

The Master of Science in Nonprofit Management (Online) is a three year part time program designed for professionals seeking advanced knowledge and skills in leading and managing nonprofit organizations. The curriculum integrates nonprofit leadership, strategic planning, financial management, fundraising, and program evaluation to provide a comprehensive foundation for effectively managing mission driven organizations. Through this program, students develop leadership and management skills, fundraising and resource development expertise, strategic planning abilities, and program evaluation competencies, preparing them to strengthen organizational impact, enhance sustainability, and foster social change.
This online program offers a flexible and interactive learning environment where students engage in lectures, case studies, virtual workshops, and applied projects to gain practical experience in nonprofit management. Students refine organizational strategy skills, financial oversight capabilities, program development techniques, and stakeholder engagement expertise through applied projects, collaborative assignments, and mentorship. Graduates are prepared to work in nonprofit organizations, foundations, community initiatives, and social enterprises, equipping them to lead programs, manage resources effectively, implement strategic initiatives, and drive meaningful social impact while adapting to the dynamic needs of the nonprofit sector.
Year 1 – Foundations in Nonprofit Management
• Introduction to Nonprofit Organizations
• Leadership and Organizational Behavior
• Financial Management and Budgeting
• Research Methods and Program Evaluation
Year 2 – Strategic Applications and Resource Development
• Fundraising and Grant Management
• Strategic Planning for Nonprofits
• Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
• Applied Project in Nonprofit Management
Year 3 – Advanced Leadership and Capstone
• Advanced Program Evaluation and Impact Assessment
• Nonprofit Policy and Governance
• Capstone Project / Independent Research
• Professional Development and Leadership Seminar
Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in nonprofit leadership, program management, fundraising, policy advocacy, and organizational development. Career paths include nonprofit director, program manager, fundraising specialist, policy analyst, and organizational consultant. Graduates are equipped to design and implement strategic initiatives, manage resources and programs, lead teams, evaluate organizational impact, and strengthen stakeholder engagement. The program also prepares learners for leadership and advisory roles in nonprofit and social sector organizations, enabling them to drive social change, improve organizational effectiveness, and contribute meaningfully to community and societal development.
Students choose this program because it combines nonprofit leadership training, strategic management expertise, fundraising and program development skills, and applied online learning experience within a three year flexible framework. The curriculum emphasizes practical application, research informed strategies, and professional development, allowing learners to develop analytical, managerial, and leadership skills necessary for success in the nonprofit sector. Graduates gain the knowledge, confidence, and competencies to pursue careers in nonprofit management, program leadership, fundraising, and policy advocacy while making a lasting social impact.
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 212 854 1754
Email: admissions@columbia.edu
Address: University of Columbia, Admissions Office, New York, NY, United States