Nonprofit Administration, M.A.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Nonprofit Administration is an interdisciplinary professional degree program including coursework offered by faculty from both the Boler College of Business and the College of Arts and Sciences.  The Nonprofit Administration Program educates and empowers the current as well as the next generation of nonprofit leaders.  The program prepares students to serve their organizations and their communities by teaching approaches to leadership, management and governance, team-building, ethical values and practices, nonprofit financial management and resource development models, and strategic planning and assessment procedures, among other practical administrative tools used in nonprofit organizations.

 The program develops the ability to address issues related to the pluralistic environment in which we live.  Nonprofits play increasingly important roles in today’s society, often filling the gaps in human and social services.  The administrators of these organizations must have the necessary leadership skills that this program provides.

 The Nonprofit Administration Program is a complete learning experience.  It involves exposure to the field, practical instruction, case-based learning, and learning experiences that are necessary to link theoretical instruction to applied settings.  Since the intended outcome is to train leaders for community based social justice organizations, the curricular components of the program include leadership, board development, resource acquisition and management, and strategic thinking and planning.

Program Learning Goals for Nonprofit Administration (M.A. and certificate)

Students will:

1. Develop an understanding of contemporary ethical issues in the nonprofit sector and normative frameworks for addressing these challenges.

2. Communicate effectively using multiple forms of expression appropriate to nonprofit settings.

3. Have and use knowledge of functional areas of particular relevance in the nonprofit sector (e.g., human resources, financial management, resource development, evaluation, executive leadership) and management skills essential for building effective and efficient organizations.

4. Have critical thinking and problem-solving skills; and have leadership and collaborative skills relevant to organizations addressing growing social needs and resource constraints.

Admission Requirements for Master of Arts and Certificate Program

• Completed application.

• Official transcripts from all institutions attended.

• One letter of recommendation, preferably from a professional in a nonprofit organization.

• Written statement that addresses the applicant’s interest in the program, career goals, and experience (including internships and service activity) in the nonprofit sector. 

• Professional resume.

• A minimum 2.8 cumulative undergraduate GPA (for full acceptance).

Program Requirements

Master of Arts

Candidates for the M.A. are required to successfully complete the 36-hour program as described below and in the terms defined by the Graduate Studies Office of John Carroll University. All courses listed here are three-credit courses.

Required Courses – All courses listed must be taken (24 hours).

Elective Courses – Students select four courses (12 hours) from the following:

*A research methodology course is a requirement of the program. For students who did not complete a research methods course prior to enrolling, NP 5600 (Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis) meets the research methodology requirements and will count as a program elective. If a research methods class was completed prior to entering the program, students may choose to take NP 5600 as an elective.

Admission Requirements for Master of Arts and Certificate Program

 ·         Completed application.

·         Official transcripts from all institutions attended.

·         One letter of recommendation, preferably from a professional in a nonprofit organization.

·         Written statement that addresses the applicant’s interest in the program, career goals, and experience (including internships and service activity) in the nonprofit sector.

·         Professional resume.

·         A minimum 2.8 undergraduate cumulative GPA (for full acceptance).

The 5th-Year B.S.B.A./M.A. Program in Nonprofit Administration 

This program allows students pursuing an undergraduate degree to complete either a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in any major and an M.A. in Nonprofit Administration within a five-year time frame. Students can complete an undergraduate major, apply for admission to the M.A. program in their junior year, begin taking graduate courses in their senior year, and complete the M.A. in their 5th year. Tuition for graduate courses in the senior year is included in the flat tuition rate for 12 -18 credit hours. Up to six credits of graduate work can be part of an undergraduate student’s full-time financial aid package, which means that six credits of M.A. work can receive financial aid, depending on the student’s status. Tuition in the fifth year is the graduate per credit tuition rate.

Admission Requirements for 5th-Year Program

Prospective JCU students should apply for the program in their junior year. In addition to the admission requirements above, 5th-Year Program applicants will be evaluated based on a combination of pertinent training and experience, academic records, and standardized test scores, including:

• Demonstration of significant interest in service and/or nonprofit organizations

• A minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA (for full acceptance)

Program Faculty