Nonprofit Leadership, Global Cultures, and Social Enterprise, MA

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Nonprofit Leadership, Global Cultures, and Social Enterprise is a fully online, asynchronous graduate program designed to accelerate career prospects of early and mid-career professionals for leadership roles by developing practical skills and knowledge needed within the evolving work of nonprofits. The 30-credit program provides a robust learning experience, giving students flexibility with a 5-week course structure to accommodate a busy life and the tools and competencies needed to thrive in the nonprofit sector.

Whether you’re working in the nonprofit sector, exploring public service, or charting your next move, this program helps you lead with confidence. The MA in Nonprofit Leadership builds in-demand skills in nonprofit management, fundraising, leadership, and social impact while connecting you to MSU’s robust career services and global alumni network.

The online and asynchronous format makes it possible for busy professionals to pursue a new credential without stepping away from their current positions. Time to completion ranges from 4 semesters to 5 years. Small class sizes allow for frequent and substantial interaction with peers and highly experienced faculty. A fully accredited program offering flexible pacing to fit your schedule and commitments.

Program Outcomes

The Nonprofit Leadership, Global Cultures, and Social Enterprise M.A. is a professional degree built to empower existing and future nonprofit leaders to reach their potential. With a Master of Arts in Nonprofit Leadership from MSU, graduates will be prepared to:

• Explore values and ethics in organizational leadership and nonprofit management
• Write a winning grant proposal
• Master nonprofit legal and regulatory frameworks
• Find donors interested in supporting the work of your organization
• Learn effective, ethical governance strategies of nonprofit institutions and civil society organizations
• Identify fundraising and marketing strategies within the nonprofit environment
• Be a more effective driver of social change

Career Outlook

Nonprofit organizations are a sizable economic force employing 12.3 million people, with payrolls exceeding those of most other U.S. industries, including construction, transportation, and finance. Whether currently working in the nonprofit sector or looking to enter the job market, program participants will be able to leverage their knowledge gained from the M.A. to reach their career goals and grow beneficiary impact. Professionals with rigorous training and education in the field can find opportunities in many areas domestically and internationally spanning health services, education, social assistance, religious organizations, environmental groups, arts and recreation, and international development organizations.

Career Pathways and Potential Earnings

Graduates of Nonprofit Leadership, Global Cultures, and Social Enterprise - MA can expect job titles and median salaries similar to the following:

Career Pathways and Potential Earnings for Nonprofit Leadership, Global Cultures, and Social Enterprise - MA Students

Target Occupation

National Median Salary (USD)

General and Operations Managers

$102,960

Project Management Specialists

$100,755

Business Operations Specialists, All Other

$81,266

Managers, All Other

$136,552

Chief Executives

$206,419

Medical and Health Services Managers

$117,957

Social and Human Service Assistants

$45,115

Fundraising Managers

$123,469

Fundraisers

$66,498

Public Relations Specialists

$69,784

Marketing Managers

$161,034

Public Relations Managers

$138,528

Disclaimer: Salary data is sourced from © 2026 Lightcast, based on information from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW). Please note that this information is intended solely for reference purposes. MSU Online disclaims any responsibility or liability for any inaccuracies, omissions, or errors in the data.

A Top-Ranked Education

29th among Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
Veteran-Friendly 'Gold Status' 10 Years in a Row — Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, 2025

Tuition & Fees per credit

In-State Tuition

Out-of-State Tuition

$780

Cost of Attendance

The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found on the "Estimate Your Cost of Attendance" page.

The MSU Value Promise

You can be ensured a return on your investment at Michigan State University.

As one of the top research universities in the world, Michigan State University has advanced the common good with uncommon will since 1855.

MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community.

MSU has been offering online degree programs since 1998. Our maturity is evident in the high quality of the learning experience enjoyed by our online students.

MSU provides programs and initiatives that support and enhance diversity. We will expand our campus and external partnerships to put in place inclusive recruitment and retention practices. We nurture and promote individuals’ varied experiences and perspectives, ensuring structures and processes make possible full participation by all members of our community.

MSU actively collaborates with campus and external partners to innovate across all dimensions of graduate education. We create and support networks that increase collaboration and improve educational opportunities for our online students.

MSU’s nationally recognized online programs foster student growth and well-being throughout their academic career. We will expand inclusive mentoring practices and accelerate improvement across units to implement evidence-based practices to ensure our students complete successfully.

Continuing education can be one of the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding experiences you undertake in your life. We hope you consider becoming a Spartan, to learn online and reach your career goals. With highly ranked online programs and exceptional professors, we educate students who advance the common good with uncommon will.

Course Information

Core Courses

At least 30 credits are required for the degree under Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis). At least 15 credits must be at the 800-level.

Requirements for Both Plan A and Plan B
Complete a minimum of 26 credits from the following:

Cultural Knowledge

REL 817 Religion, Cultural Knowledge, and Nonprofits (2 credits)
REL 818 Global Religions, NGOs, and Social Change (2 credits)
REL 819 Religious Organizations and Civil Society in Asia (2 credits)
REL 820 - Secularism, Publics, and Religions in Asia (2 credits)

Skills and Competencies Group

GNL 826 Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector (2 credits)
GNL 820 Philanthropy and Nonprofit Organizations (2 credits)
GNL 821 Values and Ethics in Applied Leadership (2 credits)
GNL 822 Cross Cultural Dialogue and Collaboration (2 credits)
GNL 823 Social Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Religion (2 credits)
GNL 824 Social Entrepreneurship and Religion: Case Studies (2 credits)
GNL 825 Creativity in Organizations (2 credits)
GNL 826 Flourishing Under Stress (2 credits)

Structural Knowledge

GNL 827 Nonprofit Institutions and Civil Society in a Global Context (2 credits)
GNL 828 Nonprofit Governance (2 credits)
GNL 829 Nonprofits and the Legal Environment (2 credits)
GNL 830 Nonprofit and NGO Marketing and Fundraising (2 credits)
GNL 831 Grant-writing for Nonprofits (2 credits)
GNL 832 Project Management Principles for Nonprofits (2 credits)
GNL 833 Nonprofit Financial Management (2 credits)
GNL 834 Nonprofit Volunteer Management (2 credits)
GNL 855 Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning for Nonprofits (2 credits)

Additional Requirements for Plan A

GNL 899 Master’s Thesis Research (4 credits)
Completion of a master’s thesis.

Additional Requirements for Plan B

Completion of 4 credits of additional course work to meet the requirement of 30 credits for the degree.
Completion of a final oral examination or evaluation.

Admissions Requirements

To be accepted to this program, you must have:

Have a four-year bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution.
Have a cumulative undergraduate grade-point average of at least 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate study.
Have a high degree of potential for advancement to an organizational leadership role.
Submit an admissions portfolio consisting of a personal statement and an academic statement, a resume or curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation, and copies of official university or college transcripts.
Have an ACM minimum TOEFL score of 90 on the non-native language proficiency test if the student is an international applicant.

To apply to this program:

Complete a university graduate application and pay the application fee.
Submit required materials to the application portal.
Send all official transcripts to Michigan State University.

Nonprofit Leadership, Global Cultures and Social Enterprise

Master of Arts

Online

Course Delivery

30

Total Credits