2024 Best Online Bachelor’s in Nonprofit Management Degrees
By Ima Ocon
Edited by Briana Sukert
Updated on October 1, 2024
If you want to take on a leadership role in purpose-driven organizations, then a nonprofit management degree program might be a good fit for you.
Nonprofits span a wide range of advocacies, from promoting art and culture to campaigning for human rights. Whether they’re startups or international groups, nonprofits have distinct organizational models that are different from regular companies.
A nonprofit management degree program can help you gain fundamental business and administration skills that can be applied to causes that you’re passionate about.
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Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Bay Path University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business in Nonprofit Management. This program aims to teach students how to apply business principles to human and social services. Coursework includes Introduction to Financial Accounting, Introduction to Managerial Accounting, Legal Environments of Business, Principles of Marketing, and more.
Bay Path University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Colorado Christian University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nonprofit Management. The program’s courses are each 5 weeks long, and students take one course at a time. Courses include Grant Writing, Fiscal Management in Nonprofit Organizations, and Nonprofit Law. This Christ-centered program is designed for adult learners with other commitments.
Colorado Christian University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Eastern Florida State College offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management with a Nonprofit Management track. The degree can be earned on campus or online. Coursework includes Accounting for Managers, Legal, Ethical, and Social Aspects of Business, Resource Development in the Nonprofit Sector, and more.
Eastern Florida State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Huntington University offers an online program for a Bachelor’s in Not-for-Profit Leadership. Huntington provides small class sizes and a supportive community, and the curriculum is built on biblical and Christian principles. The program covers financial management, grant writing, public policy, leadership, and related topics, and its instructors have professional experience in the field.
Huntington University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Lakeland University offers a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with an emphasis in Nonprofit Management. Evening, online, and traditional classes are available. Co-ops and internship placements are available to help students gain real-world experience. Courses include Strategic Planning for Nonprofit Organizations, Financial Accounting Principles, and Marketing Principles.
Lakeland University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
LeTourneau University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Business Administration: Non-Profit Management. This Christian program promotes ethics and socially responsible leadership.
The program offers opportunities to participate in an internship and study topics such as fundraising, law, and finance. It aims to help students learn how to use their understanding of business principles to make a positive difference in the world.
LeTourneau University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
North Park University offers a BA in Nonprofit Management. Classes are available online and at two different campus locations. Each class is just 7 weeks long, and classes start every two months. Most students take at least six courses per year. The program includes courses such as Business Communications, Leadership and Management, and Principles of Marketing.
North Park University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Southern New Hampshire University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management. Courses include Human Resource Management, Social Environment of Business, and Organizational Behavior. SAT and ACT scores are not needed to apply.
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Toccoa Falls College is a Christian school that offers an online program for a Bachelor’s in Nonprofit Business Administration. This program requires the completion of 126 credit hours, 30 of which are Bible and theology courses. The curriculum includes courses such as Principles of Accounting, Servant Leadership, Nonprofit Marketing, and Nonprofit Law and Governance.
Toccoa Falls College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
U.S. News & World Report named the University of Central Florida one of the Most Innovative Colleges. Students can earn a BS in Nonprofit Management online through UCF. Students may take courses fully online or in a hybrid format. The program can typically be completed in 4 years. There are 3 start dates offered each year.
The University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
A nonprofit management degree program prepares students to supervise and handle the business affairs of nonprofit organizations.
What sets nonprofits apart is that they prioritize making a positive impact and contributing to the common good over maximizing profit. Any money earned is reused by the organization to further its mission instead of being distributed back to the company owners and shareholders.
Here are some examples of various types of nonprofits:
Most nonprofit management programs provide a comprehensive overview of the different areas of the nonprofit industry, including how nonprofits operate on a day-to-day basis.
Nonprofit management programs often feature diverse classes that tackle:
This is because nonprofit managers can take on a variety of responsibilities that are related to a nonprofit’s business functions.
Depending on where they work, they might be in charge of coordinating with donors, designing social service programs, hosting events, training volunteers, or managing expenses. All in all, you can think of a nonprofit management program as similar to a business degree but focused on the nonprofit sector.
Many of the skills that can be learned in these programs, such as project management and basic accounting, can pay off in other fields as well. It’s possible for nonprofit management graduates to apply their business training in the private sector too. Still, nonprofits have different internal structures and policies compared to regular companies.
Nonprofit management majors typically study topics that aren’t tackled in many other business programs, such as:
To cap off a nonprofit management program, you’ll likely take on an internship and get to work directly with a nonprofit. While there are management degree programs that offer nonprofit management as a specialization, a full-fledged nonprofit management degree offers more in-depth training in the field.
