Online Nonprofit Management Degree Information

In an online nonprofit management program, students learn about the unique challenges faced when running a nonprofit organization. Online nonprofit management programs usually result in a master's degree or a post-graduate certificate.

Online Graduate Certificates in Nonprofit Management

Students interested in careers as nonprofit managers but who don't want to commit to a full master's degree program can earn an online graduate-level certificate in nonprofit management. An online certificate program teaches students about working in nonprofit organizations versus for-profit businesses, leadership within nonprofits and the financial aspects of working in the nonprofit sector.

Program Information and Requirements

Students in an online graduate certificate program in nonprofit management complete five or six courses that focus on grantwriting, leadership, fundraising and human resources. Geared towards those who wish to run or sit on the board of a nonprofit organization, graduate certificates in nonprofit management take about a year to complete. Students learn through readings, online discussions and work on projects.
Online nonprofit management graduate certificate programs require students to manage time well and be able to work independently as well as part of a group. Tools like message boards, video and chat enable students to communicate with professors and classmates, making access to high-speed Internet necessary. Some schools offering online nonprofit management programs require specific browsers and operation systems.

Courses in an Online Nonprofit Management Graduate Certificate Programming

Depending on the program, students in an online nonprofit management graduate certificate program take between four and six courses that teach them the basics of running a nonprofit organization. These courses cover topics including fundraising, management and other business-related principles.

Nonprofit Organization Legal Issues Course

Nonprofits operate under specific legal guidelines, and a legal course teaches aspiring nonprofit managers about tax-exempt compliance, reporting rules and the role of the governing board. Students learn about establishing nonprofit organizations, planning and risk management.

Marketing for Nonprofits Course

To successfully raise money, attract volunteers and reach a target audience, nonprofit managers must learn marketing skills. In a marketing course, nonprofit management students gain an understanding of branding principles and material preparation.

Fundraising and Grantwriting Course

Nonprofit managers take a fundraising and grantwriting course to learn about finding potential donors, soliciting donations and winning grants from foundations and the government. The class discusses various types of fundraising campaigns, including direct mail, public relations and planned giving.

Human Resources Course

In a human resources course, nonprofit management students learn about hiring employees and finding qualified volunteers. The course also covers the legal issues surrounding employees, documentation, benefits and discipline.

Career Information for Nonprofit Managers with a Graduate Certificate

Nonprofit organizations vary widely in size and intent, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says that larger organizations need well-trained leaders (www.bls.gov). Nonprofit managers who complete a graduate certificate program earn an average of about $39,000 a year, according to Payscale.com.

Continuing Education Information

Nonprofit workers can also choose to pursue online non-credit certification through universities and professional organizations. These programs can be completed entirely online and often don't require bachelor's degrees or school transcripts. Students in an online nonprofit management certification program learn about managing people, fundraising and promotion.

Online Master's Degree in Nonprofit Management

Online master's degree programs in nonprofit management are intended for business and nonprofit professionals who already hold a degree, have nonprofit work experience and intend to take on leadership roles in non-government organizations. Students learn about financial responsibilities, organizational accountability and program development in an online nonprofit management program.

Program Information and Requirements

Most online master's degree nonprofit management programs require around 36 credit-hours and take place during the school's regular academic calendar. Students without experience in a nonprofit organization typically are required or requested to complete an internship or take a noncredit course, depending on the program. Instructor-led discussion and collaboration with other students often takes place via the internet, and some online nonprofit management master's degree programs require internships that students must complete in-person.
Students in an online nonprofit management master's degree program must have a reliable Internet connection and meet software requirements. Some programs require students to have specific operating systems, like Microsoft Office, audio and video capability, QuickTime, Flash and a particular internet browser.

List of Common Nonprofit Management Master's Degree Courses

Nonprofit management requires leadership abilities, marketing skills, fiscal responsibility and a knowledge of the history of nonprofit organizations. Courses in an online nonprofit management master's degree program prepare students to successfully advocate for their organization's cause and lead a staff of employees and volunteers.

Leadership Course

Some of the topics covered in a nonprofit management leadership course include the role of the governing board and how to motivate staff. Students also discuss decision-making techniques, volunteer coordination and ethical conduct within a nonprofit organization.

Fundraising Course

An important aspect of nonprofit management, fundraising courses teach students various techniques of collecting the fund needed to run their organization and develop programming. Some nonprofit management programs offer multiple fundraising courses, which might include grassroots fundraising, grant writing and strategic planning.

Financial Management Course

Nonprofit management master's degree students learn about budgeting, risk management, endowments and tax regulations in financial management courses. Other topics include investments, reporting and acquisition.

History of Nonprofits Course

Students take a nonprofit history course to learn about trends in the nonprofit sector, its role in society, and the roots of nonprofit organizations. The course also discusses cultural issues and the future of nonprofit organizations.

Career Information for Nonprofit Management Master's Degree Graduates

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the size and nature of nonprofit organizations varies widely, as does the role of nonprofit management professionals (www.bls.gov). A very competitive field, the BLS reports that leaders in large nonprofit organizations should have graduate-level education. Despite the competitive nature of nonprofit management positions, the BLS notes that changing demographics will create more jobs at a rate of 14% through 2018.