MBA in Nonprofit Management

Admissions & Aid School of Business

MBA in Nonprofit Management

Our MBA in Nonprofit Management program brings together aspiring leaders in nonprofit organizations to connect their skills, experiences and perspectives with committed professors, fusing theory and application. This unique program provides innovative and stimulating educational experiences to develop students into successful executives.

Nonprofit Industry/Sector

The MBA in Nonprofit Management provides all the advantages of our traditional MBA plus specialized courses that enable participants to confidently face the challenges presented by the rapidly changing landscape of the nonprofit sector.

Coursework focuses on social entrepreneurship, fund raising,negotiations, and sustainable economics. Students are encouraged to participate in strategic leadership workshops, held once a semester. Classes are taught once a week, Monday through Thursday in the evenings.

Our program caters to the part-time student, full-time employee. Students will take two classes each semester for six consecutive semesters (two years). The cohort model fosters strong, long-term relationships with students and professors alike.

What Will I Learn?

Learning Goals and Objectives for the M.B.A. in Nonprofit Management

Students who successfully complete all requirements for a Master of Business Administration in Nonprofit Management will achieve the following goals and outcomes.

1. Students will have business knowledge.

  • Students will develop business knowledge unique to the nonprofit sector.

2. Students will have oral and written communication skills.

  • Students will compose strategic proposals for nonprofit organizations.
  • Students will create effective presentations.

3. Students will have leadership skills.

  • Students will organize themselves and others to achieve a nonprofit organization’s stated goals.

4. Students will be ethically and socially responsible.

  • Students will explain ethical dilemmas when making managerial decisions.
  • Students will prescribe solutions to business problems that benefit society.

The M.B.A. in Nonprofit Management requires students to take six consecutive semesters of classwork with six credit hours (two classes) offered each semester. A total of 36 credit hours will be completed before graduation and students will receive an M.B.A. degree.

Degree Requirements

Honors Pledge

The faculty of the School of Business encourages students to acknowledge the ethical components of teaching and learning; essential factors in fulfilling the University’s mission in the classroom. Students are asked to reflect upon the core value of academic integrity and make this an integral part of their work at the University. Students are asked to sign an honors pledge and attach it to all submitted course work to affirm the integrity of their scholarship to all concerned.

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Admissions Requirements

UP strongly recommends that applicants have two to three years of professional experience after earning their bachelor’s degree to fully benefit from the program. Learn more about graduate admissions, or contact our team at gradschl@up.edu or 503.943.7107

  1. Statement of Goals
  2. Current resume (minimum of two years of work experience is strongly encouraged)
  3. Two recommendation letters
  4. Official transcripts (from all previously attended academic institutions)
  5. A bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university recognized by the University of Portland
  6. International Applicants: All foreign degrees will be evaluated by International Student Services prior to an admission decision
  7. Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a scale of 4.0)
  8. Optional: Official GMAT (minimum score of 550 or higher) or GRE (minimum score equivalent to a GMAT score of 550). One of these tests may be requested if the applicant's GPA is below the minimum.
  9. International Applicants: an official score from the TOEFL (minimum score of 88), IELTS (minimum score of 7.0), Duolingo (minimum score of 110), or completion of all level 5 courses of Pacific International Academy’s Intensive English program.
  10. International Applicants: Proof of financial support will be required to attend the University of Portland, but is not required for application review
  11. It is strongly recommended that applicants have two to three years of professional experience after their bachelor’s degree to fully benefit from the program. 

Explore what sets the MBA in nonprofit management apart at University of Portland

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Career-Driven Curriculum

Courses are designed to move careers forward. Each course is built around high-impact skills that align with employer expectations and market changes. Through hands-on projects, real-world case studies, and tools used across industries, students gain practical experience that translates to the workplace.

Personalized Support

As a student, you will have access to career advising, networking events, and professional mentorship through UP’s School of Business. Whether you're looking to move up or move on, we’re here to help you plan your next step.

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Holy Cross Tradition

Guided by UP’s Holy Cross tradition, the certificate programs develop not only your business acumen but your capacity for ethical leadership, reflective decision-making, and social responsibility.

Careers and Outcomes

Continue your career with momentum through University of Portland’s strong industry ties, real-world projects, hands-on learning, innovative curriculum, and values-based education.

Jobs in Nonprofit Management

Leading employers across a range of industries seek graduates of UP’s MBA in nonprofit management program to fill roles such as:

  • Nonprofit Business Owner
  • Nonprofit Manager or Director
  • Management Consultant
  • Chief Financial Officer
  • Development Director
  • Program Director
  • Marketing Manager

Alumni Employers

UP's MBA in Nonprofit Management are skilled leaders making an impact in nonprofits. Here are a few examples:

  • Rafael House
  • Project Backpack
  • Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools
  • The Partners Group

It gave me the foundational knowledge to be successful in my career, it gave me the ability to support other nonprofits in SW Washington and grow with them. It truly was a blessing. If you are considering this program, I encourage you to do so, especially if you are doing it because it aligns with your passion in your heart. I highly recommend it. Go Pilots!

Jenny Thompson, Cohort #3
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AACSB Accredited Business School

 

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Average Business class size.

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