Best MBA in Nonprofit Management
An MBA in Nonprofit Management is designed for professionals looking to lead nonprofit organizations, philanthropic foundations, and social enterprises. This specialization focuses on strategic fundraising, nonprofit finance, public policy, and social impact leadership, equipping graduates with the expertise to manage mission-driven organizations, grant funding, and community development initiatives.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in nonprofit leadership roles is projected to grow as demand for social services and philanthropic initiatives increases. Additionally, the median salary for nonprofit executives is $105,000, with top nonprofit CEOs earning significantly higher ( BLS). A report by The National Council of Nonprofits highlights that the nonprofit sector contributes over $1 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, emphasizing the growing demand for skilled nonprofit managers ( National Council of Nonprofits).
An MBA in Nonprofit Management specialization is ideal for professionals seeking to lead impactful organizations, secure funding for social programs, and drive meaningful change in communities.
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What is an Online MBA in Nonprofit Management?
An Online MBA in Nonprofit Management provides a flexible pathway for professionals looking to develop expertise in nonprofit leadership, fundraising strategies, and organizational sustainability while continuing their careers. These programs focus on nonprofit governance, donor relations, and financial accountability, helping students prepare for leadership roles in charitable organizations, foundations, and social impact enterprises.
Students gain expertise in grant writing, impact measurement, and board management, ensuring they are equipped to optimize fundraising campaigns and enhance nonprofit effectiveness. Many online programs include real-world nonprofit case studies, social entrepreneurship simulations, and community engagement projects, providing an immersive learning experience.
What Are the Admissions Requirements for an MBA in Nonprofit Management?
Admissions requirements for an MBA in Nonprofit Management vary by program, but typically include:
- Bachelor’s Degree – From an accredited institution, often in business, public administration, social work, or a related field.
- Work Experience – 2-5 years of professional experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, or social services is preferred.
- GMAT/GRE Scores – Some programs require standardized test scores, while others offer waivers.
- Personal Statement – Discussing career goals and why the applicant is pursuing an MBA in Nonprofit Management.
- Letters of Recommendation – Typically from employers, nonprofit leaders, or academic mentors.
- Resume – Highlighting experience in nonprofit administration, grant writing, or fundraising initiatives.
Is an MBA in Nonprofit Management the Right Specialization for You?
An MBA in Nonprofit Management specialization is best suited for professionals who are mission-driven, community-focused, and interested in nonprofit leadership. If you are passionate about philanthropy, social justice, and organizational sustainability, this specialization will provide the necessary skills for career advancement.
Compared to other MBA specializations, such as Public Administration or Social Entrepreneurship, an MBA in Nonprofit Management focuses on fundraising strategy, nonprofit financial management, and community impact initiatives. If you want to lead nonprofit organizations, manage donor relations, or oversee social programs, this program may be the best fit for you.
2025 Best MBA in Nonprofit Management Programs
Looking for the best MBA in Nonprofit Management? mbaschools.org ranks top programs to help you find the right fit. These programs blend business skills with a focus on social impact. They prepare leaders to make a difference in the nonprofit sector. Our rankings consider quality, affordability, and outcomes. Learn more about how we rank these programs at https://www.mbaschools.org/methodology/.
Abilene Christian University
Abilene, TX - Private 4-year - acu.edu
Master's - Master of Business Administration
Concentration: Nonprofit Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website
Abilene Christian University offers an online Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Leadership, tailored for those aiming to make a significant impact in the nonprofit sector. This program uniquely blends business acumen with nonprofit-specific strategies, including grant writing, fundraising, and strategic leadership. Students will gain hands-on experience in managing nonprofit organizations, focusing on mission-driven leadership and social entrepreneurship. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles in various nonprofit settings, emphasizing ethical governance and strategic philanthropy. Requires GMAT.
