Earn Your MS in Nonprofit Leadership and Management Online
Master the finance, fundraising, marketing and strategic leadership skills today’s nonprofit employers demand — in just 20 months.
Why Today’s Nonprofit Leaders Need a Master’s Degree
The nonprofit sector is more competitive than ever. Organizations expect leaders to bring not only passion, but also advanced technical knowledge, problem-solving ability and strategic management skills. Funders, boards and communities are looking for professionals who can deliver measurable impact; however, without the right preparation, talented individuals often find their careers stalled.
That’s why earning a Master’s in Nonprofit Leadership and Management is no longer optional for ambitious professionals. This degree provides the finance, marketing, HR, communications and program management expertise that nonprofit employers now demand. With these skills, you’ll be ready to move into higher leadership roles at established organizations or launch your own nonprofit venture.
Graduates of USD’s program have gone on to lead initiatives at nationally recognized organizations such as the YMCA, Feeding America, Catholic Charities and the Alzheimer’s Association — proof that the path to influence and advancement in this sector starts here.
Why Choose University of San Diego?
Experienced faculty with nonprofit sector connections
Representing the USD School of Leadership and Education Sciences, MSNP program instructors have held nonprofit leadership positions and conducted extensive research in the field.
Accredited institution & program
The University of San Diego is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Capstone organizational analysis project
Students put theory into practice by applying what they have learned to their own nonprofit organization or one of their choosing.
Flexible scheduling with 100% online classes
Designed for busy professionals, our 100% online program enables you to complete your studies on your own schedule each week.
Advanced degree from a top-ranked university
MSNP students enjoy all the benefits and advantages of attending a highly rated institution that regularly earns accolades from such influential sources as The Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report and Business Insider.
Don’t wait to jumpstart your career
All of our online master’s degree programs take an average of 20 months to complete, so you can put your diploma to work in no time.
Are You Ready to Make an Impact in Your Career?
Start making an impact by earning your degree in just 20 months. Please review the standard admissions expectations below as you prepare your application for the online MS in Nonprofit Leadership and Management degree program.
All applicants must provide:
- Bachelor’s degree from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Official transcripts are required.
- Degree candidates with a GPA under 2.75 may be asked to have an interview with the program director, depending on experience.
- Resume or curriculum vitae.
- One 500-word maximum statement of purpose about a nonprofit organization that has significantly influenced you in some way. (More details will be provided in the application.)
- 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.
- International students need TOEFL scores of 4.5 OR a score of 7 on the IELTS (more information here)
- Please note that students who are accepted into USD’s MS in Nonprofit Leadership and Management program are required to submit a $264 non-refundable deposit (equal to 5% of the first semester’s tuition). This will ultimately be applied to your first tuition payment, provided you enroll in the program and start your first course.
You can find additional information and guidance on preparing your application by visiting our Starting Your Application page.
If you have questions regarding any aspect of the application process, please contact an Enrollment Advisor for assistance.