Best MBA in Nonprofit Management
An MBA in Nonprofit Management is designed for professionals looking to lead nonprofit organizations, philanthropic foundations, and social enterprises. This specialization focuses on strategic fundraising, nonprofit finance, public policy, and social impact leadership, equipping graduates with the expertise to manage mission-driven organizations, grant funding, and community development initiatives.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in nonprofit leadership roles is projected to grow as demand for social services and philanthropic initiatives increases. Additionally, the median salary for nonprofit executives is $105,000, with top nonprofit CEOs earning significantly higher ( BLS). A report by The National Council of Nonprofits highlights that the nonprofit sector contributes over $1 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, emphasizing the growing demand for skilled nonprofit managers ( National Council of Nonprofits).
An MBA in Nonprofit Management specialization is ideal for professionals seeking to lead impactful organizations, secure funding for social programs, and drive meaningful change in communities.
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What is an Online MBA in Nonprofit Management?
An Online MBA in Nonprofit Management provides a flexible pathway for professionals looking to develop expertise in nonprofit leadership, fundraising strategies, and organizational sustainability while continuing their careers. These programs focus on nonprofit governance, donor relations, and financial accountability, helping students prepare for leadership roles in charitable organizations, foundations, and social impact enterprises.
Students gain expertise in grant writing, impact measurement, and board management, ensuring they are equipped to optimize fundraising campaigns and enhance nonprofit effectiveness. Many online programs include real-world nonprofit case studies, social entrepreneurship simulations, and community engagement projects, providing an immersive learning experience.
What Are the Admissions Requirements for an MBA in Nonprofit Management?
Admissions requirements for an MBA in Nonprofit Management vary by program, but typically include:
- Bachelor’s Degree – From an accredited institution, often in business, public administration, social work, or a related field.
- Work Experience – 2-5 years of professional experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, or social services is preferred.
- GMAT/GRE Scores – Some programs require standardized test scores, while others offer waivers.
- Personal Statement – Discussing career goals and why the applicant is pursuing an MBA in Nonprofit Management.
- Letters of Recommendation – Typically from employers, nonprofit leaders, or academic mentors.
- Resume – Highlighting experience in nonprofit administration, grant writing, or fundraising initiatives.
Is an MBA in Nonprofit Management the Right Specialization for You?
An MBA in Nonprofit Management specialization is best suited for professionals who are mission-driven, community-focused, and interested in nonprofit leadership. If you are passionate about philanthropy, social justice, and organizational sustainability, this specialization will provide the necessary skills for career advancement.
Compared to other MBA specializations, such as Public Administration or Social Entrepreneurship, an MBA in Nonprofit Management focuses on fundraising strategy, nonprofit financial management, and community impact initiatives. If you want to lead nonprofit organizations, manage donor relations, or oversee social programs, this program may be the best fit for you.
2026 Best MBA in Nonprofit Management Programs
Wilmington University
New Castle, DE - Private 4-year - wilmu.edu
Master's - Master of Business Administration
Concentration: Nonprofit Management - Online Learning - Visit Website
Wilmington University's online MBA in Nonprofit Management prepares leaders for the unique challenges of mission-driven organizations, focusing on governance, sustainability, and fundraising. The program offers flexible 7-week accelerated courses and an optional internship, ideal for working professionals. It requires an entrance exam such as the GMAT or GRE.
- Fully Online and Campus Options
- 7-week Accelerated Courses
- Flexible Pace of Study
- 21 Credits MBA Core
- Five Concentration-Specific Courses
- Focus on Nonprofit Leadership
- Internship Option Available
- Courses Cover Governance, Sustainability
- Designed for Working Professionals
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK - Public 4-Year - okstate.edu
Master's - MBA
Concentration: Nonprofit Management - Online Learning - Visit Website
Oklahoma State University's online MBA in Nonprofit Management prepares leaders for mission-driven organizations through a curriculum emphasizing strategic management, fundraising, and ethical leadership. This 12-credit-hour program, available in Stillwater and Tulsa, includes core courses and flexible electives focused on governance, resource development, and social entrepreneurship. Students gain hands-on experience in grant writing and sustainable enterprise, fostering skills to navigate complex nonprofit environments. As a master's-level program, it may require entrance exams like the GMAT or GRE, though specific requirements should be verified with the university. This military-friendly option is ideal for professionals aiming to drive social impact with strong business acumen.
- Online, Stillwater, Tulsa locations
- 12 credit hours total
- Two core required courses
- Flexible elective options
- Focuses on nonprofit leadership
- Social entrepreneurship options
- Ethical leadership training
- Grant writing opportunity
- Sustainable enterprise study
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - Private 4-year - liberty.edu
Master's - Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Nonprofit Leadership and Management
Concentration: Nonprofit Leadership and Management - Online Learning - Visit Website
Liberty University's online MBA in Nonprofit Leadership and Management develops leaders capable of driving organizational impact through specialized business training. This 45-credit program focuses on strategic planning, fundraising, and management within mission-driven organizations. The flexible 8-week online format accommodates working professionals, with multiple start dates and transfer credit options. Notably, no entrance exams are required for admission, making it accessible. Accredited by SACSCOC, it offers competitive tuition rates, including military discounts, preparing graduates to navigate complex nonprofit challenges effectively.