- Online MBA with Nonprofit Leadership concentration
- Focuses on mission-driven leadership
- Covers grant writing techniques
- Explores social entrepreneurship
- Develops nonprofit management skills
- Learn board governance principles
- Strategic philanthropy curriculum
- Courses in nonprofit administration
Bard College
Annandale-On-Hudson, NY - Private 4-year - bard.edu
Master's - MBA in Sustainability
Concentration: Non-Profit Management - Campus Based - Visit Website
Bard College's MBA in Sustainability with a concentration in Non-Profit Management stands out for its innovative approach to blending business acumen with sustainability and social impact. This program is designed for those aiming to lead in the nonprofit sector, offering a unique curriculum that integrates sustainability principles with nonprofit management strategies. Students benefit from a hybrid learning model, combining online evening classes with monthly weekend residencies, allowing for flexibility. The program emphasizes practical experience through year-long sustainability consulting projects and individualized career planning. With practitioner-led faculty, students are prepared to tackle global challenges. Requires GMAT.
- Hybrid learning model
- Full and part-time options
- 2-3 year program length
- Year-long sustainability consulting
- Individualized career planning
- Optional nonprofit management concentration
- Monthly weekend residencies
- Online evening classes
- Practitioner-led faculty
Concordia University-Wisconsin
Mequon, WI - Private 4-year - cuw.edu
Master's - MBA in Nonprofit Management and Public Administration
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Concordia University-Wisconsin offers an MBA in Nonprofit Management and Public Administration, designed for professionals aiming to lead in the nonprofit and governmental sectors. This hybrid program combines rigorous business training with a focus on nonprofit leadership, enabling graduates to effect positive community change. With a flexible structure accommodating working professionals, the program can be completed in two years through online or campus-based courses. Priced at $725 per credit, it presents an affordable pathway to advancing one's career in nonprofit management. The program stands out for its faith-based approach and does not require GRE or GMAT scores for admission, making it accessible to a wide range of applicants.
- 36 total credit hours
- Cost per credit: $725
- No GRE/GMAT required
- Online and campus options
- Two-year completion timeline
- Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA
- Working professionals friendly
- Scholarships available
- Faith-based educational approach
- Nonprofit leadership focus
Hope International University
Fullerton, CA - Private 4-year - hiu.edu
Master's - Master of Business Administration
Concentration: Non-Profit Management - Campus Based - Visit Website
Hope International University's Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Non-Profit Management is designed for those aiming to make a significant impact in the nonprofit sector. This program combines rigorous academic coursework with real-world applications, focusing on leadership, strategic planning, and ethical management specific to nonprofit organizations. Students will learn from experienced faculty and engage in research that addresses current challenges in the nonprofit world. The curriculum is crafted to prepare graduates for leadership roles, enabling them to drive social change and manage resources effectively in various nonprofit settings.
- MBA with Nonprofit Concentration
- Advanced Management Skills
- Ethics-Based Curriculum
- Theory and Practice Blend
- Research Training Included
- Multiple Career Pathways
- Faculty with Real-World Experience
Lancaster Bible College
Lancaster, PA - Private 4-year - lbc.edu
Master's - Master of Business Administration: Nonprofit Management
Concentration: Nonprofit Management - Online Learning - Visit Website
Lancaster Bible College offers an Online MBA in Nonprofit Management, blending business acumen with biblical principles for those leading in the nonprofit sector. This 48-credit program focuses on strategic management, financial stewardship, and ethical leadership, all through a lens of faith. Tailored for working professionals, the online format ensures flexibility, enabling students to graduate in about 1.5 years without residency requirements. The curriculum is designed to enhance nonprofit leadership skills, offering a unique combination of practical management techniques and spiritual growth. Highlights include an 8-week course structure, open enrollment, and a career-oriented approach, making it ideal for those seeking to make an impact in nonprofit organizations.
