Nonprofit Management Education

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are nonprofit management programs located?

1. Where can I find education programs in nonprofit management?

2. I understand I can pursue a concentration in nonprofit management in a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) program. Why would I want to attend a nonprofit management education program within a business school setting?

3. There are nonprofit management concentrations within Masters of Public Administration (MPA) programs. What are the advantages and disadvantages to pursuing a degree within a public administration school setting?

4. Some schools of social work provide opportunities for the study of nonprofit management within a Masters of Social Work program? What do social work schools offer to the student of nonprofit management that the other programs do not?

5. Which setting is right for me, a business school setting, a social work setting, a public administration setting, or should I pursue studies within an interdisciplinary setting?

What types of nonprofit management programs are available?

6. I understand that some schools offer a nonprofit specific degree, such as a Masters of Nonprofit Organizations (MNO). Is there an advantage to pursuing my studies within this type of program?

7. I notice that there are programs with no specific disciplinary base. What is the advantage to studying nonprofit management in an interdisciplinary setting?

8. I am seeking a Ph.D. program that would allow me to study public policy issues along with nonprofit management. Are there programs that specifically focus on nonprofit management at the doctoral level?

9. I am 38 and only have high school education but am interested in furthering my knowledge of non-profits. Are there undergraduate programs available in nonprofit management for non-traditional students?

10. There are so many colleges and universities and such a variety of programs, noncredit, continuing education, undergraduate, graduate. How do I decide which program is right for me.

If I do not want to pursue a degree, what nonprofit management courses available?

11. I am not certain I want to pursue a degree program. Are there colleges and universities that provide noncredit courses or courses for continuing education units?

12. I travel frequently and would not be able to take a traditional classroom based course. Are there on-line courses available in nonprofit management education?

13. I haven't been in school for almost ten years. I don't think I am ready to pursue a degree at this time. I am interested in taking a few courses. Are there short certificate programs in nonprofit management or fundraising?

What is the curriculum of nonprofit management programs?

14. I notice that many of the programs focus on general nonprofit management and leadership topics. Are there nonprofit management programs that emphasize development or volunteer management within their curriculum?

What is the background of faculty in nonprofit management programs?

15. What should I know about the faculty within the programs I am considering?

Are nonprofit management programs accredited?

16. How can I judge the quality of these programs? Is there an accreditation process for nonprofit management programs?

Answers

Where are programs in nonprofit management located?

1. Where can I find education programs in nonprofit management?

You will find education programs in nonprofit management in a variety of settings. There are nonprofit programs in business administration, public administration, social work, professional schools and interdisciplinary programs in nonprofit management. For more information on these settings and the differences between them, please consult the paper by Mirabella and Wish, entitled "The Best Place Debate," that is included with this CD-ROM.

2. I understand I can pursue a concentration in nonprofit management in a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) program. Why would I want to attend a nonprofit management education program within a business school setting?

A strong argument for the study of nonprofit management within a business school setting is the depth of management education not available in the other settings. There is a wide variety of programming in organization management and behavior within the business school, far outnumbering any of the offerings in the other program settings. In addition to the strength of the management curriculum available within a business school setting, there are increasing similarities between the nonprofit sector and the private sector. For example, in the past few years there has been an increase in the commercial orientation of the nonprofit sector. Nonprofit organizations have become increasingly dependent on commercial ventures for revenue. Additionally, as businesses strive to promote their image as good corporate citizens, affiliations between nonprofits and businesses have developed, often resulting in an increased dependence on partnerships with business as an income source.

Perhaps the strongest argument for study within a business school setting is that is permits the nonprofit manager to earn an MBA, a degree that is highly valued within the workforce. Research has shown that employers often regard the MBA more highly than the MPA or MSW degrees.