- 100% online program
- 45 credit hours total
- 8-week course format
- No standardized testing
- Graduate tuition $565/credit
- Military rate $275/credit
- Transfer up to 50% credits
- Multiple start dates annually
- Nonprofit leadership focus
- SACSCOC accredited
University of Maine
Orono, ME - Public 4-Year - umaine.edu
Master's - MaineMBA
Concentration: Public and Nonprofit Management - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Maine's MaineMBA in Public and Nonprofit Management is a hybrid program that develops leaders for transformative roles in government and nonprofit sectors. It combines advanced business skills with public sector expertise through a curriculum focused on strategic leadership and organizational management. This STEM-designated degree requires 33 credit hours, including eight core MBA courses, one mandatory nonprofit course, and two elective nonprofit courses. Collaboration with the Muskie School enhances practical insights. The program offers flexible prerequisite options and is designed for working professionals, with no entrance exam required.
- 100% online modality
- 33 total credit hours
- STEM-designated degree
- Collaboration with Muskie School
- 8 core MBA courses required
- 1 mandatory nonprofit course
- 2 elective nonprofit courses
- Foundation courses available
- Flexible prerequisite options
Southern Oregon University
Ashland, OR - Public 4-Year - sou.edu
Master's - Master of Business Administration
Concentration: Nonprofit Management - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Southern Oregon University's MBA with a Nonprofit Management concentration equips students with strategic business skills tailored for the social sector. This 45-credit hybrid program can be completed in one year, featuring flexible weekday evening and Saturday classes at the Ashland campus. Students delve into specialized nonprofit electives such as fund development, grant writing, and program evaluation. Admission requires a GMAT score of 500 or a minimum 3.0 GPA, with applications processed after January 1. The curriculum blends theory with practical application, preparing graduates to lead and innovate in nonprofit organizations effectively.
- 45-credit MBA program
- Nonprofit Management concentration
- Completed in one calendar year
- Weekday evening and Saturday classes
- Requires 4 specific nonprofit electives
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- GMAT 500 or 3.0 GPA admission
- Applications processed after January 1
- 14 elective credits required
- Taught at Ashland campus
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA - Private 4-year - regent.edu
Master's - Master of Business Administration (MBA) – Not-for-Profit Management
Concentration: Not-for-Profit Management - Online Learning - Visit Website
Regent University's MBA in Not-for-Profit Management prepares professionals for leadership roles in mission-driven organizations through a comprehensive 42-credit curriculum. This ACBSP-accredited program focuses specifically on nonprofit sector needs, covering fundraising, volunteer management, and strategic organizational administration. Offered in flexible online and on-campus formats, it integrates business best practices with a Christian leadership perspective. Notably, no GMAT or GRE is required for admission, making it accessible for career changers and nonprofit professionals seeking advanced management training. The program emphasizes practical skills for driving social impact while maintaining fiscal responsibility in nonprofit settings.
- 42 total credit hours
- Online and on-campus formats
- No GMAT/GRE required
- ACBSP-accredited program
- Next session starts March 17, 2025
- Top 50 online MBA program
- Christian leadership perspective
- Tuition: $695 per credit hour
- Nonprofit management concentration
- Focuses on strategic management
Murray State University
Murray, KY - Public 4-Year - murraystate.edu
Master's - Master of Business Administration
Concentration: Nonprofit Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website
Murray State University's online MBA in Nonprofit Leadership is a 30-credit hour program designed to equip professionals with strategic skills for mission-driven organizations. It integrates core business principles with specialized nonprofit management, covering financial oversight, community engagement, and social entrepreneurship. The program can be completed in 12-18 months through flexible online coursework and does not require a GMAT for qualified applicants. With a total tuition of $17,445 and multiple start dates annually, it offers an affordable and accessible path to leadership roles, supported by AACSB accreditation and free prerequisite courses.
- Online MBA with Nonprofit Leadership concentration
- 30 credit hours total
- 12-18 months completion time
- $17,445 total tuition
- No GMAT required
- Multiple annual start dates
- AACSB accredited program
- Free prerequisite courses included
- Prepares for nonprofit leadership careers
The University of Tampa
Tampa, FL - Private 4-year - ut.edu
Master's - MBA
Concentration: Nonprofit Management - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Tampa's MBA with a Nonprofit Management Concentration develops specialized leaders for the social sector through rigorous training in board governance, financial management, marketing, and fund development. This campus-based program addresses the national nonprofit leadership shortage via strategic partnerships with the Nonprofit Leadership Center, offering practical expertise for current professionals and aspiring managers. While entrance exam requirements are not explicitly stated, the program emphasizes creating efficient leaders capable of driving meaningful organizational change through comprehensive, real-world applications.
