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Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership & Management
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At a Glance
Strengthen your nonprofit leadership and management skills with a master’s degree you can earn online in just 20 months from the School of Leadership and Education Sciences.
20 Months
30 Units
$880
November 2
TAKE 1 COURSE AT A TIME
Students are admitted throughout the year for admission into one of three terms (spring, summer and fall). Two courses are offered each term, with students focusing on one course at a time — a total of seven weeks for each course.
ONLINE
BUILD NONPROFIT LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT SKILLS THAT MAKE A LASTING IMPACT
The nonprofit sector is the third largest employer in the U.S., with one in 10 people employed by a nonprofit organization. As such, there is an abundant need for committed individuals to lead these organizations in working to positively impact their communities. The online Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership and Management serves as timely and practical preparation for those committed to measurable, sustainable social change.
Degree candidates build upon a foundation of nonprofit experience to hone their skills in executive leadership, advanced management practices, governance, program development, evaluation, fundraising and philanthropy. Coursework is informed by real-time developments in the nonprofit world, delivered by faculty with hands-on experience. Graduates are prepared to lead nonprofits and foundations with purpose and principle, equipped with the skills to drive impact both domestically and in international sectors.
The curriculum is grounded in the on-campus Master of Arts in Nonprofit Leadership and Management (MANP) program at USD.
WHO IS THE MSNP DEGREE FOR?
The online MS in Nonprofit Leadership and Management (MSNP) program is ideal for working professionals with experience in — and a passion for — the nonprofit sector.
It’s important to note that nonprofit work cuts across many fields; there are nonprofits working in nearly every industry imaginable, from scientific research, public safety and human services to education, broadcasting and the arts. In short, there is a need for nonprofit professionals across a broad spectrum of expertise and specializations.
To enter this unique leadership and management development program, you may have an undergraduate degree, background and/or relevant experience in areas including but not limited to:
- Nonprofit Management
- Business Administration, Sales and Marketing
- Sociology
- Public Administration
- International Relations
- Communications
- Political Science
- Public Health
- Fundraising
- Philanthropy
- Community Organizing
Above all, this degree is best suited to those committed to a career with a meaningful social purpose. Hear from program graduates on their motivations to enroll.
I am a decently young founder, and I’ve never done this before. And so I chose this program as a way to get more experience and also to be able to talk to people who are in this field and have already done this.
I am a decently young founder, and I’ve never done this before. And so I chose this program as a way to get more experience and also to be able to talk to people who are in this field and have already done this.
I have a background in nonprofit, so this was an opportunity for me to build on that.
I have a background in nonprofit, so this was an opportunity for me to build on that.
ADMISSIONS: EARN YOUR DEGREE IN 20 MONTHS
Start Your Journey in Nonprofit Leadership and Management
We accept applications on a rolling basis, allowing you to begin your studies at a time that works for you. To ensure a smooth process, we recommend connecting with an Enrollment Advisor for personalized guidance on specific requirements.
Eligibility & Academic Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. An official transcript is required.
GPA Standards: A cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) is required. Candidates with a GPA under 2.75 may be asked to have an interview with the program director, depending on experience.
International Applicant Requirements
Students from non-English speaking countries must demonstrate English proficiency via the TOEFL exam:
- For exams taken after Jan. 21, 2026: Minimum score of 4.5.
- For exams taken before Jan. 21, 2026: Minimum total score of 83.
Application Requirements
Interested students must complete an online application, craft a statement of purpose and include a professional resume. Applicants are asked to submit one letter of support from a current supervisor. If you are unable to obtain a letter of support from your current supervisor, you are required to submit two letters of support from a previous employer, board member, and/or previous professor who can comment on your experience and potential for graduate studies.
NONPROFIT LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT CAREERS
In the nonprofit world, it is very common — and increasingly preferred — for those in senior-level positions to hold a master’s degree. Graduates of the online MSNP program will be ideally positioned to pursue leadership, management and development roles across the nonprofit sector, including:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Executive Director
- Assistant Director
- Chief Financial Officer
- Chief Development Officer
- Grant Writer
- Foundation Program Officer
- Director of Operations
- Program Director or Manager
- Administrative and Operations Manager
Graduates will be prepared to pursue these roles not only in nonprofits and foundations, but also in the corporate social responsibility and community relations departments of private and public agencies, expanding the range of opportunities available to mission-driven leaders.
Whether leading a grassroots community organization or navigating the social impact team of a major corporation, today’s leaders need the most up-to-date knowledge of best management practices to make a difference. Alumni of the on-campus MANP program have gone on to work at organizations like:
- Alzheimer’s Association
- American Diabetes Association
- Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee (MAAC)
- Family Health Centers of San Diego
- Feeding America
- The San Diego Foundation
- The International Community Foundation
- KPBS Public Media
- Mingei International Museum
- The Skatepark Project (The Tony Hawk Foundation)
- United Through Reading
- Voices for Children
This is only a small sampling of the kinds of opportunities available to talented, motivated nonprofit leaders. The online MS in Nonprofit Leadership and Management program provides the fundamental tools needed to open up a world of professional possibilities.