However, despite these strong arguments in favor of study within a business school, there are significant disadvantages to the study of nonprofit management within these programs. First, as the motives and values of the two sectors are so different, the issues of importance to the nonprofit student often become lost in a business school. There is a tendency to stress the study of for-profit models and concepts, often relegating nonprofit models and values to the periphery. And, as students interested in the study of nonprofit management are significantly different from those interested in for-profit management, they often feel alienated within this setting. Second, business faculty are often resistant to including nonprofit coursework and material in their courses. Finally, it has been suggested that the skills required in for-profit and nonprofit management are significantly different. It may therefore be a disservice to educate the nonprofit manager alongside those interested in corporate employment. This may be why there are so few programs available - fewer than 15% - available for graduate study within the business school setting.

3. There are nonprofit management concentrations within Masters of Public Administration (MPA) programs. What are the advantages and disadvantages to pursuing a degree within a public administration school setting?

There is a close connection between public administration and nonprofit management. Each is grounded in public service, the former through government provided services, the latter through government purchase of services. Both sets of institutions share common objectives, share the same values, speak the same language. By attending a program within this setting, the student will be educated alongside students who are interested in becoming public managers. This is particularly advantageous given the close connection between the public and nonprofit sector in delivering services in the community.

Another advantage to studying nonprofit management within a public administration setting is the flexibility it gives the graduate for employment upon graduation. The graduate with an MPA degree is likely to spend time in employment in both sectors, rather than being limited to one or the other. Almost half of the nonprofit management graduate degrees available in the United States are housed within a school of public administration or a college of arts and sciences within a public administration department.

There are some disadvantages to studying nonprofit management within a public administration program. Public administration does not have the depth of curricula in organization management that exists in the business school, nor does it have the tradition of charity and advocacy that exists in schools of social work. Oftentimes, the student of nonprofit management is required to study finance or personnel management as it applies to large government bureaucracies rather than to smaller private organizations.

4. Some schools of social work provide opportunities for the study of nonprofit management within a Masters of Social Work program? What do social work schools offer to the student of nonprofit management that the other programs do not?

It can be said that social work programs were the pioneers in nonprofit management education, as they were educating students for careers in nonprofit organizations long before any of the other disciplines. Their programs in human services organization management were in existence long before the other programs were developed. More than their counterparts in the other disciplines, schools of social work bring a much richer tradition of advocacy, charity and philanthropy to the study of nonprofit management. These programs are driven more by values of social justice within the community than managerial efficiency. Another advantage to studying nonprofit management within a social work school is the ability to study management of organizations as well as specializations such as child welfare or gerontology.

Even though there is a long history of education for nonprofit management within social work schools and a strong values orientation, there are some disadvantages to pursuing studies within a social work setting. Unlike schools of business, management is not the primary focus of the social work school, therefore making them less apt to have up-to-date knowledge in this area. Another disadvantage to study within this setting is the perceived value of the MSW compared with the MPA or the MBA. Several studies of employers in the field have suggested that the MSW is the least preferred degree for top management positions. In other words, while some employers regard those with an MSW as having the skills necessary for lower level positions within the nonprofit organization, they do not feel they are prepared for top leadership roles within the organization.

5. Which setting is right for me, a business school setting, a social work setting, a public administration setting, or should I pursue studies within an interdisciplinary setting?

As there are a variety of programs within various disciplines, it is important to decide what you want to study. Nonprofit management looks different and the coursework will be different when studied, for example within the business school or a school of public administration program.

What issues interest you? Are you interested in examining the relationship between government and nonprofit organizations? Is the issue of democracy one that interests you? Then you may want to pursue a program in public administration. Is advocacy and lobbying important to you? Are you involved in community organizing and community-based services? Then a school of social work may be the best place to pursue your studies. Are you interested in management strategies for organizational effectiveness? Are you a social entrepreneur interested in developing for-profit ventures to support your nonprofit organization? Then consider a concentration in nonprofit management within a business administration program. Would you be interested in taking a variety of courses focused exclusively on the nonprofit sector, its organizations, structure and governance? As you look forward to your career, do you see yourself seeking employment only within the nonprofit sector? Then perhaps you should pursue a Master of Nonprofit Organization degree within a professional degree program.

As you answer each of these questions, consult the FAQs for more information on the advantages and disadvantages of each of these programs.

What types of programs are available?

6. I understand that some schools offer a nonprofit specific degree, such as a Masters of Nonprofit Organizations (MNO). Is there an advantage to pursuing my studies within this type of program?

