Nonprofit Organizations

The Nonprofit Organizations program at the University of Georgia offers students an in-depth understanding of the unique principles, strategies, and challenges involved in managing and leading nonprofit entities. Designed for individuals passionate about creating social impact and fostering community development, this program combines rigorous academic coursework with practical experiences to equip students with the skills necessary for effective nonprofit leadership. Throughout the curriculum, students explore core topics such as nonprofit management, fundraising, grant writing, volunteer coordination, strategic planning, and ethical decision-making. They also examine issues related to nonprofit law, financial oversight, and the role of nonprofit organizations within broader social and economic contexts.

The program emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging students to engage with real-world nonprofit organizations through internships, service projects, and campus-based activities. This hands-on approach allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, build professional networks, and gain valuable insights into the operations of nonprofit agencies. Faculty members are experienced practitioners and researchers dedicated to mentoring students and fostering a collaborative learning environment. The program also offers opportunities for specialization, enabling students to focus on areas such as arts management, health and human services, environmental, or educational nonprofits.

Graduates of the Nonprofit Organizations program are well-prepared to pursue leadership roles across various sectors, including nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and social enterprises. They acquire the competencies needed to develop sustainable programs, cultivate donor relations, manage organizational resources, and measure program effectiveness. With a strong emphasis on ethical practices and social responsibility, the program aims to develop graduates who are committed to making positive societal contributions. Whether students aspire to start their own nonprofit initiative or lead established organizations, this program provides a comprehensive foundation for success in the dynamic and impactful field of nonprofit work.

The specific structure and content of the curriculum include three major components:

1.  Five core courses (3 hours each = 15 semester hours. You are required to take the following three courses:

• MNPO 7123 – Theory and Management of Nonprofit Organizations
• MNPO 7106 – Program Evaluation
• MNPO 7060 – Fundraising

The two remaining courses may be chosen from the Core Courses listing (see below) .

2.  Two semesters of an internship, 3 hrs. each = 6 semester hours (MNPO 7055)
OR
One semester of an internship, including an independent research project = 6 hrs.  This option requires prior approval by the program director.

 3.   Four related elective courses for specialization (3 hrs. each = 12 hours)

TOTAL NUMBER OF HOURS REQUIRED FOR THE DEGREE = 33

CORE COURSES

Two (2) of the following core courses are required for your program of study.  In addition, you may choose from this list of core courses for your electives.

• MNPO 6023 - Nonprofit Human Resources
• MNPO 6162 - Ethical Issues in Professional Practice
• MNPO 7153 - Community Assessment and Empowerment
• MNPO 7377 - Managing Volunteers
• MNPO 7423 - Innovation and Change in Nonprofit Organizations
• MNPO 7957 - Grant Writing for Nonprofit Organizations
• ALDR 7200 - Leadership
• ALDR 7350 - Group, Team, and Organizational Development
• EADU 8190 - Human Resources Development
• EADU  8200 - Theory and Practice of Educational Change
• POLS 6490 - Administrative Law
• WFED 7110 - Strategic Human Resource & Organization Development

1. Resume/CV. Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae detailing work, educational, professional and volunteer experience.
2. The M.A. in Nonprofit Organizations program requires the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), the Miller Analogies Test (MAT), or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) for admission, as well as a cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of no less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
3. Certification of finances forms (international applicants)
4. Minimum TOEFL score requirement: overall score of 80 with at least 20 on speaking and writing
5. Minimum IELTS score requirement: overall band-width of 6.5, with no single band (score) below 6.0.
6. Goals Statement. Please send a statement/essay of approximately 3 pages in length that outlines your interest in graduate education and a career in the nonprofit sector.  A successful statement reflects your passion for working with nonprofit organizations, describes the impact you hope to make in your career and addresses the following questions:

• Why are you seeking a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Organizations?
• What experiences, professional and/or personal, have led you to pursue the MA NPO?  Please outline why the program at UGA is of particular interest to you.
• What are your professional goals regarding work in the nonprofit sector?  Please include a brief outline of your areas of interest with respect to both content (ie: environment; arts; human services; etc.) as well as process (ie: grant writing; program evaluation; program management and administration; etc.).  

7. Three Letters of Recommendation (one academic and two from employment supervisor or other director/mentor). The letters may be submitted one of three ways:

• Via email.  They must be formal recommendation letters on letterhead and submitted as an attachment to the initial email. Letters in the body of the email will not be accepted. We will only accept emails sent directly from the recommender.
• Via mail directly to the M.A. in Nonprofit Organizations Program Office. The letter of recommendation may be mailed directly to the MA NPO Program Office.
• Submitted online via the Graduate School admissions web site. 

*All of the above departmental requirements may be submitted electronically or by mail

The financing studies for the Nonprofit Organizations program at the University of Georgia encompass a comprehensive overview of funding mechanisms, resource allocation, financial management, and fundraising strategies tailored specifically for nonprofit entities. The program emphasizes understanding both the sources of revenue and the financial challenges faced by nonprofit organizations, including grants, donations, government funding, and earned income. Students explore the intricacies of budgeting, financial planning, and the maintenance of financial sustainability, which are vital for the effective operation of nonprofit entities.

The curriculum includes specialized courses on nonprofit financial management, where students learn about financial statements, compliance requirements, and auditing processes essential for transparency and accountability. The program also covers the legal and ethical considerations related to nonprofit financing, ensuring that future managers and leaders are well-versed in adherence to regulations and best practices.

Part of the program's focus is on developing effective fundraising strategies, including donor engagement, grant writing, and capital campaigns, which are critical to securing ongoing financial support. The curriculum integrates case studies and practical exercises, allowing students to evaluate real-world financial issues faced by nonprofit organizations and develop sustainable solutions.

The University of Georgia offers various financial aid options for students enrolled in this program, including scholarships, grants, federal student aid, and assistantships, aimed at reducing the financial burden and promoting equal access to education. Additionally, students have access to resources such as the University’s Career Center and alumni networks to enhance their job prospects and professional development after graduation.

Internships and collaborative projects with local nonprofit organizations are integral parts of the program, providing students with hands-on experience in managing nonprofit finances and funding initiatives. These opportunities help students build a practical understanding of the financial operations within a nonprofit context and prepare them for leadership roles upon graduation. Overall, the financing studies component of the Nonprofit Organizations program equips students with the essential financial skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to excel in the nonprofit sector and make informed decisions that promote organizational stability and growth.

The University of Georgia offers a comprehensive program in Nonprofit Organizations designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required to succeed in the nonprofit sector. This program emphasizes the development of leadership, strategic planning, financial management, and community engagement skills. Students will explore the unique challenges faced by nonprofit organizations, including funding acquisition, volunteer management, program evaluation, and ethical considerations. The curriculum integrates coursework in social entrepreneurship, nonprofit law, and policy analysis to provide a well-rounded understanding of the sector. Practical training is emphasized through internships, service projects, and collaborations with local nonprofit agencies, allowing students to gain real-world experience. Graduates of this program are prepared for diverse roles such as nonprofit program coordinators, development officers, grant writers, and executive directors. The program also offers opportunities for specialization in areas like health, education, arts, or social services, catering to students' individual interests and career goals. Faculty members are experienced professionals and scholars committed to advancing nonprofit leadership and innovative solutions to social issues. The program also provides students with networking opportunities through events, conferences, and partnerships with nonprofit organizations nationally and internationally. Overall, the University of Georgia’s Nonprofit Organizations program aims to foster a new generation of leaders dedicated to making a positive impact in communities worldwide through sustainable and effective nonprofit practices.