Best Online MBA in Nonprofit Management Degrees
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
Nonprofit Management Not for You? Check Out These Related Careers.
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.
Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online MBA in Nonprofit Management Programs
Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
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.
Liberty University's online MBA in nonprofit leadership and management equips students with the skills needed to head a nonprofit organization. The program is a good fit for working professionals, as it eliminates all in-person requirements.
Comprising 45 credits, the curriculum covers subjects in workforce planning and employment, nonprofit management, and grant acquisition and management. Full-time students can complete the program within two years.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Program Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- Cost-per-credit: $565
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 45 credit hours
- Format: Online
- School Status: Private
Liberty University is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Trevecca's online MBA in nonprofit management program prepares graduates to run a nonprofit organization from a business perspective.
Students who enroll in the standard program graduate in 22 months. They can also pursue an accelerated program, which takes 15 months to complete. While the traditional route gives students the option to study either fully online or in person one night a week, learners who choose the accelerated option never need to visit campus in Nashville, Tennessee.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost-per-credit: $563
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 36 credit hours
- Program Length: 15-22 months
- Format: Online
- School Status: Private
Trevecca Nazarene University is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Johnson & Wales' online MBA in nonprofit management is perfect for students who want to gain the skills needed to lead a nonprofit organization. This hybrid program requires that students take their MBA foundation, core, and capstone courses on campus. Distance learners complete nonprofit management concentration courses online.
The program requires 36-42 credits. Full-time students can graduate in around two years. Nonprofit management courses include business policy, theory and practice of nonprofit management, and social entrepreneurship.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Program Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Cost-per-credit: $786
- Program Length: 2 years
- Format: Online
- School Status: Private
Johnson & Wales University is accredited by New England Commission on Higher Education.
CUW's 36-credit online MBA in nonprofit management and leadership at Concordia University is a great choice for working students. The program delivers coursework asynchronously and does not include in-person requirements.
Students choose five courses out of 15 that center around nonprofit management, including legal issues in nonprofit organizations, financial management for nonprofits, nonprofit grant writing, and publicity and public relations. Applicants must submit a one-page essay, a resume, and two letters of recommendation. Prospective students do not need to submit GRE scores.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Program Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education
- Cost-per-credit: $760
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 36 credits
- Program Length: 2 years
- Format: Online
- School Status: Private
Concordia University - Wisconsin is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
Designed for working professionals, Cairn's online MBA in nonprofit management program offers modular scheduling to allow students to keep their jobs while enrolled. Incoming learners may also receive credit for previous work experience and coursework.
Cairn's MBA program is offered completely online and takes around 20 months to complete for full-time students. The program's curriculum comprises 42 credits. All students complete a capstone project during their final semester.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Program Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 42 credits
- Program Length: 20 months
- Format: Online
- School Status: Private
Cairn University - Langhorne is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Lakeland's online MBA in nonprofit management program is perfect for students who want to help run a nonprofit organization from a business perspective. The nonprofit leadership concentration consists of three core courses, including strategic planning for nonprofit organizations, foundation of nonprofit leadership, and role of nonprofit organizations in public policy.
Admission requirements include a cumulative 2.75 GPA, a minimum GMAT score of 500, and a "C" or better in economics, statistics, finance, and accounting courses.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost-per-credit: $687
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 36 semester hours
- Format: Online
- School Status: Private
Lakeland University is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
Perfect for working adults, Bushnell University's online MBA in nonprofit management program does not include any in-person requirements. With six starts per year and no GMAT or GRE requirements, this program makes it as convenient as possible for students to advance their education.
The 36-credit curriculum includes relevant courses in volunteer leadership, marketing strategy, leadership and mission fulfillment, and operations and service management. Applicants without a 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA can seek conditional admission.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Program Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education
- Cost-per-credit: $710
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 36 credits
- Program Length: 12-24 months
- Format: Online
- School Status: Private
Bushnell University is accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Learners who enroll in Lindenwood's online MBA in nonprofit management program can choose to study online, in-person, or in a hybrid format. Courses in fundraising and revenue generation, volunteer management, and nonprofit governance and law provide students with the foundation they need for high-level work within a nonprofit organization.
Students can expect to take 33-51 credits before graduating. The university offers courses in eight-week terms, with five terms per academic year.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Program Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- Cost-per-credit: $525
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 33 credit hours
- Program Length: 15-36 months
- Format: Online
- School Status: Private
Lindenwood University is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
NEC's online MBA in nonprofit leadership prepares graduates to work in management positions in nonprofit organizations, social work, and other community-centered organizations. The program consists of seven four-credit core courses and three four-credit concentration courses, taking 20 months to complete at a full-time pace.
Nonprofit leadership concentration courses include dynamics of nonprofit governance, strategic fundraising, and grant writing and project management. Applicants to this program are not required to submit GMAT or GRE scores.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 40 credits
- Program Length: 20 months
- Format: Online
- School Status: Private
New England College is accredited by New England Commission on Higher Education.
ESC's online MBA in nonprofit management provides graduates a foundation in business principles that fit the needs of nonprofit organizations. The 36-credit program does not include any in-person requirements, perfect for adult students. Full-time students can expect to graduate within 20 months.
In addition to foundational MBA courses, nonprofit management students take courses in strategic marketing for nonprofit organizations, planning for public and nonprofit organizations, and managerial economics.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 36 credits
- Format: Online
- School Status: Private
SUNY Empire State College is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About MBA in Nonprofit Management Programs
Is an MBA in nonprofit management program hard to get into?
It depends on the programs. Top-ranked programs maintain more rigorous admission requirements than most other MBA programs.
What can I do with an MBA in nonprofit management?
Earning an MBA in nonprofit management can give you the skills and credentials needed to seek work in a variety of nonprofit organizations. Whether you plan to seek work in education, healthcare, community development, or another area of need, an MBA in nonprofit management can help you achieve that goal.
Is nonprofit management a good career?
Nonprofit management is a great career for individuals who want to use their professional skills to help others. Nonprofit organizations work on a variety of causes, providing you with many opportunities to make a difference.
How much money can I make with an MBA in nonprofit management?
How much you earn with an MBA in nonprofit management depends on factors like the state you live in, your employer, your title, and your level of experience. Several positions highlighted earlier in this guide offer six-figure salaries for experienced professionals.
Explore More College Resources
Graduate Admissions Guide
BestColleges has created a guide for future graduate students to keep track of deadlines and get tips on submitting the best school applications.
Updated May 5, 2023
Scholarships for Online College Students
Online students can qualify for many of the same financial aid opportunities as on-campus students. Check out these 16 scholarships for online students.
Updated June 26, 2024
The Student’s Guide to Financial Aid and the FAFSA
What is financial aid? What is the FAFSA? Learn about the different types of aid you can get for college and how to fill out the FAFSA.
Updated August 26, 2024