Program Overview Today's nonprofit leaders work in a dynamic and changing environment. They are called upon to provide strong and effective leadership to their organizations while maintaining the caring, compassionate environment necessary to support their missions. In order to achieve that balance, many nonprofit managers find it useful to upgrade their management skills. That is the goal of the Master of Science (M.S.) in Nonprofit Management degree program at Robert Morris University, which was created specifically for nonprofit professionals and those entering the nonprofit sector.

About the Program: Program Format Curriculum Testimonials Requirements and Prerequisites Application Procedures Tuition Program Location

The program combines the strengths and competencies of nonprofit organizations with the best practices in management. You'll be able to apply the principles learned in the classroom immediately to real-world situations in the workplace.

One of the program's greatest strengths is its collaboration with RMU's Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management, the leading resource for assistance and support for nonprofit organizations in the region.

Program Format
Faculty from RMU's highly respected School of Business and from the field integrate the theoretical with the practical by drawing on their own experience and expertise as well as that of participants and guest lecturers.

The 36-credit degree program is offered as an open cohort model that permits students who enroll at the same time to move through the program as a group. This provides a rich context in which students can explore examples and practices in the nonprofit sector. It also enables students to share professional experiences, and challenge and motivate each other, providing the basis for ongoing collaboration and contribution to a vital nonprofit community.

Designed for working professionals, this program can be completed in just 24 months. Courses meet every Wednesday evening from 3-7 p.m. and have an online study component. To obtain the degree, you must complete both the program curriculum and a research-based thesis with a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

Curriculum
Business Core - 15 credits

Nonprofit Core - 15 credits

Research/Thesis - 6 credits

Testimonials
"The MSNM program is the ultimate staff development tool. We have had two members of our senior staff graduate from the program, and during their studies they would bring important, innovative ideas and concepts to our agency. I would strongly recommend the RMU MSNM program to any nonprofit professional looking to move to that next level."
- Al Condeluci, CEO, United Cerebral Palsy of Pittsburgh

"I've looked at a number of graduate programs over the years, but none was quite what I was looking for until RMU offered this program. It was a challenging, shared learning experience with a cohort of dedicated nonprofit executives. RMU is delivering on its promise to build strong nonprofits."
- Kevin Boland, Donnelly-Boland and Associates

"After working in the nonprofit field for 12 years and volunteering with nonprofit organizations for more years than I care to name, this program is providing me with the practical framework and tools to carry out my avocation as well as my vocation with more confidence."
- Beverly Braverman, Executive Director, Mountain Watershed Association and Youghiogheny River Keeper

Program Requirements and Prerequisite Courses
Students who did not complete undergraduate coursework in certain business areas may be required to take prerequisite courses. The program director will evaluate your transcript to determine which courses you need. The following two-credit Pre-M.B.A. courses fulfill M.S. in Nonprofit Management prerequisites:

Application Procedures
To be considered for admission to the M.S. in Nonprofit Management degree program, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum 2.8 GPA. Applicants must submit the following credentials to the Graduate Admissions Office:

1. A completed application with a non-refundable $35 application fee. Or apply online for free.
2. Official undergraduate transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
3. A current résumé.
4. Two letters of recommendation from people in the business, professional and/or educational communities.
5. An essay demonstrating the purpose of pursuing the M.S. in Nonprofit Management degree and outlining what the candidate will contribute to the program.
6. Official MAT (Miller's Analogy Test), GRE (Graduate Record Exam), or GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test) score not older than five years.

Tuition (2008-09)
Tuition information can be found at Tuition & Fee Schedules . The tuition rate includes all University fees except fees for courses that have an online component.

Program Location
Courses are offered at Robert Morris University's Center for Adult and Continuing Education in downtown Pittsburgh.