MA in Nonprofit Management
Johns Hopkins University's online Master of Arts in Nonprofit Management program provides students with the leadership and organizational skills needed to succeed in the nonprofit sector, both domestically and abroad. The MA in Nonprofit Management is made up of ten asynchronous online courses (seven core courses and three 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 Nonprofit Capstone Seminar, in which they may select one of the following options: a) research paper 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. Students are encouraged to identify a capstone idea as they move through the program and have the option to build on a major assignment from a nonprofit course. All capstones require a 30-page well-researched final paper.
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 program also requires applicants to hold a baccalaureate degree in a study area 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. Applicants must also provide:
- Resume
- A Statement of Purpose: This 750-word well-written statement should describe how your academic and/or professional experiences have led to your interest in the field of nonprofit management, and what your ambitions are for the degree. Your statement will be reviewed for content, organization, grammar, spelling, and writing style.
- Two Letters of Recommendation: Recommenders should verify professional and/or academic accomplishment. Under “Recommendations,” include the contact information for two recommenders. They will be automatically emailed information to access the system. They can then complete and upload their recommendation form.
Program Requirements
Students must take a total of 10 courses:
- Five required core courses
- One customizable core course
- Four 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.470.774 | Nonprofit Governance & Executive Leadership | 3 |
AS.470.734 | Organizational Leadership and Ethics in NGO Management | 3 |
AS.470.864 | NGO Management Capstone Seminar | 3 |
Core Course - Customizable: | ||
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Resource Development and Marketing in Nonprofits | ||
Institutional Fundraising: Raising Maximum Dollars from Government Agencies, Corporations and Foundations | ||
Electives | ||
Select four of the following: | 12 | |
Leadership Skills in the 21st Century | ||
Negotiating as a Leadership Skill | ||
Introduction to Advocacy and Lobbying | ||
Mission Meets Profit: Building a Social Enterprise | ||
Contemporary Politics of Latin America | ||
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 |
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the program should be able to:
- 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 nonprofits and civil society organizations 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 strategic planning, board management, theory of change, strategic partnership, program development, monitoring and evaluation, marketing, fundraising, and development, and other skills.
- Utilize oral and written communication skills from both academic and practitioner-based sources that will enhance effective nonprofit leadership.
- Demonstrate effective 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.