Online MPA: Nonprofit Management Emphasis

Master of Public Administration with an Emphasis in Nonprofit Management

Offered By: College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Deepen Your Knowledge of Nonprofit Management

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) with an Emphasis in Nonprofit Management at Grand Canyon University can help prepare you to work toward a career serving the public at large. This online degree is designed for individuals who desire to find employment in or are currently working for public benefit organizations.

Practical administrative skills in leadership, human capital development and policy are refined in this MPA nonprofit management emphasis program. You will tackle practical challenges and develop innovative solutions for the pressing issues faced by public and charitable entities today.

Earn Your Master of Public Administration From GCU

Our faith-integrated approach emphasizes serving the public with integrity, compassion and ethical decision-making from a Christian worldview. This online master’s nonprofit management emphasis program can prepare you to join a network of professionals dedicated to driving positive change in the public and nonprofit sectors.

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As a busy working professional, our online master’s nonprofit management emphasis offers the flexibility you need to support work/life balance and personal commitments. Access coursework, complete assignments and connect with peers and knowledgeable faculty from nearly anywhere. You will engage in academically stimulating discussions about the nature of leadership and daily responsibilities in the philanthropic sector through our robust learning management system. As an online student, you will have access to eBooks, forums, student resources and technical support. 

Prepare To Lead and Serve in Various Nonprofit Organizations

A nonprofit serves as an organized group with the goal of serving the common good. These organizations further their mission through fundraising, advocacy, volunteer engagement and activism.1

Preparing for community-based management often involves an in-depth study of administrative practices and their impact on organizational effectiveness. An MPA degree can help provide valuable insights into these practices, equipping you with the skills needed to enhance performance and impact within the community, such as:
 

  • Public service
  • Resource management
  • Policy and politics
  • Nonprofit management
  • Funding strategies
  • Critical thinking
  • Leadership
  • Volunteer recruitment

Core Competencies for Nonprofit Leadership

A future leader in social sector management can benefit from many core competencies, including those in financial management, governance, human capital and community development. This MPA nonprofit management emphasis is intended to offer a comprehensive and in-depth survey of the diverse skill set expected in the charitable sector.

Throughout this MPA degree program, you will be taught to:

  • 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
  • Consider ways to acquire, develop and leverage human capital, from assessing talent management to employee professional development
  • Apply leadership practices, as well as revenue and expenditure structuring 
  • Explore theories and concepts of charitable/nongovernmental organizations and community development
  • Survey the many facets of funding and funding strategies

299,400

Estimated number of new jobs for community and social service occupations from 2023 to 20332

Career Paths for MPA: Nonprofit Management Graduates

The public-benefit sector shows ongoing growth, presenting the potential for meaningful contributions in the field.2 The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates job growth for community and social service occupations to increase by about 299,400 per year from 2023 to 2033, faster than average.2

Potential community sector career opportunities for those with an MPA degree may include:

  • Chief executive
  • General and operational manager
  • Legislator
  • Transportation, storage and distribution manager
  • Postmaster and mail superintendent
  • Social and community service manager

Earn Your Degree From an Accredited University

At GCU, we prioritize the quality of our instruction and curriculum because our mission is to thoroughly prepare our graduates to effectively make a positive difference in their communities. As an institutionally accredited university, we are proud to deliver impactful degree programs. The Higher Learning Commission has continually accredited GCU since 1968. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to frequently asked questions about pursuing an MPA nonprofit management emphasis program. Explore essential information that can help you make an informed decision about your education and your future.

Various degrees can be highly beneficial for individuals seeking to work in the public sector. Depending on your specific area of interest, there are a few common and distinct graduate programs geared for mission-driven 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 public sector management is to ensure the organization is meeting its responsibilities. They often oversee staff, finances, programs, business operations and marketing strategies. Nonprofit managers may also be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with donors and key stakeholders to ensure the organization is successful in meeting its mission.

The earning potential of community organization managers depends on many factors, such as geographic location, employer and years of experience. According to the BLS, social and community service managers had a median annual wage of $77,030 in May 20233 and public relations and fundraising managers had a median annual wage of $130,480 during the same timeframe.4

Achieving goals in the charitable sector isn’t solely about aggressively increasing revenue. It’s measured by the impact on the organization’s mission, how many people are helped, the effect on disadvantaged communities and upholding goodwill initiatives. While revenue is crucial for funding and implementing the mission, a master’s nonprofit management can be valuable if you’re passionate about making a positive difference and want to learn effective mission-driven management strategies.

The time required to complete an online master’s nonprofit management emphasis degree depends on many factors, including individual course loads and scheduling preferences. Additionally, transferring previously earned credits may accelerate the time to completion. Since students will all take different paths, it’s important to consult a university counselor for personalized guidance. Fill out the form on this page to request a consultation with a counselor.

Make a Difference in Your Community

Prepare for a future in nonprofit management with an MPA.

1 Kenton, W. (2024, March 3). Nonprofit Organization (NPO): Definition and Example. Investopedia. Retrieved Aug. 19, 2024. 

2 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Community and Social Service Occupations, retrieved on Sept. 4, 2024. 

3 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Social and Community Service Managers as of May 2023, retrieved on Aug. 18, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as social and community service managers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or 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. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.

4 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Public Relations and Fundraising Managers as of May 2023, retrieved on Aug. 18, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as public relations and fundraising managers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or 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. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.

TOTAL CREDITS & COURSE LENGTH:
Total Credits: 38
Online: 8 weeks
[More Info]
TRANSFER CREDITS:
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
TUITION RATE:
Online: $590 per credit
[Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid]

Cost of Attendance

Course List

Major:
38 credits
Degree Requirements:
38 credits

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.

  • GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
  • 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

Locations

GCU Online Student


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.