MBA - Non-profit Management | Springfield College

MBA - Non-profit Management

Master of Business Administration
About This Program
Admissions Contact

Sean Mangan
Graduate Admissions Counselor
smangan@springfield.edu
(413) 748-3060
Make an appointment

Are you an International Student?
Please contact intladmissions@springfield.edu 
Make an appointment

Program Contact
Curriculum and Delivery
  • 30-credit program
  • Courses offered 100% online
  • Course content and case studies presented focus on nonprofits and corporate responsibility, and include the specific financial and legal know-how that increases your value as a leader in the nonprofit and for-profit arenas
  • Learn from faculty experts in nonprofit management who have a deep understanding of the nonprofit world and deliver engaging and relevant courses that will build your skills and help catapult your career success
  • Join the ranks of Springfield College graduates directing national organizations, government, healthcare, and educational institutions, as well as private corporations
  • Program curriculum
  • Learning outcomes
Start Date and Duration
  • Start in September (fall semester), January (spring semester), and May (summer semester)
  • Attend full or part time
  • Complete the program in one year (2 semesters, full time)
Career Opportunities
Paying for Your Education
Looking for an on-campus option?

We also offer the Master of Business Administration on-campus in Springfield, Mass.

Upcoming Events

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Male student in front of YMCA sign

The MBA in Non-profit Management at Springfield College is designed for the emerging nonprofit leader. Our curriculum provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to enter an environment where success is measured by its valued work, fiscal sustainability, and strategic vision and growth. 

The courses in the MBA program, which provide a blend of theory and practice, provide you with learning experiences and acumen that are critical to working in business. You will receive training in areas including finance, marketing, accounting, economics, and management. Our popular internship program allows students the opportunity to gain business experience that is greatly valued by employers. The business skills and experience that you will develop in one academic year will position you to be highly marketable as you launch your professional career.

The program will prepare students with the knowledge, skill, and tools to:

  • Comprehend the theories and practices of business, accounting, management, marketing, and economics as taught on the graduate level
  • Apply these theories and practices to decision-making, problem-solving, and managing strategically in business and nonprofit organizations
  • Analyze problems and challenges facing businesses and nonprofits in the 21st century
  • Construct feasible and practical models and strategies to meet those problems and challenges
  • Evaluate the success of those strategies
  • Employ leadership and teambuilding skills to effectively attain those strategies

What job can I get with a degree in Non-profit Management?

Imagine leading initiatives that transform lives, support communities, and drive meaningful social progress. A master's degree in Non-Profit Business Management from Springfield College equips you for a variety of impactful careers in the non-profit sector. Graduates often become non-profit managers, overseeing operations, managing staff, and ensuring the organization meets its goals. You might also pursue roles as a development director, where you'll spearhead fundraising efforts and build relationships with donors to support the organization's mission.

Data is from the 2024 Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics


Social and Community Service Manager
$77,030
Median Salary
8%
Job Projected Growth
16,400+
Job Projected Openings

Social and community service managers work for a variety of organizations. Some of these organizations focus on working with a particular demographic, such as children, people who are homeless, older adults, or veterans. Others focus on helping people with particular challenges, such as substance abuse, mental health needs, and chronic hunger.



Fundraiser
$64,160
Median Salary
6%
Job Projected Growth
7,400+
Job Projected Openings

Fundraisers plan and oversee events and drives to raise monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. They ensure that these efforts are effective by researching potential donors and examining records of those who have given in the past.

They also develop strategies for using social media and other digital platforms to connect with potential donors and to raise awareness of their organization’s work and goals.



Public Relations and Fundraising Manager
$130,480
Median Salary
7%
Job Projected Growth
7,700+
Job Projected Openings

Public relations managers review press releases and sponsor corporate events to help maintain and improve the image of their organization or client.

Public relations managers help clarify their organization’s point of view to its main audience through media releases and interviews. They monitor social, economic, and political trends that might affect their organization, and they recommend ways to enhance the firm’s image on the basis of those trends. For example, in response to concern about damage to the environment, the public relations manager for an oil company may create a campaign to publicize its efforts to develop cleaner fuels.


Leading the Way

Paige Hughes talks about the bond that is created when being a part of the Nonprofit graduate program at Springfield College.

How to Apply:

Prerequisite Requirements

Applicants for the MBA program must have completed at least two of the following foundational courses at the graduate and/or undergraduate level, or a combination of coursework and demonstrated professional experience. Each course should be the equivalent of at least 3 credit hours of academic work as evidenced by a grade of "C-" or better on an official transcript from a regionally accredited institution. 

  • Financial or Managerial Accounting
  • Financial Management
  • Economics (Microeconomics or Macroeconomics)

OR 

Applicants who have not completed the foundational undergraduate prerequisite coursework stated above may complete them by one or a combination of the following methods:

  • Taking the following Undergraduate CLEP/DANTES/DSST examinations receiving a passing grade leading to 3 credit award recommendations:

    Principles of Macroeconomics. This exam covers aggregate demand and aggregate supply, and monetary and fiscal policy tools.
    Principles of Microeconomics. This exam covers economic principles applying to consumers and businesses.
    Financial Accounting. This exam focuses on concepts from an introductory financial accounting course.