- Unique nonprofit management concentration
- Partnership with Nonprofit Leadership Center
- Strategic leadership training
- Addresses nationwide leadership shortage
- Focuses on governance and financial skills
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TX - Public 4-Year - utrgv.edu
Master's - Business Administration
Concentration: Philanthropy and Non-Profit Organizations - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley's MBA program specializes in Philanthropy and Non-Profit Organizations, providing professionals with targeted training for leadership roles in the nonprofit sector. This 36-credit, AACSB-accredited program combines business management fundamentals with nonprofit-specific strategies through evening and online courses for flexibility. While a GMAT score of 400 is typically required, waivers are available for experienced managers. Students develop advanced analytical and decision-making skills through both thesis and non-thesis options, with graduate assistantships supporting their education. The program's focus on philanthropic environments prepares graduates for impactful careers in service industries.
- AACSB Accredited MBA Program
- 36 total credit hours
- Evening and online courses
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- GMAT score 400 minimum
- Two recommendation letters
- Thesis and non-thesis options
- Nonprofit specialization courses
- Full-time and part-time formats
- Graduate assistantships available
Calvin University
Grand Rapids, MI - Private 4-year - calvin.edu
Master's - MBA
Concentration: Nonprofit Management - Online Learning - Visit Website
Calvin University's online MBA in Nonprofit Management prepares leaders for the nonprofit sector with a curriculum centered on fundraising, financial management, and strategic oversight. This 36-credit program can be completed in 13 to 25 months, featuring flexible 7-8 week terms and no GMAT requirement for applicants with a minimum 3.0 GPA. At $673 per credit hour, it offers an affordable path for working professionals to gain skills in board leadership and community impact, supported by a Christian Reformed Church affiliation.
- Online MBA with Nonprofit Management focus
- No GMAT required
- 36 credit hours total
- 13-25 months program duration
- $673 per credit hour
- Flexible 7-8 week terms
- Learn fundraising strategies
- Explore nonprofit board leadership
- Financial management courses
- Minimum 3.0 GPA for admission
MBA in Nonprofit Management Curriculum: What Classes Will I Take?
Most MBA in Nonprofit Management programs take 1-2 years to complete, depending on whether students enroll full-time, part-time, or in an accelerated format.
Core Courses in an MBA in Nonprofit Management
The curriculum for a Nonprofit Management MBA specialization blends business strategy with nonprofit sector expertise through courses such as:
- Nonprofit Leadership & Governance
- Strategic Fundraising & Grant Writing
- Financial Management for Nonprofits
- Social Entrepreneurship & Impact Investing
- Public Policy & Advocacy in the Nonprofit Sector
- Community Development & Program Evaluation
- Nonprofit Marketing & Donor Engagement
- Ethical Leadership in Philanthropy
Many programs also incorporate nonprofit management projects, including real-world case studies in fundraising strategy, nonprofit financial planning, and social enterprise development. Some students complete internships with nonprofit organizations, foundations, or advocacy groups to gain hands-on experience before graduation.
What Career Options Do I Have with an MBA in Nonprofit Management?
A Nonprofit Management MBA specialization prepares graduates for leadership roles in nonprofit administration, fundraising, and community development. Common job titles include:
- Executive Director of a Nonprofit – Leads strategic planning, fundraising, and program development.
- Nonprofit Fundraising Manager – Oversees donor relations and fundraising campaigns.
- Social Impact Consultant – Advises organizations on social responsibility and sustainability strategies.
- Program Director for Foundations & NGOs – Manages large-scale community programs and grant distributions.
- Director of Corporate Philanthropy – Develops CSR initiatives and charitable partnerships for corporations.
Salary Expectations
Salaries for MBA in Nonprofit Management graduates vary based on industry, experience, and expertise. According to BLS and the National Council of Nonprofits, nonprofit professionals with an MBA typically earn:
- Executive Director of a Nonprofit – $100,000 – $180,000
- Nonprofit Fundraising Manager – $90,000 – $150,000
- Social Impact Consultant – $110,000 – $170,000
- Program Director for Foundations & NGOs – $95,000 – $160,000
- Director of Corporate Philanthropy – $105,000 – $175,000
Take the Next Step Toward a Leadership Role in Nonprofit Management
An MBA in Nonprofit Management provides the expertise needed to secure funding for social programs, lead mission-driven organizations, and drive large-scale community impact. Whether you want to manage a nonprofit, direct philanthropic initiatives, or oversee grant funding, this degree will give you the knowledge, skills, and network to achieve your career goals.
Explore top-ranked MBA in Nonprofit Management programs today and start advancing your career.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Occupational Outlook Handbook: Nonprofit Leadership & Philanthropy Careers. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/
- National Council of Nonprofits. (2023). The Economic Impact of Nonprofits & Philanthropy Trends. Retrieved from https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/