Which Universities Offer a Doctoral Program in Nonprofit Management?
Doctoral programs in the nonprofit field tend to be in development or leadership with a nonprofit management component. Several schools and Ph.D. programs targeted toward nonprofit work are listed here.
Finding a Doctoral Program in Nonprofit Management
While doctoral degree programs in nonprofit management may not be in abundance, there are some colleges and universities across the U.S. that offer such a program. In many cases, the nonprofit management curriculum may be included as an area of concentration or specialization. Students interested in pursuing this doctoral degree might consider one of the following programs.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutDoctoralProgramsInNonprofitManagement">Important Facts About Doctoral Programs in Nonprofit Management</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>Prerequisites </td><td> Graduate degree; relevant work experience recommended</td></tr>
<tr><td>Online Availability </td><td> Yes</td></tr>
<tr><td>Concentrations </td><td> Fund Development, Nonprofit Marketing & Public Relations, Nonprofit Budgeting & Financial Management</td></tr>
<tr><td>Possible Careers </td><td> Director of Development, Chief Financial Officer, Human Resources Director</td></tr>
<tr><td>Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $126,230 (<i>for human resources managers</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td> 7% growth (<i>for human resources managers</i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---ArizonaStateUniversitySLodestarCenterForPhilanthropyAndNonprofitInnovation">Arizona State University's Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation</h3><p>The Lodestar Center at Arizona State University was created in 1999 through a collaboration with ASU faculty, staff and students working closely with funders and nonprofit organizations. The center provides nonprofit leaders with the training they need to enable their organizations to function more effectively, especially those involved in the areas of human services and youth development. In addition to the Ph.D. program described below, the center offers programs culminating in the master's of nonprofit studies and a graduate certificate in nonprofit management.
</p><h3 id="section---Ph.D.InCommunityResourcesAndDevelopmentWithANonprofitLeadershipAndManagementTrack">Ph.D. in Community Resources and Development with a Nonprofit Leadership and Management Track</h3><p>This 3-year, full-time program is structured around a set of integrative experiences using a student cohort model. Graduate courses in nonprofit management are augmented by community involvement and faculty mentoring. A minimum of 54 credit hours are required beyond the master's degree. Students are expected to have taken research methods and statistics courses at the master's level.
</p><h3 id="section---TheUniversityOfSanDiegoSSchoolOfLeadershipAndEducationSciences">The University of San Diego's School of Leadership and Education Sciences</h3><p>The School of Leadership and Education Sciences offers a variety of educational programs in counseling, leadership and teaching at the master's and doctoral level. It also operates several institutes, including the Autism Institute, the Center for Education Policy and Law and the Institute for Nonprofit Education and Research. The doctoral program in leadership studies discussed below was a trailblazing effort in the United States. Created 30 years ago, the program has over 300 graduates.
</p><h3 id="section---Ph.D.ProgramInLeadershipStudies">Ph.D. Program in Leadership Studies</h3><p>This program attracts individuals from diverse professions, such as mid- and upper-level executives, teachers, professionals in nonprofit organizations, administrators and military personnel. The 4-phase program comprises leadership, research and evaluation, an area of specialization and an international component. Students interested in nonprofit management may choose nonprofit and philanthropic leadership and management for their area of emphasis. Total units for the program are 63, including a dissertation.
</p><h3 id="section---SchoolOfGraduateStudiesAndResearchAtIndianaUniversityOfPennsylvania">School of Graduate Studies and Research at Indiana University of Pennsylvania</h3><p>Offering 11 doctoral programs, including those in nursing, English and criminology, Indiana University of Pennsylvania is a Carnegie Doctoral/Research university. Each year, more than 2,000 students take advantage of the graduate programs offered by this university. Indiana University of Pennsylvania has been highly ranked by <i>U.S. News & World Report</i> and <i>Forbes Magazine</i>, among other sources. The doctoral degree program in nonprofit and public sectors is administered through the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
</p><h3 id="section---Ph.D.InAdministrationAndLeadershipStudiesNonprofitAndPublicSectors">Ph.D. in Administration and Leadership Studies, Nonprofit and Public Sectors</h3><p>This program, a collaborative effort by the Departments of Sociology and Economics, is generally offered to professionals seeking to enhance their planning and evaluation skills. A total of 61 credits must be completed to earn this doctorate. The curriculum is presented through core, research and elective courses and includes a dissertation process. Coursework focuses on leadership and organizational theories, public administration, leadership applications and social policy development.</p>