Whether you are looking to start a career in nonprofit organizations or have been employed there for years, the Master of Arts in Nonprofit Management (MNPM) can help you thrive. The MNPM is a 30-credit-hour master’s degree that can be completed in a year for full-time students and within five years for part-time students.
Not sure if you want to pursue a master’s degree yet?
Check out the 12-credit Certificate in Nonprofit Management (CNPM) program.
Overview of the Nonprofit Management Program
Build a Career in Mission-Driven Leadership
Perhaps you see yourself working in or managing a childcare center, community outreach program, health care facility, religious group, art gallery or some other small or large operation. All these organizations, regardless the size, will benefit from understanding the complexities of human resources, marketing, fundraising, ethical practices and much more gained by completing the MNPM.
The Growing Non-Profit Sector
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nonprofit sector is anticipated to grow by 6.5% over the next 10 years. There are more than 1.8 million registered nonprofit organizations in the U.S., employing more than 12.5 million people. Join us in learning more about the mission-driven work that impacts people within communities. The MNPM or CNPM programs are prepared to help you begin your career or support you along the way. Completing the program(s) will equip you to engage in a variety of organizations and areas within those organizations.
Program Advantages
The MNPM and CNPM programs team experienced faculty with hands-on-learning in a specific nonprofit field of your choosing. Whether you are starting your career or hoping for career advancement, this specialized curriculum will make you a stronger contributor to any organization. Here are some key benefits of the program:
- Classes are designed to accommodate the working professional’s schedule. Full and part-time options are available.
- The MNPM curriculum is aligned with the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council’s guidelines.
- Your capstone course allows you to work with a nonprofit organization to solve a problem, allowing you to specialize in a nonprofit field of interest to you. You may also develop a social enterprise that meets an existing need.
Online or
In-Person
BC’s MNPM program is now available in a “hyflex” format. A “hyflex” format means classes will be taught to both in-person and online students at the same time.
* F-1 Visa eligible
At a Glance
• Start date: June 2026
• 30 credit hours
• 12 month program
• $640 per credit hour
• Total Tuition and Fees: $21,770
Curriculum and Courses
Gain the tools to lead, grow and sustain successful nonprofit organizations.
Required Courses (30 credits):
- MNPM 501: Nonprofit Organization in Context (3 Credits)
- MNPM 502: Nonprofit Governance and Leadership (3 Credits)
- MNPM 503: Nonprofit Economics, Finance and Financial Management (3 Credits)
- MNPM 504: Policy, Advocacy, and the Creation of Social Change (3 credits)
- MNPM 505: Human Resource Development (3 Credits)
- MNPM 506: Marketing and Communications for Nonprofits (3 Credits)
- MNPM 507: Fundraising and Resource Development for Nonprofits (3 Credits)
- MNPM 601: Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship (3 credits)
- MNPM 602: Data Management, Decision Making, and Assessment (3 credits)
- MNPM 603: Capstone (3 credits)
View All Master’s in Nonprofit Management Courses You’ll Take >>
Certificate in Nonprofit Management
Bridgewater College’s Certificate in Nonprofit Management provides you with the necessary foundation regarding the operation, finances and governance of nonprofit organizations. Only 12 credits, you can complete the certificate in two semesters or less. If you’re interested, you can easily continue on to complete your master’s degree after earning a certificate.
Certificate Program (12 Credits)
Select the Following Three Courses:
- MNPM 501: Nonprofit Organization in Context (3 Credits)
- MNPM 502: Nonprofit Governance and Leadership (3 Credits)
- MNPM 503: Nonprofit Economics, Finance and Financial Management (3 Credits)
Choose One of the Following Three Courses:
- MNPM 505: Human Resource Development (3 Credits)
- MNPM 506: Marketing and Communications for Nonprofits (3 Credits)
- MNPM 507: Fundraising and Resource Development for Nonprofits (3 Credits)
Here are just some of the areas you might contribute to nonprofit organizations:
• Volunteer Management
• Finance and Administration
• Grant Writing
• Development and Fundraising
• Resource Stewardship
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Social Media Coordinator
• Program and Service Delivery
• Education and Training Coordinator
• Advocacy and Awareness
• Leadership and Management
Bridgewater College Offers New Master of Arts & Certificate Programs in Nonprofit Management
New graduate programs in nonprofit management at Bridgewater College will help current and future leaders develop the skills necessary to lead sustainable nonprofit organizations.
