Best Online Nonprofit Management Programs

Bennett LeckroneStaff Writers
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Updated on September 17, 2024
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Demand for nonprofit managers is set to grow over the next decade, and a degree in nonprofit management can unlock impactful careers for students.
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Best Online Bachelors Programs in Nonprofit Management

Nonprofits are critical lifelines for their communities — but they don’t have enough workers to provide their key services.

Demand for nonprofit workers is high as organizations face shortages: Nearly 3 in 4 nonprofits reported job vacancies in a 2023 National Council of Nonprofits survey. Many of those vacancies were in program and service delivery positions, and more than 10% of nonprofits reported senior management vacancies.

A nonprofit management degree can prepare students to step into leadership roles at nonprofits and help address that workforce shortage. Nonprofit managers serve a wide range of organizations, from food banks to shelters and other nonprofit groups, and help them deliver important services to their communities.

That field is growing — the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for social and community services managers to grow by 8% over the next decade, a much faster pace than average. Read on to learn more about nonprofit management programs and find the best fit for you.

What Can I Expect From an Online Bachelor’s in Nonprofit Management Program?

Students with an altruistic streak and an aptitude for business often do well in nonprofit management programs. Nonprofit professionals should feel comfortable seeking out donations, managing budgets, and advocating for a cause. As such, extroverted, mission-driven, detail-oriented students are often good fits for bachelor’s in nonprofit management programs.

Bachelor’s in nonprofit management programs usually require approximately 120 credits and take about four years to complete. Students who enroll in online and accelerated programs may be able to graduate more quickly. Learners can also graduate more quickly by taking courses during each summer semester instead of just the fall and spring.

Many programs encourage students to complete internships at nonprofit organizations to gain experience in the field. Distance learners can usually arrange to complete these internships at approved sites in their own communities.

Nonprofit management is often offered as a concentration within bachelor of business administration programs. As such, nonprofit management students usually can’t pursue additional specializations, and students often complete foundational business coursework before delving into information specific to the nonprofit sector.

Featured Online Nonprofit Management Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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Best Accredited Online Bachelor’s in Nonprofit Management Programs of 2024

#1 Best Online Nonprofit Management Programs

Cleary University

  • Location-markerHowell, MI
  • 4 year
  • Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$21,630
  • Out-of-state$21,630
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$16,088
  • Out-of-state$16,088
  • Retention Rate50%
  • Acceptance Rate76%
  • Students Enrolled751
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment100%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Online Nonprofit Management Programs

North Park University

  • Location-markerChicago, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$32,380
  • Out-of-state$32,380
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$14,004
  • Out-of-state$14,004
  • Retention Rate70%
  • Acceptance Rate67%
  • Students Enrolled2,749
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment39%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Online Nonprofit Management Programs

Western Michigan University

  • Location-markerKalamazoo, MI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$13,850
  • Out-of-state$17,313
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$17,539
  • Out-of-state$26,308
  • Retention Rate77%
  • Acceptance Rate85%
  • Students Enrolled17,835
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment72%
  • AccreditationYes

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Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs.

What Courses Will I Take in an Online Bachelor’s in Nonprofit Management Program?

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    Public Administration

    This survey course provides learners with the foundational knowledge they need to run nonprofit and government agencies. Covered topics may include strategic planning, policymaking, law, and ethics.
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    Finance for the Public Sector

    In this course, learners delve into finance and budgeting in governmental and nonprofit organizations. Possible topics include financial acquisition, distribution, and obligations to taxpayers and donors.
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    Public Policy and Strategy

    This course teaches learners how to create, implement, and evaluate public policies. Students discuss accountability to nonprofit boards, governmental agencies, and citizens during policymaking.
  • minus

    Fundraising and Grant Writing

    Fundraising and grant writing are essential tools for nonprofit development. In this course, students learn about major gifts, annual campaigns, social enterprises, technology in fundraising, and corporate philanthropy.
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    Human Resource Management in the Public Sector

    This survey course delves into human resources specializations — including recruiting, onboarding, training, compensation, and evaluation — within the context of public and nonprofit agencies.

Featured Online Nonprofit Management Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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What Can I Do With an Online Bachelor’s in Nonprofit Management

Since most nonprofit management students also gain foundational business administration knowledge, they can qualify for careers in both the nonprofit and private sectors. And while nonprofit management is not necessarily a popular major, it can lead to a variety of jobs, since it is often linked to business.

Nonprofit management graduates can pursue careers in the nonprofit sector, business, fundraising, careers in public relations, and social services careers. According to Payscale data from March 2024, nonprofit program coordinators, who are entry-level employees in the field, earn an average annual salary of $49,250.

With experience, nonprofit professionals can advance into managerial and supervisory roles, where they can benefit from significant demand. For example, the BLS projects 8% job growth for social and community services managers between 2023 and 2033.

Career Paths

Social and Human Service Assistant

Social and human service assistants supporting social workers and rehabilitation specialists. They may help clients find assistance with activities of daily living or complete applications for Medicaid or SNAP programs. These entry-level professionals typically work for local government agencies, nursing homes, or family support organizations.

  • Median Annual Salary (May 2023):$41,410

Nonprofit Program Coordinator

Program coordinators serve as the face and voice of the organization to the population they intend to serve. These junior-level professionals may provide services directly, manage volunteers, or work with board members. Program coordinators can eventually compete for jobs as national program managers or executive directors.

  • Average Annual Salary (March 2024):$49,250

Nonprofit Executive Director

Executive directors serve as the CEOs of nonprofit organizations. They spearhead fundraising campaigns, oversee budgets, and supervise and direct staff and volunteers. They also recruit new employees and serve as the voice of the organization. Executive directors report to the governing board.

  • Average Annual Salary (March 2024):$74,640

Social and Community Services Manager

Social and community service managers supervise programs that benefit the public. These professionals work with communities to identify necessary services, raise money to support the services, oversee public awareness campaigns, and provide administrative support. This role may require a bachelor’s degree plus work experience or a master’s degree.

  • Median Annual Salary (May 2023):$77,030

Fundraising Manager

Fundraising managers lead campaigns that bring money into their organizations. They may devise fundraising strategies, meet donors face-to-face, apply for grants, and manage other fundraising staff. These professionals typically hold a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree and may have earned a Certified Fund Raising Executive designation.

  • Median Annual Salary (May 2023):$130,480

Continuing Education

Gaining experience in the field is the most important form of additional education for working nonprofit professionals with a bachelor’s degree. However, they can also pursue a master’s degree in nonprofit management to increase their salary potential and chances at managerial positions like fundraising manager, executive director, and community and social services manager.

If they don’t want to commit to an entire graduate degree, nonprofit professionals can pursue a graduate certificate in nonprofit management. These programs usually require 12-18 credits and take one year or less to complete.

Nonprofit Management Not For You? Check Out These Related Careers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor’s in Nonprofit Management Degrees

Pay for nonprofit managers varies based on position, experience, and location. According to the BLS, nonprofit managers earned a median annual salary of $77,030 in May 2023.

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