- 48 total credits
- Online delivery format
- 1.5 years completion time
- No residency requirements
- Biblical worldview integration
- Nonprofit sector emphasis
- Flexible open enrollment model
- Career-focused curriculum
- 8-week course length
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - Private 4-year - liberty.edu
Master's - Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Nonprofit Leadership and Management
Concentration: Nonprofit Leadership and Management - Online Learning - Visit Website
Liberty University offers an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Nonprofit Leadership and Management, tailored for professionals aiming to make a difference in the nonprofit sector. This program stands out for its focus on equipping students with the skills necessary for effective leadership, strategic planning, and management within nonprofit organizations. The 100% online format, featuring 8-week courses, provides flexibility for working professionals. With no standardized testing required for admission and the ability to transfer up to 50% of credits, it offers an accessible and practical route to advancing one's career in nonprofit management. Highlights include competitive tuition rates, multiple start dates annually, and accreditation by SACSCOC.
- 100% online program
- 45 credit hours total
- 8-week course format
- No standardized testing
- Graduate tuition $565/credit
- Military rate $275/credit
- Transfer up to 50% credits
- Multiple start dates annually
- Nonprofit leadership focus
- SACSCOC accredited
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA - Private 4-year - regent.edu
Master's - Master of Business Administration (MBA) – Not-for-Profit Management
Concentration: Not-for-Profit Management - Online Learning - Visit Website
Regent University's MBA in Not-for-Profit Management is designed for professionals aiming to lead with impact in the nonprofit sector. This ACBSP-accredited program offers a unique blend of business acumen and nonprofit leadership skills, covering essential areas like fundraising, volunteer management, and strategic planning. The 42-credit curriculum is available online and on-campus, providing flexibility for working professionals. Notably, the program does not require GMAT or GRE scores, making it accessible to a broader range of applicants. With a focus on Christian leadership and strategic management, students are prepared to drive meaningful change in mission-driven organizations. Tuition is set at $695 per credit hour, with the next session starting on March 17, 2025.
- 42 total credit hours
- Online and on-campus formats
- No GMAT/GRE required
- ACBSP-accredited program
- Next session starts March 17, 2025
- Top 50 online MBA program
- Christian leadership perspective
- Tuition: $695 per credit hour
- Nonprofit management concentration
- Focuses on strategic management
Southern Oregon University
Ashland, OR - Public 4-Year - sou.edu
Master's - Master of Business Administration
Concentration: Nonprofit Management - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Southern Oregon University's MBA with a concentration in Nonprofit Management equips students with the essential skills to lead and innovate within the nonprofit sector. This hybrid program blends online and on-campus learning, offering flexibility for professionals. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills in fund development, grant writing, and program evaluation, alongside core MBA coursework. Designed for completion in one year, it features weekday evening and Saturday classes at the Ashland campus. Admission requires a GMAT score of 500 or a 3.0 GPA, with applications processed after January 1. A minimum of 14 elective credits in nonprofit-specific courses is required to graduate.
- 45-credit MBA program
- Nonprofit Management concentration
- Completed in one calendar year
- Weekday evening and Saturday classes
- Requires 4 specific nonprofit electives
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- GMAT 500 or 3.0 GPA admission
- Applications processed after January 1
- 14 elective credits required
- Taught at Ashland campus
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TX - Public 4-Year - utrgv.edu
Master's - Business Administration
Concentration: Philanthropy and Non-Profit Organizations - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley's MBA program with a concentration in Philanthropy and Non-Profit Organizations is tailored for aspiring leaders in the nonprofit sector. This AACSB-accredited program combines rigorous business management training with specialized nonprofit strategies across 36 credit hours. Offering both evening and online courses, it accommodates working professionals seeking flexibility. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and a GMAT score of at least 400, with waivers available for qualified candidates. The curriculum is designed to enhance analytical and decision-making skills specific to nonprofit environments, with options for thesis or non-thesis tracks. Graduates are well-prepared for impactful leadership roles in philanthropy and nonprofit organizations.
