Online Degree Information for Nonprofit Organization Officers

Current or aspiring officers in nonprofit organizations can learn about management, fundraising and communication techniques with an online master's degree program in nonprofit management. Graduates are prepared to work in management and policy-setting positions in nonprofit companies, or to start their own nonprofit organizations.

Online Master of Science in Nonprofit Management Overview

Nonprofit management master's degree programs cover all aspects of running a successful nonprofit organization, including financial management, grant writing, human resources management, marketing and publicity. The curriculum is similar to a general business administration degree program, but all classes focus on the issues specific to nonprofit organizations, including tax requirements and fundraising techniques. Most programs are designed for professionals who already have some experience working with nonprofit organizations.

Program Information and Requirements

Because online master's programs in nonprofit management are generally intended for working professionals, they tend to offer a high degree of flexibility in course scheduling. Many programs can be completed entirely through distance learning, with no on-campus visits or in-person work experience required. Programs usually take 1-2 years to complete.
Online classes are offered through a university's course management system (CMS), which collects lectures, readings and assignment and gives students a forum for interacting with each other and their instructors. Some lectures may be offered as audiovisual files.

Common Nonprofit Management Courses

Nonprofit management courses range over law, accounting, marketing and business strategy. In addition to reading textbooks and writing papers, students work individually and collaboratively to develop sample projects and respond to hypothetical business scenarios.

Grant Writing Course

Students learn strategies for identifying granting organizations and for planning and drafting proposals. In some courses, students can draft actual proposals for their own organizations' activities, and develop them in response to input from teachers and fellow students.

Nonprofit Law Course

Legal classes look at laws that apply to nonprofit organizations at the federal and state level. Topics include maintaining tax-exempt status, complying with reporting regulations and entering into contracts.

Human Resources Management Course

An HR class looks at strategies for hiring, managing and retaining staff members. Courses focus on fostering a diverse work environment, encouraging collaboration and handling conflict. Volunteer management is also discussed.

Fundraising Course

Fundraising courses look at strategies for soliciting donations and managing events to gain revenue from private, corporate and government sources. Techniques including membership campaigns, special event planning, government grant programs and donor solicitation are discussed.

Career Information for Graduates

According to a 2008 analysis from the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, managers in nonprofit organizations earned an average hourly wage of $34.24 (www.bls.gov). Employment in the nonprofit sector is increasing, with nonprofits accounting for 5.9% of all U.S. jobs in 2007, compared to 4.4% in 1994. In general, wages for managers in the nonprofit sector lag behind those of for-profit businesses and government organizations.