  • Credit by Examination. Students may challenge the prerequisites based on their previous work experience by completing a comprehensive exam based upon the outcomes of the graduate level Foundations of Business course.

OR

Applicants can enroll in Springfield College's MBA Foundations of Business course (BUSM 500). These applicants are given "provisional acceptance," and are limited to taking BUSM 500 Foundations of Business and BUSM 650 Leadership and Governance for Nonprofits in their first term. Students must earn a “pass” for BUSM 500 and earn a “B” (3.0) for BUSM 650 in order to continue in the MBA program.

Admissions Requirements

Consistent with the admissions requirements of the Master of Business Administration program at the Springfield location, applicants must:

  1. Possess an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university
  2. Show the ability to succeed academically
  3. Through coursework at the graduate and/or undergraduate level, or a combination of coursework and demonstrated professional experience, applicants must have a background in at least two of the following disciplines:
    • Accounting
    • Finance
    • Economics

Please note: If you do not have the undergraduate prerequisites of Economics, Finance, or Accounting, you can still apply, but will need to take BUSM 500 Foundations of Business and BUSM 650 Leadership and Governance in Nonprofits as your first term courses.

Degree Requirements

Consistent with the graduation requirements of the Master of Business Administration program at the Springfield location, students must:

  1. Successfully complete all required and elective courses (30 semester hours)
  2. Have a 3.0 or above GPA
  3. A maximum of six credits may be transferred from a regionally accredited institution, if a final grade of B or above was obtained, and if courses are consistent with concentration requirements

Admissions Requirements

  1. Complete the online application: Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials and instructions for submitting supplemental materials as listed below.
  2. Essay: In two to three double-spaced pages, please describe significant life experiences that have contributed to your interest in your field, your understanding of this field, your occupational objectives, and why you have chosen Springfield College. 
  3. Resume: Please include any college activities, out-of-school leadership experiences, work history, and community involvement to support your interest in or qualifications for graduate study. 
  4. Two letters of recommendation: Two letters of recommendation from a faculty member or direct supervisor: Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload your letter to your application.
  5. Transcripts: An official transcript from each college/university you have attended is required. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be received directly from the original source, by email to graduate@springfield.edu or mailed to the college address: 

Springfield College
Office of Graduate Admissions
263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109

International Applicants

  • $100 non-refundable International Application fee

In addition to the above admissions requirements, all international applicants from non-English-speaking countries are required to submit:

  • Proof of English language proficiency by way of the TOEFL or IELTS: Other tests may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please refer to our language requirements for more information on acceptable tests, minimum scores, exemptions, and conditional acceptance. If your undergraduate degree was earned in the United States and you successfully completed college-level English, we will consider English language proficiency met.
  • Please note: Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For this we recommend SpanTran, with its customized portal for Springfield College applicants. World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. are also recommended for your credential evaluations.

The Office of International Admissions can assist you with questions you may have about enrolling at Springfield College as an international student by emailing intladmissions@springfieldcollege.edu.

Application Deadlines

Domestic Students:

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as space is available.

International Students:

Fall Start

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: May 1

Spring Start

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: October 1

Summer Start

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: February 1
“The overall atmosphere and culture within the MBA program is truly a collaborative environment. We’re encouraged to openly communicate, remain receptive to critiques, and respect peers to foster a sense of community. We uplift each other to continuously grow and push boundaries to be successful.” Marcus Lovell, '23, G'24
Marcus Lovell - Springfield College
"The faculty at Springfield College have been nothing but helpful and caring. It is clear that they all want us to succeed and do what is best for the students." Lauren Landino, MBA, Graduate Class of 2024
Lauren Landino - Springfield College

Xiomara Pique Hart ’11, MBA’19

“The Master of Business Administration in nonprofit management helped me to develop the skills that are fundamental in leading a nonprofit organization, as well as to build the professional network that is critical in my field. After graduating, I made important leadership connections within my organization and cultivated relationships with the local nonprofit community.”

Xiomara Pique Hart

Evan Popham, Alumni

"The Springfield College MBA program taught me core business concepts at an extremely high level. What you don't see on the surface of the program is perhaps more important, the MBA taught me Situational Leadership, Agility (adapting readily to new situations), Networking Skills and Professional Demeanor. These key traits have served as fuel for my professional development and serve as a terrific complement to the business acumen this program provided me."

(Image from Westchester Magazine)
Evan Popham
“The MBA at Springfield College reinforced my knowledge in multiple fields, like marketing, human resources, operations, chain management, and finances. All of this has brought me the academic tools and knowledge for fieldwork.” Ximena Ruiz Roman, G'23
Ximena Ruiz Roman - Springfield College

Departmental Mission

To offer a transformative business education to emerging leaders who serve society and create enduring solutions to contemporary challenges.

Vision

To be on the creative forefront of teaching, research, and practice, while creating lifelong value and connections for our students and stakeholders.

IACBE Accreditation

The Department of Business Management at Springfield College has received specialized accreditation for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11960 Quivira Road in Overland Park, Kansas, USA. For a list of accredited programs, please view our IACBE member status page.

IACBE Accreditation

AACSB Membership

As a member of the Business Education Alliance of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, Springfield College is part of the world’s largest global business education network, connecting educational institutions and businesses to develop exceptional global leaders.

AACSB Business Education Alliance Member