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  • Online Master's in Nonprofit Management (MS)

    Master of Science in Nonprofit Management: Public, Professional, & Social Sectors

    Drexel University’s online Master’s in Nonprofit Management is built on the belief that you can run a nonprofit like a business while still keeping the philanthropic mission front and center. By combining nonprofit essentials like donor relations and campaign management with the fundamental business skills you need to successfully run an operation, you’ll be prepared to help your organization reach its fullest potential.

    MS in Nonprofit Management Program Features

    Throughout your studies in Drexel’s Master’s in Nonprofit Management online program, you’ll gain expertise in strategic planning, governance, fund development and stewardship, marketing and communication to help keep your organization running smoothly and expanding its scope.

    In this program you:

    • Focus on demonstrable skills like campaign management and donor cultivation, as well as on ethics and self-assessment to better prepare you to work in a nonprofit environment
    • Experience real-world learning, including working with nonprofit agencies to look at solutions for problems that such organizations regularly face
    • Explore opportunities with Drexel’s nonprofit entities such as the Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships, the Lindy Center for Civic Engagement and the Academy of Natural Sciences
    • Learn on your own schedule, while still building meaningful relationships with classmates and professors through the interactive courses

    What Can You Do with a Master’s in Nonprofit Management?

    According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics, there are over 1.5 million nonprofit organizations in the United States alone, with almost 10% of all wages and salaries in the United States coming from the nonprofit sector. With nonprofit opportunities in fields such as education, philanthropy and social activism, a master’s in nonprofit management prepares you for positions such as:

    • Executive Director
    • Public Relations Manager
    • Major Gifts Officer
    • Director of Development
    • Community Relations Director
    • Fundraising Manager
    • Board Member
    • Alumni Relations Director

    What Salary Will I Earn with a Master’s in Nonprofit Management?

    Salaries in the nonprofit field can vary widely based on organization and role. On average, however, the median salary for a social and community service manager is $63,530 per year. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for this type of role is expected to grow 10% by 2024, a faster growth than average.*

    Job Title

    Median Salary

    Executive Director

    $112,200

    Public Relations Manager

    $106,250

    Major Gifts Officer

    $90,650

    Director of Development

    $88,150

    Community Relations Director

    $81,800

    Fundraising Manager

    $67,150

    *Median salary figures via Wanted Analytics

    Why Earn a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Management?

    The benefits of earning a master’s degree in nonprofit management are two-fold: not only does it help you better contribute to an organization that you feel passionately about, but it’s a growing industry with a lot of opportunity. According to the 2016 Nonprofit Employment Practices survey, 57% of nonprofits reported an intention to create new positions, whereas only 36% of private companies planned to do the same. Those expanding organizations will need leaders with a dedication to their cause, as well as the business and professional insight to make sure they’re being run effectively. 

    Drexel's 10,000 Hours Podcast: Jen Kebea

    How can you be a good neighbor? If you’re a university, finding your place in your surrounding community can be tricky. Jen Kebea, the executive director of the Lindy Center for Civic Engagement, breaks down how universities can become more civically engaged.

    Related Program

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    Drexel University offers a variety of Graduate Minors that can be added to any master's degree program.
    State restrictions may apply to some programs.

    Curriculum

    This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year (as opposed to the traditional two semester system) which means you can take more courses in a shorter time period. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.

    Required Courses
    12.0
    ACCT 608 Government and Not-for-Profit Accounting 3.0
    NPM 501 Foundations in Fundraising and Ethics 3.0
    NPM 520 Writing for Nonprofits 3.0
    NPM 550 Stewardship & Donor Cultivation 3.0
    NPM 600 Nonprofit Workshop I 3.0
    NPM 602 Nonprofit Workshop II 3.0
    NPM 603 Regional Volunteer Experience 3.0
    NPM 645 Strategic Planning for Nonprofits 3.0
    NPM 670 Managing Effective Capital Campaigns 3.0
    NPM 700 Capstone I 1.5
    NPM 701 Capstone II 4.5
    Electives (Choose four)
    12.0
    AADM 520
    Creative Enterprise and Innovation
    AADM 660
    International Cultural Policy
    AADM 755
    Community Cultural Planning
    COM 536
    Strategic Social Media Communication
    COM 541
    Foundations of Public Relations
    COM 563
    Event Planning
    COM 575
    Grant Writing
    COM 576
    Nonprofit Communications
    COM 578
    Focus Groups
    NPM 610
    Fostering Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
    NPM 615
    Program Evaluation
    NPM 680
    Leading Nonprofit Organizations
    PLCY 507
    Nonprofit Organizations
    Total Credits 45.0

    View Course Descriptions

    Admissions Criteria

    • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or an equivalent international institution
      • GPA of 3.0 or above

    Required Documents

    With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.

    • A completed application
    • Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions you've attended (including trade schools)
    • Two professional letters of recommendation (three preferred)
    • Personal statement (minimum 500 words) describing your interest in the program:
      • Why you're interested in the nonprofit sector
      • How the program will help facilitate your future career goals
      • How you'll contribute to the program and your peers
    • Resume
    • Additional requirements for International Students

    Optional Documents

    • GRE scores
    • Example of a work/school project that demonstrates a specific related skill or area of expertise

    An interview may be requested.

    Tuition

    The tuition rate for the academic year 2023-2024 is $1047 per credit. (A 25% tuition savings off Drexel's regular tuition rate of $1396 per credit)

    For the academic year 2023-2024, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.

    • This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
    • Special tuition rates available for Drexel University AlumniMilitary members, and members of our Partner Organizations
      • These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
      • Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
      • All students must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
      • Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
      • When receiving special tuition plans with Drexel University Online, you may not combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.

    Academic Calendar

    2023-2024 Academic Year

    Term

    Classes Begin

    Classes End

    Exams Begin

    Exams End

    Fall 2023

    September 26, 2023

    December 9, 2023

    December 11, 2023

    December 16, 2023

    Winter 2024

    January 8, 2024

    March 16, 2024

    March 18, 2024

    March 23, 2024

    Spring 2024

    April 1, 2024

    June 8, 2024

    June 10, 2024

    June 15, 2024

    Summer 2024

    June 24, 2024

    August 31, 2024

    September 3, 2024

    September 7, 2024

     

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