MA
Certificate
Business and Economics Department
Built on a foundation of ethics and mission, the Master of Arts in Nonprofit Management program combines business methods, management theory, and social commitment to prepare dedicated individuals to serve as effective leaders in the nonprofit sector. You will explore the rapidly evolving environment of nonprofits by examining social and policy challenges, funding stream patterns, and technological advancements. The curriculum covers developing strategic direction, seeking funding streams, managing staff and volunteers, evaluating finances, and evaluating programs.
Student in hat with clipboard helping community member
Program Location

Program Options

The Nonprofit Management program offers three distinct options:

Stackable Credentials

Credits earned in the Leadership of Nonprofit Management and Philanthropy certificate programs can roll seamlessly into our Master's in Nonprofit Management.

What Makes Our Program UniqueACBSP Accreditation logo

We provide individualized, real-world and impactful learning experiences for our students. We cover cutting edge topics that nonprofit managers face, such as talent development and social media management. Our program is embedded in the social justice mission of our university, which challenges both women and men to strive for intellectual and professional excellence, build inclusive communities, engage in service to others, and promote social responsibility.

Our program is accredited through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs

Our program is also a member of the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council (NACC), an international membership association comprised of academic centers or programs at accredited colleges and universities that focus on the study of nonprofit/nongovernmental organizations, volunteerism, and/or philanthropy.

Faculty members and students also participate in the Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA), which offers cutting-edge ideas at its annual conference and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP) offers opportunities for regional and national conference presentations for both students and faculty.

MA in Nonprofit Management

Required Courses (27 Credits)

NPM 502 - Introduction to Nonprofit Management (3)
NPM 510 - Leadership and Organizational Development in Nonprofits (3) or BUS558 Leadership and Leading
NPM 520 - Board Development and Human Resource Management in Nonprofits (3)
NPM 545 - Fundraising and Grant Writing (3)
NPM 531 - Managing Financial Resources in Nonprofits (3)
NPM 560 - Nonprofit Law and Ethics (3)
NPM 570 - Nonprofit Marketing (3) or BUS560 Marketing Management
NPM 580 - Program Evaluation and Research Methods (3)
NPM 690 - Masters Project Seminar (3) or BUS651 Strategic Organizational Leadership

Electives (9 Credits)

NPM 501 - Strategic Planning in the Nonprofit Sector (3)
NPM 551 - Government – Nonprofit Relationships (3)
NPM 691 - Master's Project Seminar II (3)
BUS 520 - Health Care Administration (3)
BUS 533 - Advanced Financial Analysis (3)
BUS 541 - Legal Issues in Human Resource Management (3)
BUS 542 - Performance Management Systems (3)
BUS 554 - Women in Leadership (3)
BUS 558 - Leadership and Leading (3)
BUS 562 - Leading Organizational Change (3)
COM 505 - Business Communication (3)
COM620 - Public Relations Management
CST 554 - Principles and Issues in Information Systems (3)
CST 534 - Data Driven Business Decisions
CST 580 - Managing Information in a Web Based World (3)
CST 593 - Web Development (3)
CST 621 - Database Management (3)
ECO 548 - Economics Theory in Management (3)
ENG 503 - Graduate Writing (3)*

Total Credits = 36

*Note: After careful review of a student's admissions essay and Notre Dame graduate admissions exam scores, a student may be required to complete ENG 503 within their first nine credits at the University.

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Leadership of Nonprofit Organizations

Required Course

NPM 531 - Managing Financial Resources in Nonprofits (3)

Electives (Select Five)

NPM 502 - Introduction to Nonprofit Management (3)
NPM 510 - Management and Leadership in Nonprofits (3) or BUS558 Leadership and Leading
NPM 520 - Board Development and Human Resource Management in Nonprofits (3)
NPM 545 - Fundraising and Grant Writing (3)
NPM 551 - Government–Nonprofit Relationships (3)
NPM 560 - Ethical Issues in Nonprofit Management (3)
NPM 570 - Nonprofit Marketing (3) or BUS560 Marketing Management
NPM 580 - Program Evaluation and Research Methods (3)

Total Credits = 18

Applied Learning Projects

Our program is grounded in practical experience with opportunities to apply your knowledge to real-life challenges in every course. Our students gain experience through pro-bono applied projects with local nonprofit organizations.

Client List

  • Arts Education in Maryland Schools Alliance (AEMS): Financial Sustainability Plan & Strategic Plan
  • Asylee Women's Enterprise: Social Media Plan
  • Brigance Brigade Foundation: Social Media Plan and Board Manual 
  • Catch a Lyft Fund: Social Media Plan
  • Maryland Women's Heritage Center: Social Media Plan
  • Pauls Place: Social Media Plan

Nonprofits

Interested in participating? Contact us for more information.

What to Expect Studying at Notre Dame of Maryland University

Small class sizes support concept mastery and excellence in communication while applied projects, case studies and simulations offer opportunities to apply academic theory to real-world practice.

Student Learning Outcomes

After completing the program, you will be able to:​

  1. Analyze organizations and programs in the nonprofit sector.
    1. Analyze program evaluation methods.
    2. Integrate evaluation methodology into research projects.
  2. Integrate nonprofit organizational theories into nonprofit organizational approaches.
    1.  Apply management, finance and organizational models to nonprofits
    2. Analyze scholarship in nonprofit in practical application.
  3. Analyze distinctive leadership and managerial challenges in the nonprofit sector. 
    1. Define leadership and ethics demands in nonprofits, including unique government relations.
    2.  Apply strategic analysis to nonprofit organizations
    3. Display graduate-level written and oral communications
    4.  Display critical thinking

Program Accreditation

John Boyle
Alum

John Boyle

Prepared to Lead

Alum, NDMU Class of 2015
Nonprofit Management
I would not be leading my organization today, and I would not be leading it nearly as well, if not for my Notre Dame education. What I learned was practical, it was insightful, and it was exactly what I needed.”

Research Opportunities

As part of the master’s capstone course, you will research, prepare, and analyze nonprofit issues and organizations resulting in an original project that applies academic theory to real-world practice.

You may also participate in an optional coached leadership practicum that pairs students with professionally trained leadership coaches to develop and implement projects that address workplace and community needs.

Recent Master's Projects

  • Using Dialogic Communication on Facebook to Engage Stakeholders in Action. John Alexander Beebe, 2015.
  • How to Start a Community Chorus (for the Completely Clueless). Scott Farquhar, 2015.
  • The Sustainability of the Star-Spangled Banner Trail Association. Katherine Marks, 2014.
  • The Utilization of Social Media in Healthcare Nonprofits: Fundraising, Marketing, and Patient Impact. Jill Lauriente, 2014.
  • Fundraising Resources for NonprofitsEffective Fundraising Methods and Resources. Tracie Ugamoto, 2014.
  • Patient-centered and Culturally-competent Care: Program Plan for a Refugee Health Navigation Project. Artelia C. Robinson. 2014.

Honors Societies & Professional Associations

Scholarships

Nonprofit Management Careers

Our graduates lead people, manage nonprofit organizations, and support communities all over Maryland and throughout the nation. You’ll find them in managerial and leadership roles in nonprofit and philanthropic ventures large and small.