Master of Public Administration in Nonprofit Management

What Is an MPA in Nonprofit Management Degree?

Grand Canyon University’s Master of Public Administration with an Emphasis in Nonprofit Management prepares students for an impactful and meaningful career serving the public at large. This online program is designed for individuals desirous of finding employment in or currently working for nonprofit organizations. Coursework focuses on the application of administrative skills in the areas of leadership, human capital development, policy and governance within a nonprofit environment. Students will be challenged to identify and provide solutions for today’s unique issues facing public and nonprofit-sector organizations.

As a Christian university, GCU cultivates faith-integrated learning environments. Students will learn to become more than a nonprofit manager, but a public servant who’s skilled in and passionate about serving the public good. By attending a university with a Christian worldview, students learn how to work in an ethical, professional manner through the analysis of principles. This will prepare them to manage nonprofit operations with integrity, kindness, compassion and gratitude. This online nonprofit management degree program leads to a rewarding and diverse career path for current business professionals and those with a purpose to make a difference in the world.

What Is Nonprofit Management?

Preparing for nonprofit management includes the study of administrative practices and how these influence an organization’s success within the dynamic nonprofit, public-sector community. A nonprofit serves as an organized group with the goal to serve the common good. Nonprofit organizations offer products and/or services and gather financial resources that are allocated to driving its mission forward and promoting fundraising, awareness or volunteer activities.

Success isn’t measured by solely and aggressively growing revenue; for nonprofits, success is determined by the results of an organization’s mission, how many people were helped, the effect on the underprivileged or disadvantaged and upholding goodwill initiatives.

What You'll Learn

Students will gain proficiency in the following domains while in the master's in nonprofit management degree:

• Public Service
• Resource Management
• Policy and Politics
• Nonprofit Management

Students will prepare to be a results-driven leader who excels in communication and who is knowledgeable about securing funding. Other responsibilities include the ability to think critically and strategically, lead teams and recruit volunteers.

During the online MPA in Nonprofit Management degree, students will:

• Focus on how government and public organizations serve their stakeholders, including managing resources and regulatory powers
• Examine the daily duties of public administrators, relationship building, political awareness and collaborative strategies
• Learn how to acquire, develop and leverage human capital, from assessing talent management to employee professional development
• Understand leadership practices, as well as revenue and expenditure structuring
• Explore theories and concepts of nonprofit/nongovernmental organizations and community development
• Survey the many facets of funding and funding strategies

Careers With an MPA in Nonprofit Management

The nonprofit sector continues to accelerate, offering an increasing number of occupational opportunities for those seeking a life-changing career in this field with potential for high earnings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for social and community service members is growing much faster than average at 13*. Public relations and fundraising managers can also earn a median pay of over $114,800 annually as of 2018.**

Potential nonprofit sector career opportunities for those with a Master’s (MPA) in Nonprofit Management degree may include:

• Public relations manager
• Campaign manager
• Foundation director
• Grant proposal manager
• Project manager
• Program director
• Public relations manager
• Development coordinator
• Lobbyist
• Social media coordinator

^{*Retrieved from: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm
**Retrieved from: https://www.bls.gov/OOH/management/public-relations-managers.htm}