PRACTICAL, RELEVANT CURRICULUM
Learn it today. Use it tomorrow. Ensure nonprofit organizations deliver the greatest public benefit.
The online MSNP curriculum focuses heavily on the intersection of theory and practice. Students should be able to take what they learn on any given day and put it into practice immediately.
The curriculum of the Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership and Management program will teach students how to:
- Conduct, identify and evaluate research that supports nonprofit program development
- Apply leadership and management theories to real-world scenarios
- Understand the fundamentals of nonprofit finance
- Plan strategically for future growth
- Develop and lead high performing teams
- Secure resources from a variety of sources
- Forge community partnerships and inspire civic engagement
- Develop and manage a board of directors
Throughout the program, candidates apply course learning to hands-on projects including organizational assessments, fundraising plans and financial dashboards. For their final semester capstone project, students conduct a comprehensive organizational analysis of a nonprofit organization of their choice and make recommendations for improvement.
PROGRAM GOALS AND LEARNER OUTCOMES
The online MS in Nonprofit Leadership and Management is designed to achieve the following outcomes:
Short-Term Programmatic Outcomes
- Demonstrate mastery in concepts and theories related to leading and managing nonprofits.
- Illustrate a meaningful transfer of knowledge from academic studies to professional practice.
- Apply critical thinking and a synthesis of information from multiple theories, fields, and/or constituencies to draw conclusions and make recommendations.
- Reflect personal/professional growth and leadership capacity through experiential learning.
- Demonstrate leadership on issues of diversity, inclusion, and multiculturalism through the development of a global mindset.
Long-Term Outcomes
- Post-graduation alumni will demonstrate professional growth. (Measured by exit surveys, new jobs, promotions, raises, job satisfaction, and professional contributions)
- Recent grads will report high levels of degree utility (measured by exit surveys, satisfaction with degree and relevancy of topics to career field)
Student Learning Outcomes
- MSNP students will demonstrate a deep foundational knowledge of the origins and significance of the nonprofit sector (voluntary action, philanthropy), compare its relationship to the government and the for-profit sector (domestic and international), and how the nonprofit sector is shaped by the larger political and economic environment.
- MSNP students will be able to implement ethical standards and understand the implications of values-based management and leadership practices such as advocacy for diversity, inclusion, and multiculturalism to advance social justice through nonprofit research and practice.
- MSNP students will be able to execute relevant management and leadership skills related to nonprofit governance, finance, advocacy, public policy, and resource management.
- MSNP students will critically apply social science research and evidence-based practices to understand and respond to community needs, facilitate culturally appropriate solutions, and enhance organizational effectiveness.
- MSNP students will be able to effectively design programs or strategic initiatives that deliver high impact results to a nonprofit organization.
There are so many benefits to this program, I don’t even think I can put an exact number on the skills that I’ve learned. It’s been amazing to be able to talk to people who have done this before, and it’s been amazing to be able to actually practice and do actual things for my actual program. The assignments have all been really hands-on.
There are so many benefits to this program, I don’t even think I can put an exact number on the skills that I’ve learned. It’s been amazing to be able to talk to people who have done this before, and it’s been amazing to be able to actually practice and…
FACULTY
The MSNP program is led by full-time instructors and practitioner adjuncts who share a commitment to uplifting and providing a better quality of life for communities near and far. Each faculty member brings a wealth of hands-on professional experiences to their instruction.
Laura Deitrick, PhD
Associate Director of The Nonprofit Institute; Professor of Practice, Department of Leadership Studies Program Director
Tom Abruzzo, PhD
Andrea Boozer, MLA
Lecturer
Lyn Corbett, PhD
Kenneth Hurst, EdD
Marcus Lam, PhD
Associate Professor
Tessa Tinkler, PhD
accreditation
Accreditation is an important quality indicator for college and university degree programs, generally regarded as a stamp of approval that ensures you will be able to apply for financial aid and transfer your credits if you decide to switch schools. Most state universities and private nonprofit universities will have a regional accreditation. The University of San Diego has earned both regional and national accreditations.
Accreditations include:
The WASC Senior College and University Commission – WASC is a regional accrediting agency that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as certifying institutional eligibility for federal funding in a number of programs, including student access to federal financial aid. Learn more about the importance of selecting a regionally accredited program.
Tuition & Financial aid
Program tuition is competitive with other top institutions. Federal financial aid can help you fund your degree. Scholarships and grants may also be available.
One of the University of San Diego’s highest priorities is to ensure that sufficient tuition and financial aid support is available to all eligible students. The first step is to complete the free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Affordable Tuition
Find helpful information on tuition and financial aid.
Financial Aid
Discover possible additional sources of funding to help pay for your degree.
How to Apply
Learn more about the MSNP application process, including detailed instructions on how to apply.