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. 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
- Development coordinator
- Lobbyist
- Social media coordinator
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.
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.