Master of Science in Nonprofit Management

Nonprofit Management

IN THIS SECTION

Learn how to manage nonprofits effectively

The Master of Science in Nonprofit Management program 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, our flexible program can be completed either full- or part-time, and our rolling admissions process allows you to start your studies at a time that’s right for you. With the possibility of transferring in up to 12 credits of graduate work, our program is also an exceptional value. We also offer a 4-Plus option for our current undergraduate urban studies and sociology majors that enable the undergraduate and graduate degree requirements to be completed in 5 years.

In small classes, you’ll 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. They 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’ll 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’ll 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.

Check out the different nonprofit management courses waiting for you at Worcester State!
NM-901 The Nonprofit World: NGOs, the State & Civil Society
This course will examine 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 will be 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 will 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 will be 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 will 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 will be 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 will explore the ways in which leaders resolve these ethical dilemmas while sustaining their organizations. Additionally, this course will explore the human resources management functions including planning, recruitment & selection, motivation, compensation & employee services, development, labor relations, evaluation, and separation, as well as 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 which studies its own leadership process. Examples will be 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 organizations, authority structures, specializaion and integration of functions, and the role of professional managers.
3 credits
NM-945 Financial Management for Non-Profit Organizations
Theoretical and practical approaches to the allocation and control of financial resources in non-profit settings. Conventional and nonconventional budgeting techniques, cost/benefit analysis and preparation of financial statements.
3 credits
NM-949 Strategic Leadership and Planning
This course will critically examine the revolutionary changes emerging in the globalized economy through the exploration of the strategic planning process, and discuss the various strategic decisions and the leadership skills necessary to formulate and implement the strategic plan successfully.
3 credits
NM-951 Grant Writing
This "how to" course will a hands-on experience that will cover 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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