A small number of programs offer the opportunity to study nonprofit management as a full degree program, rather than as a concentration within an MBA, MPA or MSW program. It is the assumption of these programs that nonprofit organizations differ enough from private sector and government organizations to warrant full degree programs rather than concentrations within another program. For example, the legal, economic and social environment of nonprofits does significantly differ from that of business or government. Nonprofit managers operate under different constraints than their counterparts in the other sectors. And, while for-profit and government officials are responsible to shareholders and elected officials, nonprofit managers must be responsible to the needs of the community and to the organization's mission.

By studying nonprofit management within a free-standing programs, students are able to take a full range of coursework focusing solely on the nonprofit sector. These programs have 10 to 25 graduate courses offered in nonprofit management. Students can select from among an impressive array of courses from "Orchestrating the Capital Campaign" to "Cross-Cultural Dimensions of Philanthropy."

Although there are advantages to attending programs within this setting, there are certain disadvantages as well. Given the connection between the public and nonprofit sectors, does it make sense to have separate education programs for future managers within the sectors? As leaders in the public and nonprofit sectors are increasingly called upon to interact and collaborate, it might be disadvantageous to study nonprofit management in isolation from those who will be running the public organizations with which you will partner. Another disadvantage to pursuing a degree focused solely on nonprofit management is its lack of flexibility in future employment. You may want to pursue a career path that may take you into both the public and nonprofit arenas. It is not clear if this is easily pursued with an MNO degree. Finally, this area of study is still evolving and is relatively unknown in the mainstream market. Students should take this into consideration when choosing a program as well.

7. I notice that there are programs with no specific disciplinary base. What is the advantage to studying nonprofit management in an interdisciplinary setting?

There are a small but growing number of programs where faculty are drawn from various disciplines and departments to teach in the nonprofit management program. The interdisciplinary approach allows for the discussion of distinct characteristics of the nonprofit sector, while at the same time recognizing the important connections and dependencies among the sectors. A distinct advantage to study within this setting is the student's ability to observe and recognize dimensions of the various sectors that are interdependent. The theoretical models available within an interdisciplinary setting may prove more valuable for understanding an increasingly interdependent world of organizations within the community. Managers trained with this approach may be better able to adjust and respond to different indicators and cues that arise from this shared interdependence.

8. I am seeking a Ph.D. program that would allow me to study public policy issues along with nonprofit management. Are there programs that specifically focus on nonprofit management at the doctoral level?

There are over 25 universities and colleges that offer a Ph.D. that also have courses in nonprofit management. Most of these programs, however, are in public affairs, business administration, or social work, not specifically in nonprofit management. Students can take these nonprofit courses as part of their doctoral studies. In addition, many students develop a dissertation topic that is specifically focused within the nonprofit arena. In selecting programs, students should look for schools that have nonprofit scholars on their faculty, particularly those with strong publication records in the area of nonprofit organizations and philanthropy.

9. I am 38 and only have high school education but am interested in furthering my knowledge of non-profits. Are there undergraduate programs available in nonprofit management for non-traditional students?

Yes, there are 119 programs in the United States that offer at least one course in nonprofit management for undergraduate credit. About forty percent of these offer a concentration of three or more courses. Many of these programs are specifically targeted to the returning student. Some of the undergraduate colleges and universities are affiliated with the American Humanics program.

American Humanics is an alliance of colleges, universities and nonprofit organizations preparing undergraduates for careers with youth and human service agencies. At present, there are over 90 colleges and universities affiliated with American Humanics. (Need to check this number.) American Humanics provides an effective experiential learning opportunity for students by combining classroom study with co-curricular, leadership, and internship experiences. Students participating in this program can receive certification in entry-level nonprofit employment competencies. Through the AH program, students network with prospective employers, test skills and various nonprofit roles through internships, gain the potential for references and referrals from agency executive directors, and develop an increased sense of being connected and belonging to the community. There are also scholarship opportunities available through the American Humanics program.

10. There are so many colleges and universities and such a variety of programs, noncredit, continuing education, undergraduate, graduate. How do I decide which program is right for me.

