organizations work toward their goals and fulfill objectives. Whether it is lobbying for policy change, raising awareness, or conducting research, you will learn how to do it all through courses, and experiential learning opportunities.
At the bachelor’s level, you will come across a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) in nonprofit management, if you are seeking a standalone degree in the field. Both programs offer a similar learning experience and differ only slightly in their program curriculum.
A BS program focuses on mathematics, technology, and science courses. In comparison, a BA features humanities and social science courses emphasizing the development of communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. On the other hand, a BS will equip students with analytical and technical skills.
You can also pursue nonprofit management as a major in a Bachelor of Business Administration, Management, or a Public Administration degree.
Program curriculum
Bachelor’s degrees usually feature 120 to 135 credits. The exact number of credits and curriculum varies depending on the college and program type. A Bachelor of Arts will feature humanities, liberal arts, and social science courses such as English, Writing, History, Communication Studies, and so on. On the other hand, a Bachelor of Science features foundational science and mathematics courses.
Regardless of what degree you pursue, major-specific courses for a nonprofit management degree are generally the same and can include:
- Fundamentals of Human Resource Management
- Advocacy and Lobbying
- Strategic Management
- Strategic Planning
- Program Development and Evaluation for Nonprofit Organizations
- Social Justice in the Workplace
- Project Management Fundamentals
- Fundraising Analytics and Business Intel
- Nonprofit Law
- Fiscal Management in Nonprofit Organizations
Specializations in nonprofit management
Nonprofit management is a vast field encompassing many operations and aspects of managing the business side of such organizations. Thus, developing some specialized skills can prove beneficial for one’s career. While not all colleges offer specializations within a nonprofit management degree, you can develop a specialized skill set by choosing relevant electives.
Here are some specializations you can pursue in a nonprofit management bachelor’s degree.
Fundraising
Fundraising is the process of collecting donations and sourcing funds for nonprofit organizations from individuals, communities, donors, and foundations. There are a variety of ways through which funds are collected. By choosing relevant courses you can develop the competencies and skills required to pursue professional opportunities in fundraising for nonprofits. Some skills fundraisers include:
- Research and analysis
- Communication skills
- Relationship building skills
- Event planning and management
Financial Management
Finance is a limited resource, especially in nonprofit management as donations and charitable contributions are not always regular. In this specialization, you will learn how to plan, receive, and record income or receive funds and donations. You will also learn to track expenses and generate reports and financial statements. But more importantly, you will learn to forecast expenses and plan fundraising activities accordingly. Skills you will need include:
- Fund diversification
- Budgeting
- Financial forecasting
- Grant management
- Financial reporting
Community Development
Community development is a specialized field focusing on improving the living conditions of marginalized, impoverished, and low-income communities. Professionals in the field engage in a variety of activities and efforts such as housing and facilities development, community service, advocacy, community lending, and more.
Additionally, community developers must also engage in fundraising, and networking opportunities to further their cause and obtain support through funds, or volunteers. Some skills you will need include:
- Research
- Communication
- Event planning
- Advocacy
- Problem-solving
- Cultural competence
Program Management
Program management refers to the ability to handle multiple ongoing projects in a nonprofit organization. Through the specialization, you will build essential skills such as planning, budgeting, implementation, and monitoring of ongoing initiatives. Specialists in the field are adept at time management, budgeting, and ensuring adherence to a timeline. Some skills you will develop in the program include:
- Program development
- Program budgeting
- Data-driven decision making
- Performance evaluation
Volunteer Management
Volunteers are the primary resource of nonprofit organizations. Since these organizations do not earn a profit, financing the salaries of the amount of employees they need for the kind of operations and events they host is impossible. Thus, they rely on volunteers to fill the workforce gap.
