M.A. Nonprofit Administration
The M.A. in Nonprofit Administration develops, educates and empowers students to excel in their nonprofit organization. This uniquely focused interdisciplinary and cross-college program brings together the College of Arts and Sciences and the Boler College of Business. Students in the program benefit by interacting with classmates of diverse backgrounds and experience, including those serving in local charities, current nonprofit leaders and to those new to the sector.
Courses & Schedule
Admission Requirements
- Completed application
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Two letters of recommendation, one of which is preferably from a professional in a nonprofit organization
- Written statement that addresses the applicant’s interest in the program, career goals, and experience (including internships and service activity) in the nonprofit sector
- Professional resume
- A minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA with a 3.2 in the major (for full acceptance)
- Interview with the Program Director
Credit Hours
- The M.A. in Nonprofit Administration consists of 36 hours of coursework, including a capstone project
- The curriculum includes 12 courses: 8 required and 4 electives
- All courses are in the evening and can be taken in seven-week (summer) or 15-week (fall/spring) semesters
5th-Year B.S.B.A/M.A. Program
The 5th-Year B.S.B.A/M.A. Program in Nonprofit Administration will allow students pursuing a John Carroll University undergraduate degree to complete either a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in any major and an MA in Nonprofit Administration within a five-year time frame. The program is designed so that you meet all of the requirements for graduation in both programs.
Required & Elective Courses
Students select four elective courses from the following (12 hours):
Opt-Out Policy
At the director’s discretion, students may opt out of one required course and substitute an elective in its place. For example, an economics major may not believe that completing a course in Economics for Nonprofit Managers would be beneficial. Students may opt out of a required course if they have: 1) majored in the course material, and 2) graduated with a GPA of at least 3.2 in the major. Before petitioning to opt out, students should consider whether completing a course in their major that specifically focuses on nonprofit aspects would be beneficial. To opt out of a required course, a student needs to petition the director demonstrating that the requirements for opting out have been met (include college transcript).
Financial Aid
The per credit hour tuition rate for the Nonprofit Administration Programs reflect John Carroll’s commitment to social justice. Several forms of financial assistance are available to students in the Nonprofit Administration Program.
- Scholarships are available on a competitive basis
- A limited number of graduate assistantships provide a tuition waiver for 15 credit hours per year, plus a stipend. Graduate assistants are expected to spend 20 hours per week working for the department.
- For more information on cost per credit hour or financial aid, contact Student Enrollment and Financial Services at (216) 397-4248
FAQ
Why should I choose the MNA at Boler?
The program encourages students to learn collaboratively —at a university dedicated to social justice. The program balances exposure to the field, practical instruction, and case-based education to link classroom instruction to real-world settings within nonprofit organizations. Students often report that what they learn in class can be put into practice immediately.
Can I tailor the coursework to my areas of interest?
Classes and coursework are also offered to support specific areas of interest, such as public and private partnerships, advocacy, law, public policy, and more. The program challenges students to question the status quo, discover answers together, and move the needle to improve their agencies and change their communities.
Are there part-time options available?
Both full-time and part-time options are available, allowing students in the 36-hour program to continue at their own pace to succeed in their careers.