- AACSB Accredited MBA Program
- 36 total credit hours
- Evening and online courses
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- GMAT score 400 minimum
- Two recommendation letters
- Thesis and non-thesis options
- Nonprofit specialization courses
- Full-time and part-time formats
- Graduate assistantships available
University of Portland
Portland, OR - Private 4-year - up.edu
Master's - MBA in Nonprofit Management
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Portland offers an MBA in Nonprofit Management designed for professionals aiming to lead in the nonprofit sector. This campus-based program spans two years, blending part-time evening classes with a cohort model to foster peer learning and networking. With a curriculum emphasizing social entrepreneurship, strategic leadership, and sustainable economics, students are prepared to tackle nonprofit challenges effectively. The program requires 36 credit hours, delivered through two classes per semester, complemented by strategic leadership workshops. Notably, the GMAT is currently waived, making it more accessible. The Bryant Fellowship is available for eligible students, enhancing affordability. This program stands out for its focus on nonprofit sector preparedness and social impact.
- Part-time evening classes
- Two-year cohort program
- 36 total credit hours
- GMAT currently waived
- Bryant Fellowship available
- Social entrepreneurship focus
- Two classes per semester
- Strategic leadership workshops
- Sustainable economics curriculum
- Nonprofit sector preparedness
MBA in Nonprofit Management Curriculum: What Classes Will I Take?
Most MBA in Nonprofit Management programs take 1-2 years to complete, depending on whether students enroll full-time, part-time, or in an accelerated format.
Core Courses in an MBA in Nonprofit Management
The curriculum for a Nonprofit Management MBA specialization blends business strategy with nonprofit sector expertise through courses such as:
- Nonprofit Leadership & Governance
- Strategic Fundraising & Grant Writing
- Financial Management for Nonprofits
- Social Entrepreneurship & Impact Investing
- Public Policy & Advocacy in the Nonprofit Sector
- Community Development & Program Evaluation
- Nonprofit Marketing & Donor Engagement
- Ethical Leadership in Philanthropy
Many programs also incorporate nonprofit management projects, including real-world case studies in fundraising strategy, nonprofit financial planning, and social enterprise development. Some students complete internships with nonprofit organizations, foundations, or advocacy groups to gain hands-on experience before graduation.
What Career Options Do I Have with an MBA in Nonprofit Management?
A Nonprofit Management MBA specialization prepares graduates for leadership roles in nonprofit administration, fundraising, and community development. Common job titles include:
- Executive Director of a Nonprofit – Leads strategic planning, fundraising, and program development.
- Nonprofit Fundraising Manager – Oversees donor relations and fundraising campaigns.
- Social Impact Consultant – Advises organizations on social responsibility and sustainability strategies.
- Program Director for Foundations & NGOs – Manages large-scale community programs and grant distributions.
- Director of Corporate Philanthropy – Develops CSR initiatives and charitable partnerships for corporations.
Salary Expectations
Salaries for MBA in Nonprofit Management graduates vary based on industry, experience, and expertise. According to BLS and the National Council of Nonprofits, nonprofit professionals with an MBA typically earn:
- Executive Director of a Nonprofit – $100,000 – $180,000
- Nonprofit Fundraising Manager – $90,000 – $150,000
- Social Impact Consultant – $110,000 – $170,000
- Program Director for Foundations & NGOs – $95,000 – $160,000
- Director of Corporate Philanthropy – $105,000 – $175,000
Take the Next Step Toward a Leadership Role in Nonprofit Management
An MBA in Nonprofit Management provides the expertise needed to secure funding for social programs, lead mission-driven organizations, and drive large-scale community impact. Whether you want to manage a nonprofit, direct philanthropic initiatives, or oversee grant funding, this degree will give you the knowledge, skills, and network to achieve your career goals.
Explore top-ranked MBA in Nonprofit Management programs today and start advancing your career.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Occupational Outlook Handbook: Nonprofit Leadership & Philanthropy Careers. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/
- National Council of Nonprofits. (2023). The Economic Impact of Nonprofits & Philanthropy Trends. Retrieved from https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/