Master of Public Administration (MPA) in Nonprofit Management Degree Emphasis
Broaden Your Potential in the Public Sector With an Emphasis Degree in Nonprofit Management
The Master of Public Administration with an Emphasis in Nonprofit Management at Grand Canyon University (GCU) prepares you for an impactful and meaningful career serving the public at large. This online degree in nonprofit management emphasis 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. Not only will you learn to become a nonprofit manager, but a public servant who is skilled in and passionate about serving the public good. By attending a university with a Christian worldview, you will learn ethical decision-making. 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.
Deepen Your Knowledge of Nonprofit Management Objectives
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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 further their mission through fundraising, advocacy and volunteer engagement and activism.
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.
Prepare to Lead and Serve Nonprofit Organizations With an MPA Degree
You will gain proficiency in the following domains while pursuing the MPA in nonprofit management degree from GCU:
- Public Service
- Resource Management
- Policy and Politics
- Nonprofit Management
As a student, you will prepare to be a results-driven leader who excels in communication and who is knowledgeable about securing funding. Other responsibilities of nonprofit management include the ability to think critically and strategically, lead teams and recruit volunteers.
During the master’s in nonprofit management degree emphasis, you 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 for Graduates With an MPA in Nonprofit Management Degree Emphasis
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. As of September 2021, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates job growth for community and social service occupations to increase by about 12% from 2020 to 2030, faster than average, accounting for an estimated increase of 346,900 jobs in the field.1
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
- Social and community service manager
- Legislators
MPA in Nonprofit Management Degree Emphasis FAQs
Earning a master’s degree can give you the education you need to work and advance in the nonprofit sector. Depending on your area of interest, there are a few common and distinct graduate programs geared for nonprofit professionals, including a Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Urban Planning (MUP), Master of Social Work (MSW) and a Master of Public Policy (MPP).
The role of a nonprofit manager is to ensure the organization is meeting its responsibilities. They often oversee staff, finances, programs, business operations and marketing strategies. Nonprofit managers are also responsible for building and maintaining relationships with donors and key stakeholders to ensure the organization is successful in meeting its mission.
Yes. Many universities offer a master’s in nonprofit management online degree. At GCU, our MPA in nonprofit management degree is 100% online for working professionals who require a flexible schedule. The courses in the nonprofit management degree are led by knowledgeable faculty with experience in the nonprofit sector. The program requires 38 credits for completion and the courses are generally eight weeks.
The expected salary for those with an MPA in nonprofit management depends on many factors, including the field you work in, the organization you work for, and the position you are in. For example, social and community service managers who coordinate and supervise organizations and programs that support public well-being have a median annual salary of $74,000 as of May 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.2 For public relations and fundraising managers who are responsible for the public image and financial stability of their organizations, they have a median annual salary of $119,860 in May 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.3
1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is based on September 2021, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Community and Social Service Occupations.
2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Social and Community Service Managers as of May 2021. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Social and Community Service Managers. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, and accept employment from, determines salary not only based on education, but also individual characteristics and skills and fit to that organization (among other categories) against a pool of candidates.
3 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Public Relations and Fundraising Managers as of May 2021, retrieved on Sept. 14, 2022. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Public Relations and Fundraising Managers. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, and accept employment from, determines salary not only based on education, but also individual characteristics and skills and fit to that organization (among other categories) against a pool of candidates.
Core Courses
Course Description
This course is designed to prepare students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in the liberal arts. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success.
Course Description
This course focuses on how government and public organizations serve their stakeholders, the manner in which their services are carried out, how resources are managed, and how regulatory powers are complied with and/or managed. The best practices in public governance, issues related to transparency, participation, and accountability are examined.
Course Description
This course examines the day-to-day duties of public administrators. Relationship building, political awareness, and collaborative strategies are highlighted throughout the course. How to best employ skills for the effective running of an organization is incorporated.
Course Description
The effective strategic management of human capital is the differentiator of every successful organization. This course examines talent management, workforce diversity, succession planning, employee development and motivation, and performance matrix. This course addresses human resource competencies identified by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). Using the strong strategic human resource acumen provided by this course, students will be well-prepared for positions as senior human resources specialists or as general managers.
Course Description
This course examines power and political structures employed within public administration. The ethical use of power and how to effectively influence others in public administration is practiced.
Course Description
This course examines leadership practices and qualities necessary to lead an organization. A focus is given to the science of organizational behavior and how it contributes to effective leaders and managers.
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to the revenue and expenditure structure of the public sector, including revenue policy, expenditure policy, and budget structure and administration.
Course Description
This course explores the theories and concepts of nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, stressing their waxing importance in the domestic and international arenas. In particular, the course examines the history, structure, management, missions, and future of nonprofits and NGOs.
Course Description
This course reviews the theoretical concepts on community development. The practice of community development includes effective mobilization, building, and management of collective efforts. In particular, the course explores the social, political, economic, environmental, and religious aspects of community-based collective action to solve pressing problems.
Course Description
This course addresses the many facets of funding for nonprofit organizations. Relationship building, in addition to various funding strategies are covered. Approaches to keep an organization on solid financial ground are examined.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
Grand Canyon University’s evening programs cater to the demands of working professionals who prefer an in-person learning environment. Our night classes meet just once per week and offer the interaction and discussion of a typical college classroom.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.