In the volunteer management specialization, you will learn how to recruit, train, and utilize volunteers. Key skills you need for effective volunteer management:
- Recruitment
- Interpersonal skills
- Organization
- Leadership
- Conflict resolution
Marketing and Communications
‘Marketing and communications’ is another essential specialization for nonprofit management. It is through marketing that such organizations create awareness of the cause they are standing up for. Moreover, nonprofit organizations use marketing to attract potential donors, find volunteers, target specific audiences, or further lobbying and advocacy activities. Skills you need for a career in this field include:
- Storytelling
- Brand development and consistency
- Search engine optimization
- Event and cause marketing
- Identifying target audience
Admission requirements
Admission requirements for a bachelor’s degree vary depending on whether you are applying after high school graduation, or after getting an associate degree. Regardless of your prior qualifications, you should be aware of the general and specific admission requirements listed by the college.
General admission requirements after high school graduation include:
- High school transcript
- Recommendation letters
- Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT)
- Personal essay
Additionally, each college lists some specific admission requirements that too vary depending on program type and can include:
- Minimum GPA requirements
- Specific subject scores on SAT/ACT
- Number of recommendation letters
When applying after an associate degree, the general admission requirements only change slightly. Instead of a high school transcript, you will need to submit your associate degree transcript.
However, the specific admission requirements for those applying with an associate degree will be different. It can include specific course requirements and more importantly, you must have earned a specific number of transferable credits in your associate degree. Make sure to check the specific admission requirements of each college before submitting your college application.
Graduation requirements
Graduation requirements are what you need to fulfill to earn your bachelor’s degree. For example, each bachelor’s degree features 120 to 135 credits. These credits are part of the graduation requirements. Each college lists specific requirements that can include:
The credit hour distribution between core, major, and electives.
- Minimum CGPA requirement
- Completion of an internship
- Completion of a capstone project
Additionally, colleges list specific courses that are compulsory. Colleges also offer a list of courses in different subsects from which students have to choose one or two to fulfill the required credit hours.
Where can I study for a nonprofit management degree from?
There are over 2,600 4-year colleges and universities in the United States, many of which offer an on-campus or an online nonprofit management degree. Individually searching through each and every one of them can be challenging. Here is a list of colleges and universities offering a bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management degree.
| College | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| DePaul University | 70.2% | 73.8% | $44,460 |
| Colorado Christian University | 67% | 28% | $39,266 |
| University of Central Florida | 41% | 76% | $6,368 in-state
$22,467 out-of-state |
| North Park University | 68% | 60% | $35,325 |
| Liberty University | 99% | 29% | $23,800 |
| Metropolitan College of New York | 65% | 54% | $20,188 |
| Rutgers University | 66.3% | 84% | $11,619 in-state
$27,560 out-of-state |
To make college search easier, All Bachelor Degrees offers a college search tool that you can use to search for any program.
Can I pursue a nonprofit management degree online?
When choosing a college and program, it is best to exhaust all available options, and online degrees are one of them. There are several US colleges and universities that offer an online bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management to cater to the demand for distance learning programs.
While traditional on-campus programs are still often the first choice for many students, an increasing number of students are seeking online programs, and courses as they offer many advantages.
Advantages of online programs
Online programs, whether synchronous or asynchronous, offer students increased flexibility. Synchronous programs allow students to attend classes from the comfort of their home, or from where they please. The only stipulation is that they do so in real-time. In an asynchronous program, students don’t even have to stick to the campus schedule adding to the flexibility offered.
Students from anywhere in the world can access education at US colleges and universities without worrying about obtaining a visa, traveling costs, and shifting to another city, country, or state. Moreover, the cost of attending an online program is limited to the tuition fees, making it a much more affordable option than an on-campus program.
Additionally, students enrolled in an online program save a significant amount of money and time traveling to and from campus. Plus, the ability to take charge of one’s own schedule leaves abundant free time to pursue a part of even a full-time job. Even though the latter is an option only for those in an asynchronous program, online students do enjoy a greater work-life balance.
Disadvantages of studying a nonprofit management degree online
One major disadvantage of an online nonprofit management degree is the lack of social interaction and networking opportunities available to students. Additionally, students must be self-sufficient and disciplined enough to deal with any technical or other challenges that may come their way.
Moreover, the absence of real-time feedback for those in an asynchronous program can be detrimental to the overall learning experience for a student. Students who aren’t great at time management should not opt for an online program.
