Master of Nonprofit Management at Northeastern University

Northeastern University

United States of America, Boston

University Rank:#384

Northeastern University offers the Master of Nonprofit Management as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its Boston and Online campuses in United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 1 year 6 months, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for nonprofit management and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on January 1, 2027.

About Master of Nonprofit Management

The Master of Science in Nonprofit Management integrates theoretical approaches with practical applications. It prepares you for a leadership position in not-for-profit universities, hospitals, charities, foundations, NGOs, or religious organizations. Action-oriented coursework and faculty dedicated to student success prepare you to become a mission-driven executive leader, manager, employee, or board member at a public or private nonprofit organization. You will emerge prepared—and inspired—to make a meaningful impact.

Nonprofit organizations are challenged to thrive in a constantly changing social and business environment, with limited resources and complex needs to be satisfied. Successful nonprofit organizations are defined by leaders who not only possess keen business and managerial skills but can also effect change at a community or social level. Being successful in this dynamic and rewarding field requires strong leadership, managerial, and interpersonal skills, as well as in-depth knowledge of fundraising, strategic planning, marketing, and governance issues. Rather than a generic MBA program, our master's in nonprofit management is built to closely align with the core competencies of fundraising, policy, and strategic management.

More Details

Unique Features

Integrated experiential learning: Gain real-world experience and build your resumé through the program’s diverse experience-powered learning opportunities, including experiential projects with real-world sponsors, co-ops, and in-class case studies.
- Participate in a final capstone project, working hand-in-hand with a local organization like United Planet or the Boston Children’s Museum to solve a current issue.
Flexible learning format: With courses offered 100% online, in person in Boston, or in a hybrid format, you can complete your degree without putting your life on hold.
Tailor your degree to your career goals: There are five concentrations to choose from so you can focus on the skill set and passion that most interests you. Choose from Fundraising, Leadership and Management, Project Management, Social Innovation, or Social Media and Analytics.
Join a community: Learn from thought leaders and experts in the field who have had hands-on experience in the industry. Join their vast network and leverage alumni who are helping drive social change at some of the top nonprofit organizations like Dana Farber Cancer Research Institute, the Boston Housing Authority, and more.
Career-advancing degree: Featuring focused courses in management, human resources, fundraising, and development, this program provides you with the opportunity to advance your career and become an effective decision maker. In a growing industry such as nonprofit, there is a need for management and professionalism.

Program Objectives

Explore leadership practices that contribute to organizational success
Understand legal and governance issues in nonprofit organizations
Hone your fundraising skills, including grant and proposal writing
Recognize important social, organizational, and cultural change agents
Discover traditional and nontraditional ways to promote nonprofits to supporters, the public, and the media
Analyze national and international trends, issues, and political shifts affecting the nonprofit marketplace

Career Outlook

Hiring in nonprofit organizations is on the upswing. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nonprofit sector ranks third in the U.S. in overall employment, with more than 12.3m employees.

The fastest-growing jobs are in:

Direct services
Fundraising
Program management
Program support

A sample of where our recent graduates are working:

YMCA
Boston Children’s Museum
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Horizons for Homeless Children
Oxfam America
Marymount Manhattan College Prison Program

Unique Transfer Opportunity

About the CFRE Certification Transfer Credit Opportunity:

Why consider a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management from Northeastern University? We recognize the knowledge and nonprofit competencies demonstrated by those who have earned their CFRE certification. As a result, credential-holders have the unique opportunity to accelerate through a Northeastern University degree.

Successful applicants for a master's degree program with their CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive):

Will be able to earn a master’s degree by completing 14 courses, rather than 15
Transfer credit is awarded for the following course: NPM 6130–Fundraising & Development for Nonprofit Organizations

The Master of Science in Nonprofit Management integrates theoretical approaches with practical applications, preparing you to excel in leadership positions in the nonprofit sector.

