MA in Nonprofit Management
Johns Hopkins' online Master of Arts in Nonprofit Management provides students with the leadership, management, and organizational skills needed to succeed in the nonprofit sector, both domestically or abroad. The MA in Nonprofit Management is made up of ten asynchronous online courses (7 core courses and 3 electives). Courses focus on nonprofit leadership, grant writing, strategic planning, project management, monitoring and evaluation, resource development, social enterprise, and international mission-based work. Students complete their studies with the Capstone Seminar where they may select one of the following options a) research project/deeper dive on a relevant aspect of nonprofit management; b) a project that will contribute to the social sector in some capacity; or c) an immersive professional experience working with a nonprofit or non-governmental organization. All capstones require a 30-60 page final paper. With the MA in Nonprofit Management students and alumni may work for nonprofits, non-governmental and international agencies, foundations, think tanks, educational institutions, museums, environmental organizations, human rights and animal rights organizations, or religious institutions, among others. Students are also eligible to work with select federal agencies, international organizations, and financial development institutions.
Admissions Criteria for all Advanced Academic Programs
PROGRAM SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the materials and credentials required for all programs, the Master of Arts in Nonprofit Management also requires:
- Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree in study areas relevant to the curriculum. Applicants are accepted to the program on the understanding that they have sufficient background in a relevant field, either through their previous degree, or through relevant professional experience, to be able to complete the program.
- Statement of Purpose: This 750-word statement should describe how your academic and/or professional experiences have led to your interest in the field of nonprofit or non-governmental management and what your ambitions are for the degree. Your statement will be reviewed for content, organization, and writing style.
- Two letters of recommendation that verify professional and/or academic accomplishment. Under “Recommendations,” include the contact information for two recommenders. They will be automatically emailed access information to the system. They can then complete and upload their recommendation form.
Program Requirements
- Seven required core courses
- Three elective courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses - Required: | ||
| AS.470.728 | Fundamentals of Nonprofits and Nonprofit Management | 3 |
| AS.470.798 | Financial Management and Analysis in Nonprofits | 3 |
| AS.470.625 | Resource Development and Marketing in Nonprofits | 3 |
| AS.470.666 | Institutional Fundraising: Raising Maximum Dollars from Government Agencies, Corporations and Foundations | 3 |
| AS.470.774 | Nonprofit Governance & Executive Leadership | 3 |
| AS.470.734 | Organizational Leadership and Ethics in NGO Management | 3 |
| AS.470.864 | NGO Management Capstone Seminar | 3 |
| Electives | 9 | |
| Leadership Skills in the 21st Century | ||
| Mission Meets Profit: Building a Social Enterprise | ||
| NGOs in Development and Global Policy-Making | ||
| Project Management for NGOs | ||
| Economic Growth:The Politics of Development in Asia, Africa and Beyond | ||
| Monitoring & Evaluation for Nonprofits/NGOs | ||
| International/Non-Governmental Organizations and Civil Society in Conflict Zones | ||
| Total Credits | 30 | |
- Apply history, facts, data, trends and lessons learned to interpret situations that arise every day for nonprofit and non-governmental organizations including the various roles that international and national non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) play in local, national and international development, humanitarian action, and policy processes.
- Demonstrate leadership skills that are critical to effective decision-making to lead, manage, and/or oversee mission-driven organizations on issues related to a) strategic planning and theory of change, b) board management, c) strategic partnership, d) program development, e) monitoring and evaluation, f) marketing, g) fundraising and development, and others.
- Use oral and written communication skills that will enhance effective non-profit leadership from both academic and practitioner-based sources.
- Demonstrate ethical management and leadership decision-making skills specific to the needs of nonprofits and non-governmental organizations.
- Evaluate emerging trends and best practices in charitable, philanthropic, and/or advocacy organizations.