Colleges offering an online nonprofit management degree
Before you enroll in an online program, carefully consider the pros and cons. Should you decide an online nonprofit management degree is the one for you, here is a list of colleges from where you can pursue a distance learning program in the field.
| College | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| University of Central Florida | 41% | 76% | $6,368 in-state
$22,467 out-of-state |
| Linfield University | 89% | 74% | $49,530 |
| Arizona State University Online | 90% | 66% | $12,051 in-state
$32,193 out-of-state |
| Kellogg School of Management | 31% | 93% | $115,936 |
Nonprofit management jobs you can explore with a bachelor’s degree
A nonprofit management degree equips students with a wide range of competencies and skills, enabling them to take on a variety of roles in public administration, charities, NGOs, and more. Here are some job roles you can explore with a bachelor’s degree in the field as well as the average annual salary information for each occupation.
| Job title | Average salary |
| Social and Community Service Manager | $77,030 |
| Nonprofit Manager | $94,697 |
| Community Health Worker | $48,200 |
| Fundraising Manager | $119,200 |
| Public Relations Manager | $134,760 |
| Project Management Specialist | $104,920 |
| Advocacy Manager | $82,743 |
| Volunteer Manager | $62,462 |
| Donor Relations Specialist | $55,745 |
Nonprofit management hiring trends and industry overview
The nonprofit industry is primarily driven by people’s passion to do good for one another and to help those in need. The drive to make the world a better place is what pushes people to pursue a career in nonprofit management. Though the field does not lead to high-paying job opportunities, it does lead to fulfilling and satisfying careers.
Nonprofit organizations are an integral part of the United States’ social, cultural, and economic roots. There are various nonprofit organizations in the US working for a variety of causes and with different missions, including religious, educational, and more.
According to a report by Statista, as of August 2024, the majority of such organizations are small, with over 1 million organizations having revenue of less than $50,000. In contrast, only 70,000 organizations have an annual revenue of over $1 million. The maximum annual revenue generated by nonprofit organizations in the US is $4.9 million.
Employment trends in nonprofit management jobs
Whether you want to be a fundraiser, a donor relations specialist, or a project manager, employers seek job applicants with at least a bachelor’s degree. According to a report published by the United Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 300,000 nonprofit organizations created 12.8 million private sector jobs in the United States in 2022.
Out of all the sectors, healthcare, and social assistance are the two highest employing sectors in nonprofit organizations. Nearly 2 out of 3 jobs created by nonprofit organizations are in these two areas. However, according to recent reports, the nonprofit sector is struggling due to a shortage of skilled staff, and high staff turnover. Statista reports, anywhere between 5 to 14% of positions in over one-third of US nonprofits faced staffing issues.
Additionally, among the major challenges nonprofits face, 21% reported high staff turnover as the main issue while another 36% listed limited staffing capacity as one of the major problems.
How much do nonprofit managers make?
Nonprofit managers in the United States can earn up to $117,495 as per Glassdoor’s published analysis of the listed salaries at varying seniority levels and for different-sized organizations. The average salary for the role in the United States is $94,697. Do keep in mind that the salary offered will vary depending on your qualifications and experience.
How to become a nonprofit manager?
To become a nonprofit manager, you need to hold a bachelor’s nonprofit management degree or a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. A project management or a program management degree are alternate degrees you can pursue for a career as a nonprofit manager.
Additionally, all aspiring applicants must have substantial experience working or volunteering for different roles in nonprofit organizations. The more work experience you have, especially managing projects, events, and finances, the better your chances of obtaining managerial-level positions.
What can you do with a degree in nonprofit management?
A nonprofit management degree can open many career opportunities for graduates. The skills learned in the program can not only enable you for roles in nonprofits but also for several positions in for-profit organizations. Potential job opportunities include nonprofit manager, project manager, fundraiser, volunteer manager, and so on.
Enroll in a nonprofit management program today!
A bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management offers a wealth of opportunities for graduates. Whether you are passionate about a particular cause or interested in social and community improvement and building, a nonprofit management degree is the ideal choice for you. Through it, you can develop a wide range of skills and competencies and enjoy a fruitful career.