Nonprofit management graduates may take on roles that involve key business functions, like marketing, operations, event coordination, human resources, and budgeting. At the same time, they may work for a wide variety of nonprofit organizations.
They can often pursue jobs in philanthropic organizations, charities, youth services, international development programs, and healthcare groups. For example, a nonprofit management graduate might become a public relations specialist for a foundation. Another career path could involve analyzing policies and programs for government agencies.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the yearly median salaries of some of the top careers related to nonprofit management.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers | $133,380 |
| Financial Managers | $131,710 |
| Sales Managers | $127,490 |
| Human Resources Managers | $126,230 |
| Training and Development Managers | $120,130 |
| Public Relations and Fundraising Managers | $119,860 |
| Top Executives | $98,980 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $74,000 |
| Public Relations Specialists | $62,800 |
| Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners | $49,470 |
Even with a nonprofit management degree, it can still take at least a few years to reach senior management positions. Getting a specific job role doesn’t guarantee a salary, either. Out of the careers on this list, fundraising managers and social and community service managers are among the most in-demand.
The nonprofit industry is a huge sector, with millions of jobs across the country. Because of this, there are a number of opportunities that nonprofit management graduates can explore.
Here are some courses that you’ll likely come across in a nonprofit management program:
Most of these courses emphasize practice, so you’ll likely do plenty of case studies and group projects throughout the program.
When you’re looking at nonprofit organization management programs, you may want to keep these points in mind:
Most schools have online orientations so you can ask questions and get a feel for whether you’d like to study there.
These are some of the typical requirements you’ll come across when you’re applying for a nonprofit leadership and management degree program:
It’s beneficial to check the specific admissions requirements and deadlines for each of your prospective schools.
With plenty of online business degree programs out there, one way to start narrowing down your choices is by only considering schools with regional accreditation.
Schools are awarded regional accreditation after going through a thorough assessment that ensures they’re providing quality education. To learn more about the accreditation process, you can visit the US Department of Education’s website.
Accreditation also helps to ensure that you can apply for government financial aid. Some employers assess the validity of your degree based on accreditation. Plus, you can typically transfer accredited credits more smoothly in case you want to change schools or pursue a graduate degree.
To try and make your college tuition more affordable, you can explore your financial aid options. To apply for government aid, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Federal aid includes loans, grants, and work-study programs. Loans are widely available to students who qualify, while grants are less common because they don’t need to be repaid. Funds are often awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so it helps to apply early on. Aside from these, many schools and external organizations offer scholarships based on merit as well as need.
Nonprofit management is a specialty that involves running the day-to-day operations and conducting strategic planning for nonprofit organizations.
Nonprofit managers may use similar business strategies as their peers in regular companies. Instead of prioritizing profit increase, though, their focus is on increasing funding for causes and maximizing the impact of their projects. Nonprofit managers need a variety of skills, from team-building to grant writing and budgeting.
In smaller companies, nonprofit managers may juggle several roles at the same time. In larger nonprofits, they may specialize in key areas, such as operations, human resources, or fundraising.
Nonprofits span a wide range of organizations, from museums to public charities and international development groups. There are several kinds of leadership positions available in these organizations.
Nonprofit management graduates may become project coordinators, volunteer supervisors, and fundraising directors, just to name a few job titles. Alternatively, they may take on other business-oriented roles, such as public relations and financial analysis roles for nonprofits.
Aside from these, nonprofit management graduates can also work in the private sector. Most of the business skills you can develop can be applied to organizations of all types.
If you stick with a traditional, full-time schedule, you’ll generally be able to finish your online degree in 4 years. A standard bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management has around 120 credits, which includes general education and major core subjects.
Your timeframe can depend, though, on the number of classes you’re taking at a time. If you fast-track your courses and study all year round, then you might finish sooner. Some online programs even offer shorter 6 week classes or 8 week classes. On the other hand, if you study part-time, it will often take you longer to complete your degree.
Yes, a bachelors degree in nonprofit management is worth it for many students. For one, your degree can potentially give you an edge when you’re applying for a role in the nonprofit sector. You might find meaning and fulfillment in working for organizations that align with your values. Many nonprofit administration jobs are also in demand.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for management jobs in social service as well as fundraising and public relations is growing faster than average, with growth rates of 15% and 13% respectively. Beyond the nonprofit sector, your degree can also allow you to pursue business and management roles in other industries.
Effective leaders who can inspire people and drive operations to help nonprofit organizations thrive.
A degree in nonprofit management can help you get closer to your career goals, enhance your leadership skills, and give you the opportunity to meet others in the industry.
There are a number of options to pursue a bachelors or a masters degree in nonprofit management online. To get started, you can explore accredited schools around the country to find the program that most appeals to you and start planning for your education in nonprofit management.
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