There are several questions you should ask yourself when deciding on a program. First, do you want to pursue a degree program? Perhaps you are only interested in taking a few courses, or perhaps earning a certificate. How much time is available to you for studies, papers, readings, exams, etc.? Some students start slowly with one or two courses, others decide to focus on a certificate program, and others jump right in and pursue a full degree program. Take a look at the requirements of each program you are considering. If you are working full-time, you should determine if the requirements of your position will interfere with your ability to successfully complete your assignments.

If I do not want to pursue a degree, what nonprofit management courses are available?

11. I am not certain I want to pursue a degree program. Are there colleges and universities that provide noncredit courses or courses for continuing education units?

You will find many colleges and universities offering noncredit courses or courses or continuing education units throughout the United States. Some of these courses are as short as a half day seminar, while others may span an entire semester. At present there are 70 universities providing education and training through these short courses. Many of these programs enable the student to obtain certification after completing a series of courses. Coursework is also available for continuing education units. Many professionals are required to complete a certain number of hours of continuing education units each year. Some nonprofit management courses can be taken in fulfillment of this requirement. About 56 programs offer continuing education units in nonprofit management.

12. I travel frequently and would not be able to take a traditional classroom based course. Are there on-line courses available in nonprofit management education?

Yes, there are several colleges and universities that offer courses on-line at the graduate level. Some offer only a few courses, while others such as the University of Maryland and Regis University, offer a complete masters degree on-line.

13. I haven't been in school for almost ten years. I don't think I am ready to pursue a degree at this time. I am interested in taking a few courses. Are there short certificate programs in nonprofit management or fundraising?

Yes, there are many colleges and universities that offer certificate programs in a variety of areas, graduate and undergraduate, both credit-bearing and noncredit-bearing. Most of the certificates are in nonprofit management or nonprofit management and leadership. A few others focus on areas such as fundraising, philanthropic studies, or human resource management.

What is the curriculum of nonprofit management programs?

14. I notice that many of the programs focus on general nonprofit management and leadership topics. Are there nonprofit management programs that emphasize development or volunteer management within their curriculum?

There are a few programs that offer several courses in fundraising and development, including Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. The program at Saint Mary's offers a variety of courses in development including "The Annual Campaign," " Planned Giving," and "Prospect Research."

Many colleges and universities offer a course in volunteer management. Some offer a course in human resource management for nonprofit organizations and cover volunteer management as part of this coursework. A few programs offer a certificate program in volunteer management. The Association for Volunteer Administration (AVA) provides links to educational opportunities for volunteer managers, including those not associated with colleges and universities. (AVA website: http://www.avaintl.org/)

What is the background of faculty in nonprofit management programs?

15. What should I know about the faculty within the programs I am considering?

You will want to have an understanding of and appreciation for the interests and background of the faculty within the various programs you are considering. Who are the professors in these schools? Where did they study, and more importantly, what did they study? What courses do they? What are their research interests? The interests of the faculty in a program often determine the subject matter covered in courses. Their values and approaches will be revealed in their teaching. It is important to consider whom you study with, as well as what you study.

Another important consideration is the use of practitioners by the program. Are practitioners used as instructors in the program? Do faculty and practitioners team teach courses? How involved are faculty with the practitioner community? How extensively are adjuncts used by the program? Are the majority of courses taught by adjuncts or are there sufficient full-time faculty to cover the majority of courses offered? Are faculty involved in the local community in applied research projects? Are there opportunities for students to complete coursework through applied projects in the community?

Are nonprofit management programs accredited?

16. How can I judge the quality of these programs? Is there an accreditation process for nonprofit management programs?

Though there is no accrediting body specifically focused on nonprofit management education programs, many of the colleges and universities are accredited by outside bodies and undergo a rigorous voluntary peer review process to achieve accreditation. When inquiring about specific programs, ask if the college or university is accredited and if the specific nonprofit management program is accredited. For example, the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) has a Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation that is authorized to accredit masters degree programs in public affairs and administration. Though not specifically focused on nonprofit management education, its accreditation process does include these concentrations and certificate programs in its review.