Integrated experiential learning: Gain real-world experience and build your resumé through the program’s diverse experience-powered learning opportunities, including experiential projects with real-world sponsors, co-ops, and in-class case studies.
- Participate in a final capstone project, working hand-in-hand with a local organization like United Planet or the Boston Children’s Museum to solve a current issue.
Flexible learning format: With courses offered 100% online, in person in Boston, or in a hybrid format, you can complete your degree without putting your life on hold.
Tailor your degree to your career goals: There are five concentrations to choose from so you can focus on the skill set and passion that most interests you. Choose from Fundraising, Leadership and Management, Project Management, Social Innovation, or Social Media and Analytics.
Join a community: Learn from thought leaders and experts in the field who have had hands-on experience in the industry. Join their vast network and leverage alumni who are helping drive social change at some of the top nonprofit organizations like Dana Farber Cancer Research Institute, the Boston Housing Authority, and more.
Career-advancing degree: Featuring focused courses in management, human resources, fundraising, and development, this program provides you with the opportunity to advance your career and become an effective decision maker. In a growing industry such as nonprofit, there is a need for management and professionalism.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Nonprofit Management at Northeastern University

Entry Requirements

Online application
Statement of purpose (500–1000 words): Identify your educational goals and expectations of the program. Please be aware that Northeastern University's academic policy on plagiarism applies to your statement of purpose.
Professional resumé
Unofficial undergraduate transcripts; official transcripts required at the time of admission
Two letters of recommendation from individuals who have either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities such as a faculty member, colleague, or mentor, preferably one from your current employer
English language proficiency proof. Students for whom English is not their primary language must submit one of the following:
- Official associate or bachelor's degree transcript from an accredited college or university in the U.S., stating degree conferral and date
- TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo, or NU Global Exam scores

English Requirements

PTEMin 76
IELTSMin 8
TOEFLMin 108

English Program Requirements

Northeastern students will be exposed to not only a rigorous academic environment but also a fast-paced experiential one. In order to be successful in both, all first-year and transfer applicants, regardless of citizenship, must demonstrate proficiency in English to be considered for admission to Northeastern.

Once your application is submitted, received, and processed, you will be able to access your Application Status Check. If you are required to provide further information regarding your proficiency in English, you will be able to complete the requirement in several ways, depending on your familiarity with English, and the frequency with which you use English each and every day:

Non-native English-speaking applicants will be required to submit official and valid results from one of the following English Language Tests:
- C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (Cambridge English)
- Duolingo English Test (DET)
- IELTS Academic
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL Internt-based Test (CEEB Code: 3667) Northeastern will accept either the in-person version completed in a test center, or the TOEFL iBT Home Edition
However, based on your academic environment and the primary instructional language in either your high school or university, you may be eligible for a waiver. All waivers must be submitted through your Application Status Check. For additional information and to determine whether or not you are eligible for a waiver, please read the section below on waiving the English proficiency requirement.

Please note: Northeastern’s Admissions Committee reserves the right to request proof of English language proficiency from any applicant, regardless of citizenship or first language, at any time during the evaluation process.

Career Opportunities after Completing Master of Nonprofit Management

The fastest-growing jobs are in:

Direct services
Fundraising
Program management
Program support

A sample of where our recent graduates are working:

YMCA
Boston Children’s Museum
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Horizons for Homeless Children
Oxfam America
Marymount Manhattan College Prison Program

Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Nonprofit Management at Northeastern University

Application Fee 75

How to Apply for Master of Nonprofit Management at Northeastern University

1.Create your application
Submit your application through The Common Application or the Coalition Application (both are accepted). Once you have created your application, please select Northeastern University to directly submit your application to us. Application fee of $75 or need-based fee waiver* *Northeastern accepts need-based fee waivers from the Common Application, the Coalition Application, as well as organizations such as the College Board and ACT, or in a written request from a school official.
2.Submit all required materials
Double check to make sure that you have submitted all required materials. Even if your application has been submitted, we cannot begin reviewing your file until all of your required materials have been received. For applicants applying for the 2022-2023 academic year, Northeastern University is test-optional and does not require standardized testing to complete an application for admission.
3.Check your application status
Within seven days of applying, you should receive a confirmation email containing your Northeastern University ID number and instructions for setting up your Application Status Check account. To ensure all of the necessary documents have been submitted, and for updates or information about your application, visit your application status check.

Master of Nonprofit Management at Northeastern University

Northeastern University

United States of America, Boston