Online MBA: Nonprofit Management Emphasis
Online MBA: Nonprofit Management Emphasis
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The Master of Business Administration with an Emphasis in Nonprofit Management offers a comprehensive foundation in core business disciplines, including accounting, finance, organizational leadership, marketing and strategic planning.
This MBA offers specialized insight into the unique dynamics of the nonprofit sector, highlighting the critical role of nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations in society. If you’re passionate about creating meaningful change, this program can give you the tools to help lead initiatives that matter.
GCU has held institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. The Colangelo College of Business supports GCU’s dedication to excellence in teaching, research and student success.
Students can explore the history and structure of nonprofit organizations, while gaining practical skills in financial stewardship and program evaluation. You will cover key areas of business, including leadership, statistics, managerial accounting and operations management. Additionally, the program emphasizes relationship-building within the nonprofit sector and explores effective funding strategies.
We offer a range of MBA emphasis areas, such as accounting, cybersecurity, project management and marketing, allowing you to tailor your education to your career goals. Whether you're aiming to make an impact in corporate settings or launch your own venture, our curriculum can help you develop your entrepreneurial and leadership abilities.
You will be taught the skills to guide sustainable growth and community impact through specialized nonprofit leadership education. GCU’s online MBA: nonprofit management offers a comprehensive understanding of nonprofit and NGO sectors, emphasizing their growing influence both locally and globally. You can gain practical insights into how nonprofits operate and why ethical leadership is important for mission-driven organizations.
There are many benefits to earning your MBA at GCU, including:
Convenient Online Learning
All courses are offered 100% online.
No GMAT Required
Apply for the MBA with no GMAT requirement.
Christian Worldview
Discover how to lead with purpose and ethical decision-making.
Build Nonprofit Expertise
Explore focused curriculum in fundraising and grant management.
Review some frequently asked questions about earning an MBA that can help guide you as you pursue your education.
Earning an online MBA: nonprofit management can be a worthwhile investment for those interested in deepening their expertise in leadership strategies for nonprofit organizations. According to the BLS, 2024 data showed that nonprofit organizations employed 12.8 million people, representing 9.9% of all private-sector employment in the U.S.4 This highlights the need for educated professionals who can lead with a dedication to serving others.
While both a master’s in public administration (MPA) and an MBA can prepare you for working in nonprofits, they differ slightly in their emphasis and curriculum. MPA programs focus on public policy, leveraging human capital, political structures and community engagement. MBA: nonprofit management programs focus on business principles such as efficiency, sustainability and innovation.
Like any graduate-level program, an MBA is academically rigorous and includes courses in statistics, economics and finance. However, the program is designed to support learners in building these essential skills, which are critical for effective leadership and decision-making in the nonprofit sector. With dedication and the right academic resources, students can navigate this MBA program and prepare for their future careers in the nonprofit sector.
Online: $665 per credit [More Info]
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Master's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
GCU’s curriculum can help prepare graduates with the skills to lead sustainable and impactful initiatives in the nonprofit space. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the four largest industries in the nonprofit sector were healthcare and social assistance, educational services, arts and other services, entertainment and recreation.1 Whether you choose to work in community-based foundations or international organizations, you can potentially navigate the nonprofit sector with greater confidence.
Graduates from this MBA: nonprofit management program can pursue roles including:
Chief executive
Social and community service manager
Sales Manager
Administrative services manager
Median annual wage for social and community service managers in May 20242
Estimated growth for social and community service managers expected from 2024 to 20343
Fundamental courses prepare students for the curricular content they will encounter within this MBA program. Upon evaluation of their transcripts, students with business-oriented undergraduate degrees may waive all MBA fundamental courses. All students will undergo transcript evaluations. If they have earned grades of C or better in equivalent course content, students with non-business undergraduate degrees may have the option to waive one or more of the following fundamental courses associated with their chosen MBA program.
Fundamental courses prepare students for the curricular content they will encounter within the program. Upon evaluation of their transcripts, students with the appropriate undergraduate degree(s) may wave fundamental course(s). All students will undergo transcript evaluations upon receipt of their undergraduate degree bearing official transcript. For college specific information regarding fundamental coursework, students should refer to the University Policy Handbook.
Start building the skills to make a difference in the nonprofit sector and apply for your MBA: nonprofit management online at GCU.