“These programs have grown out of Bridgewater College’s mission to prepare students to lead principled lives of purpose and consequence,” said Dr. Barbara Long, Dean of the Nolen School of Business and Professional Studies.
Affordability
Pursuing a Master of Arts or Certificate in Nonprofit Management at Bridgewater College is a practical and affordable way to grow your impact in the nonprofit sector. At $640 per credit hour, these programs can be completed in as little as one year, offering a flexible path for working professionals. Students utilize financial aid resources such as federal loans, outside scholarships, or employer tuition assistance to fund their degree—making it a smart investment in your mission-driven career.
FAQs
The Bridgewater College MNPM program operates on a rolling admissions process. Applications open August 1 each year and are reviewed until May 1 or until the cohort is filled. It is best to submit your applications early to ensure the best opportunity to be admitted.
Admission to the MNPM program requires:
- A complete online graduate application.
- Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. We welcome candidates from all academic backgrounds to apply.
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale.
- Submission of official transcript(s) from all undergraduate and graduate course work completed.
- Personal Statement: Write an essay no longer than 700 words in which you:
- Demonstrate you have the ability to be successful in this program
- Demonstrate how this program will help you achieve your career goals
- THREE references must be submitted with your online application.
- No graduate entrance exam is required.
- There is NO FEE to submit your application.
For more information about Bridgewater College’s graduate admission requirements, visit the Graduate Student Admission page.
Students can complete the 30 credit-hour MNPM full time in one year or take up to five years to complete it part time. The program is designed to accommodate the working professional’s schedule. The certificate can be completed in two semesters.
The schedule below represents course sequencing and term each course is offered. If you want to complete the MNPM in 12 months, this will be the course schedule for you.
| Summer | MNPM 501: Nonprofit Organizations in Context MNPM 502: Nonprofit Governance and Leadership MNPM 505: Human Resource Development |
| Fall | MNPM 503: Nonprofit Economics, Finance, and Financial Management MNPM 504: Policy, Advocacy, and the Creation of Social Change MNPM 506: Marketing and Communications for Nonprofits |
| Spring | MNPM 507: Fundraising and Resource Development for Nonprofits MNMP 601: Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship MNPM 602: Data Management, Decision Making, and Assessment |
| May | MNPM 603: Capstone |
Tuition and fees are $640 per credit hour. The total budget for the program includes direct charges (tuition and fees) and estimated indirect costs (eg., books, travel).
Yes, this program is open to F-1 students. International students in F-1 status are required to participate in-person in accordance with federal regulations. F-1 students are limited to counting one class (up to three credits) of distance education per term toward the full-time enrollment requirement and cannot be remote in their final term/course. More information is available through the BC Office of Study Abroad and International Student Services.
Get to know the faculty
Join experienced faculty in delving deeper into the variety of topics that impact the resiliency of today’s nonprofit organizations. Human resources, finance, marketing and communications and fundraising are just some of the courses that our knowledgeable faculty guide you through in your coursework in the MNPM or CNPM programs. These faculty can help you tackle real problems in real organizations because they have all worked in nonprofit institutions throughout their careers.
Dr. Holly A. Caldwell-Taylor
Associate Professor of Business Administration
540-828-5774
hcaldwell@bridgewater.edu
Ready to learn more? Contact us!
Brian Stock
Assistant Director of Admissions for Graduate Recruitment
540-828-5375
bstock@bridgewater.edu
