You know you have what it takes to run a successful enterprise, but you're not exactly thrilled to use your talent to further enrich some corporate CEO, right?
That's OK: You can get an online MBA in nonprofit management and leverage your business savvy to make the world a better place instead. This degree program will equip you to effectively manage nonprofit organizations that are working to address the many environmental, social, and humanitarian problems we face today.
It's a great concentration for people looking to marry their passion for social impact with their knack for business.
An online MBA in nonprofit management typically takes two years to complete, though online and part-time students may take more or less time to earn their degrees.
Get your career in nonprofits started today by enrolling in one of these top online MBA programs.
What Is an MBA in Nonprofit Management?
MBA in nonprofit management programs typically take two years to complete. The curriculum covers topics in management, finance, marketing, and accounting and includes specialized coursework in nonprofit management principles.
Students participate in group-based projects, write research papers, and work in student-consultant roles with nonprofits on class assignments. Many business schools also require students to participate in summer internships, allowing them to build relevant skills prior to graduation.
Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Can I Expect From an Online MBA in Nonprofit Management Program?
Online MBA in nonprofit management programs provide students with the specialized knowledge needed to run socially-focused ventures that improve some aspect of our communities. After completing all core classes, students focus their efforts on topics specific to nonprofit ventures.
Degree-seekers looking for an option that works with busy personal and professional schedules often decide to enroll in an online program. These degrees also allow learners to cast their nets wider geographically when looking at prospective schools.
Example MBA in Nonprofit Management Courses
Financial Management for Nonprofit Organizations
Social Venture Management
Economics and Metrics for Sustainability
Strategic Fundraising
Accounting and Financial Controls for Nonprofit Organization
What Are Admission Requirements for an MBA in Nonprofit Management Degree?
Many online MBA in nonprofit management programs set rigorous admission requirements to ensure quality candidates and eventual graduates. Applicants should plan to complete several different steps to secure admission.
Test Scores
Some online MBA in nonprofit management programs require applicants to submit GMAT scores or GRE scores, though some allow learners to bypass this requirement if they possess a higher GPA.Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation help schools get a better sense of how others see applicants and learn more about their strengths and weaknesses. Students should request these well in advance of the deadline to ensure recommenders can take time to consider the individual before writing about them.Resume
Many online MBA in nonprofit management programs require an updated resume that highlights previous and current work experience, volunteerism, and special participation. Given the nonprofit focus, some programs may accept volunteer work in exchange for previous professional experience in the discipline.Essays
While undergraduate essays focus on getting a sense of who the student hopes to become, graduate essays focus more on professional goals. Many schools ask for a statement of purpose that outlines how a student plans to use their degree and why they feel a specific MBA in nonprofit management program best suits their needs.Official Transcripts
All MBA in nonprofit management programs require applicants to submit official transcripts from any schools previously attended. In addition to confirming prerequisites, these forms also confirm GPA. Some schools may also accept transfer credits — official transcripts identify which classes a student previously took.
What Can I Do With an MBA in Nonprofit Management Degree?
Like any major organization, a nonprofit needs solid budgeting, strategy, marketing, and governance. With an MBA in nonprofit management, you'll be qualified to land leadership roles across the nonprofit sector.
Check out these common careers for graduates with an MBA in nonprofit management.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
The CEO or executive director of a nonprofit oversees day-to-day operations and determines the long-term vision for the organization. The CEO is responsible for communicating with stakeholders, creating strategic plans, shaping the annual budget, developing fundraising strategies, monitoring finances, managing staff, and overseeing programs and projects.
Average Annual Base Salary (2023): $109,210
Fundraising Manager (Grantmaking and Civic Organizations)
Fundraising managers are responsible for securing financial resources to support the organization's mission. The job typically includes developing fundraising strategies and campaigns, cultivating donor relationships, and writing grants and proposals.
Median Annual Salary (2021): $99,970
Director of Operations
A director of operations manages day-to-day operations, resources, and administrative functions. That may include developing operations plans, strategies, best practices, and processes across departments.
Average Annual Base Salary (2023): $98,580
Social and Community Service Managers
Social and community service managers focus on addressing community needs and creating social impact through effective program management and partnerships. They oversee program development, staff management, stakeholder relationships, budgeting, outreach, and funding efforts.
Median Annual Salary (2021): $74,000
Director of Development (Nonprofit Organization)
A director of development creates strategies to secure funding and other resources. This includes creating fundraising plans, growing a large donor base, soliciting donors in person, managing the organization's branding, and participating in public relations efforts.
Median Annual Salary (2023): $70,440
Is an MBA in Nonprofit Management Worth It?
Earning an MBA in nonprofit management offers a great fit for students who know they want to use their business skills to improve the world. The return on investment for this particular degree varies based on the school a student attends, what role they fill, and where they work.
While a general MBA provides all the business skills required at many for-profit companies, the nonprofit management specialization emphasizes the knowledge and skills needed within nonprofit structures.
Students on a tight budget may decide to pursue a different educational path, such as a graduate certificate or certification course in nonprofit management. They may also decide to work toward their MBA in nonprofit management on a part-time basis so they can spread the cost of the degree across a longer timeframe.
Why Get an MBA in Nonprofit Management Instead of a Master's in Nonprofit Management?
With both nonprofit management MBAs and master's programs available, students should consider which best serves their professional interests. An MBA is a more expansive degree, covering foundational business topics, such as finance, marketing, economics, and accounting alongside specialized studies in nonprofit management.
A master's in nonprofit management, conversely, focuses exclusively on the field and provides more in-depth knowledge about the nonprofit world itself. Degree-seekers who feel conflicted about which option to choose can look into dual MBA/master's in nonprofit management programs to get the best of both worlds.
Best Online MBA in Nonprofit Management Programs
Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
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Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that's best for you.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About MBA in Nonprofit Management Programs
It depends on the programs. Top-ranked programs maintain more rigorous admission requirements than most other MBA programs.
