Online Nonprofit Leadership Degrees with Program Summaries

Studying nonprofit leadership techniques can enable professionals to advance their careers at nonprofit organizations or transition to the nonprofit sector. Although there are currently no degree-granting online programs in nonprofit leadership, many schools offer certificate programs that provide an introduction to the key concepts of the field. Some certificate programs can be incorporated as a minor into a bachelor's degree program in a related field.

Online Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership Overview

A certificate program in nonprofit leadership is a short, focused series of classes that introduce the major financial, administrative and marketing aspects of managing a nonprofit organization. Professionals who already work with nonprofits might pursue the certificate in order to hone their management skills and advance their careers. Alternatively, individuals who work in the private sector and are interested in transitioning to nonprofit work might use the certificate program to gain awareness of the specific issues that managers of nonprofit organizations face.
Most certificate programs are designed for working professionals and require that students already hold a bachelor's degree. However, some nonprofit leadership certificate programs are open to undergraduates and can be pursued in combination with a degree in a related field, such as business management.

Certificate Program Information and Requirements

Many certificate programs in nonprofit leadership offer all courses online, requiring no on-campus visits. Online courses require an Internet connection, preferably high-speed, and are usually provided through a course management system (CMS) that enables storage of lectures, readings and assignments. The CMS also provides a means of submitting work for evaluation and facilitates a discussion board for students and instructors.
Some programs include an optional or mandatory internship component, which students can generally complete at a site near their own homes. Time required to complete the certificate program varies according to each student's schedule, but most programs can be finished with 1-2 years of part-time work.

Common Nonprofit Leadership Classes

Coursework for a nonprofit leadership certificate is practical and vocational in nature, dealing with the financial, legal and human-resources aspects of managing a nonprofit organization.

Nonprofits Introduction Course

Many schools offer an introduction to nonprofits as the first course in the online program sequence. Topics covered include basic accounting, federal tax requirements, public policy and the differences between nonprofit and corporation management. Some courses include a historical and global overview of the varying roles of nonprofit organizations.

Organization Management Course

Courses on nonprofit organizational management deal mainly with principles for acquiring, retaining and training staff members. Techniques for effectively interacting with board members and for attracting and managing volunteers are also discussed.

Fundraising Course

Online fundraising classes deal with the marketing and communications efforts that nonprofits commonly employ to raise funds from individuals and organizations. Techniques and topics covered include gift solicitation, special event management, ethics and donor management.

Grant Writing Course

Grants are a major source of revenue for many nonprofit organizations. In accordance with this fact, many online certificate programs include a course on assessing financial needs and crafting an effective grant proposal. Usually, the course also discusses how to administer and account for funds that are received.

Career Information for Graduates

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), individuals working in management positions in the nonprofit sector earned an average of $34.24 per hour in 2007; for comparison, managers in the private sector earned $41.86 on average, and managers in state governments earned $36.18 (www.bls.gov). Nonprofit employment is increasing rapidly; 65% more people worked at nonprofits in 2007 than in 1994, and numbers are expected to continue to increase, according to the BLS.