Master of Science in Nonprofit Management

Learn how to manage nonprofits effectively.

The Master of Science in Nonprofit Management at Worcester State University provides you with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience necessary to be a successful leader in the local and national nonprofit and public sectors as well as at international nongovernmental organizations.

Geared toward working adults, this flexible program can be completed either full or part time, and a rolling admissions process allows you to start your studies at a time that is right for you. With the possibility of transferring up to 12 credits of graduate work, the program is also an exceptional value. Current undergraduate urban studies and sociology majors may enroll in a 4-Plus option that enables them to complete undergraduate and graduate degree requirements in 5 years.

In small classes, you will explore a wide array of nonprofit fields—including health and human services, education, culture, and the arts—and learn about current best practices from faculty who are active in the sector. Instructors use case studies and research projects to ensure that you develop the global perspective and management expertise you need to advance your career.

Outside the classroom, you will have numerous opportunities to gain hands-on experience and sharpen your skills through internships at nonprofit organizations, independent study projects, and collaborative research with faculty. To cap the program, you will undertake a comprehensive research thesis project in an area of interest to you, presenting your findings orally and in a written report of publishable quality.

Explore sample courses in this program.

NM-901 The Nonprofit World: NGOs, the State & Civil Society

This course examines nonprofit organizations and international nongovernmental organizations at a macro level, that is, the civil society. Current trends in the nonprofit sector such as funding, increased pressure to perform, increased government and private citizen scrutiny of nonprofits, and increased demand for nonprofit services are explored within the framework of outer environments including the global and technological environment, the social-cultural environment, the political environment, and the economic environment. Students keep abreast of the nonprofit sector while developing an appreciation of the outer forces that impact it, the collective power of civil society, and the vulnerabilities of the sector. Close attention is paid to the relationship between the state and the nonprofit sector.

3 credits

NM-902 Internship

With the help of an internship coordinator, local students who do not have nonprofit experience and all international students identify suitable nonprofit organizations in which to do an internship. The internship must provide valuable, career-related experience and learning goals. The goals of the internship are established in conjunction with the coordinator and the host organization. These goals should take into account the student’s career interest, for example, development, fundraising and grant-writing, human resources management, financial management, etc. Students must complete a minimum of 100 hours in the organization and write a summary of the internship experience.

3 credits

NM-905 Marketing the Health Care Organization

Application of marketing tools and concepts to health care organizations. Market research and project development, pricing, publicity, and delivery systems.

3 credits

NM-908 Legal, Regulatory, and Ethical Issues In Health Care

An overview of the legal and regulatory framework governing health care from both the manager and the client’s point of view. Legal rights and duties of patients and health care providers, hospital liability, hospital-physician relationships, patient’s rights, informed consent, privacy and confidentiality, negligence, and malpractice.

3 credits

NM-932 Practices in Community Organization

Studies the principles and methods of effective community organization as a process of helping people and communities to help themselves. Range of theoretical and pragmatic approaches considered.

3 credits

NM-934 Ethics and Management of Human Resources

Leaders and managers of nonprofit and public organizations face moral and ethical dilemmas in dealing with their publics (clients, staff, volunteers, donors, government agencies, board of directors, collaborating partners, the community, etc.). These dilemmas are particularly pronounced in those organizations because the organizations operate under strict ethical guidelines, are accountable to the general public, and have to deal with many different publics. This course explores the ways in which leaders resolve these ethical dilemmas while sustaining their organizations. Additionally, this course explores the human resources management functions including planning, recruitment and selection, motivation, compensation and employee services, development, labor relations, evaluation, separation, and compliance with state and federal government regulations.

3 credits

NM-940 Leadership Skills and Group Dynamics

Explores the nature and principles of effective group and organizational leadership. Students participate in a group that studies its own leadership process. Examples are taken from therapy groups, business/organizational situations, classrooms, and other case studies. Emphasis upon the components of effective leadership and fellowship in small groups and organizations. Group formation, group roles, group stages, and group conflicts are studied.

3 credits

NM-942 Organizational Theory

Organizational theory and development strategies considered. Formal and informal aspects of organizations, authority structures, specialization and integration of functions, and the role of professional managers.

3 credits

NM-945 Financial Management for Nonprofit Organizations

Theoretical and practical approaches to the allocation and control of financial resources in nonprofit settings. Conventional and nonconventional budgeting techniques, cost/benefit analysis, and preparation of financial statements.

3 credits

NM-949 Strategic Leadership and Planning

This course critically examines the revolutionary changes emerging in the globalized economy through the exploration of the strategic planning process and discusses the various strategic decisions and leadership skills necessary to formulate and implement the strategic plan successfully.

3 credits

NM-951 Grant Writing

This “how to” course provides a hands-on experience that covers the skills and strategies essential to the full range of the grant-writing process, from needs assessment and identification of potential funding sources through proposal writing and submittal, to planning for evaluation and continuation.

4 credits

NM-955 Board Relationships and Volunteer Management

An informative and critical look at the role of support volunteers as well as the role of volunteer boards of directors in the governance of nonprofit organizations. Relationships between the board and professional managers and program staff are analyzed as are the relationships between paid staff and volunteer members. Methods of recruiting, developing, motivating, and training volunteers for all roles are explored.

3 credits

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