There are more than 1.4 million non-profit organizations in the U.S., with more than 12.5 million employees. The non-profit sector expends $120 billion in annual personnel costs and represents $340 billion in total annual budget outlays. This means, if you’re lucky enough to land a job with a religious organization, hospital, university, foundation, or other non-profit organization, you can expect stability, salary growth, employment growth, and a variety of positions to choose from.

Most non-profit management personnel have an MBA in non-profit management. These professionals typically hold positions such as assistant director of fundraising, program analyst, program director, program officer, marketing/research manager, director, community outreach coordinator, finance director, director of information systems or director of public relations.

How to Find Non-Profit Management Training Programs

Non-profit managers usually hold a non-profit management MBA from an accredited college or university. Today’s MBA student has the option of obtaining a degree on-campus, online, or through a blended format. Blended formats allow students to complete half of the degree on-campus and the other half online. Blended and online formats make it easier for students to work full-time in the field while pursuing an advanced degree.

When searching for non-profit management training programs, try Princeton Review first. This is an excellent source for lists of top business colleges. U.S. News and World Report is also a great source. When you find a school you’re interested in, make sure it’s accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized agency. Just a few recognized agencies include:

  • -The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
  • -The Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
  • -The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
  • -Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
  • -New England Association of Schools and Colleges
  • -North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
  • -Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
  • -Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
  • -Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Many online programs have also been accredited by:

  • -Distance Education Training Council (DETC)
  • -Council on Occupational Education (COE)

If you come across a school that has not been accredited by any of the agencies listed above, check the U.S. Department of Education website at ED.gov for a complete list of accrediting agencies.

Non-Profit Management MBA Program Curriculum

Non-profit management MBA programs prepare students for a career in management by teaching everything from business computing and business finance to principles of marketing and principles of management. Online curriculums should require the same courses as on-campus programs, so be sure to check the course listings for the online program you have chosen before beginning the application process. The following is a list of non-profit management degree courses to look for:

  • -Business Computing
  • -Business Finance
  • -Business Statistics
  • -Effective Career Management
  • -Entrepreneurship
  • -Human Resource Management
  • -International Business
  • -Legal Environment Business
  • -Organizations: Structures & Behavior
  • -Principles of Management
  • -Principles of Marketing
  • -Writing and Speaking for Business

If you would like more information about non-profit management MBA degrees or careers, the following websites might be useful visit the U.S. Department of Labor website at www.bls.gov.