Nonprofit Management Education in MPA Programs: Lessons for Successful Track Building

Abstract

ABSTRACTAs the American nonprofit sector continues to grow, so does interest in nonprofit management graduate education. MPA programs play a significant role in preparing students for work in the nonprofit field. This article examines nonprofit management as an area of graduate study, paying particular attention to how NASPAA-accredited MPA programs currently approach it from a curricular standpoint. The article provides lessons for successful nonprofit management track building gleaned from experience gained at two universities with accredited MPA programs. Specifically, the article illustrates the importance of stakeholder commitment, quality curricula, and the use of experiential-learning methods in preparing future and current nonprofit leaders. Challenges to building a nonprofit management track or increasing nonprofit course offerings are also discussed. The article concludes with commentary regarding the importance of MPA programs in advancing quality nonprofit management graduate education.