Nonprofit Leadership Curriculum
Innovative solutions to modern challenges
As you learn the intricacies of strategic leadership, your new expertise comes from our front-line experience. In leading you through the challenges and opportunities of nonprofit management, the Bradley University faculty teaches from events in their own accomplished careers.
“Each course helped me gain confidence in my leadership skills and perspective.”
—Diana K., M.A. in NPL ‘23
“Each course helped me gain confidence in my leadership skills and perspective.”
—Diana K., M.A. in NPL ‘23
Courses for the Master of Arts in Nonprofit Leadership
Complete this program in as few as 16 months. It includes a field experience course, which gives you the chance to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world situations.
- 12 courses
- Delivered asynchronously, with synchronous opportunities in many classes
- Three start dates per year: spring, summer, and fall
- No GRE required
FCS 541: Research Methods—3 credit hours
Introduction to concepts, methods, and strategies for research. Topics include article database search, literature review, the nature of scientific research, research idea conceptualization, formulation of hypotheses and research questions, research proposals, and Institutional Review Board (IRB) requirements. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the MS in Nutrition and Dietetics program, or MA in Nonprofit Leadership program, or consent of instructor.
NPL 605: Legal and Social Change—3 credit hours
Analysis of the effects of legal and social change on communities and nonprofit organizations; focus on selected issues of legal and social change with diverse populations.
NPL 606: Digital Media Applications for the Nonprofit Leader—3 credit hours
This course focuses on the ever-evolving digital media tools, technologies, applications, and best practices utilized in nonprofit leadership. The design and development of innovative digital strategies using the latest digital tools to achieve specific organizational goals will be emphasized.
NPL 610: Survey in Nonprofit Leadership—3 credit hours
An introduction to the roles and responsibilities of administrators in nonprofit organizations. Trends in nonprofit service delivery, including organizational leadership and culture, human resource management, financial management, strategic planning, working with boards, marketing and public relations, social service partnership and collaboration.
NPL 583: Supervision and Employee Engagement in Nonprofit Leadership—3 credit hours
Focuses on the recruitment, selection, and engagement of employees within the context of mission in nonprofit organizations.
NPL 581: Topics in Nonprofit Leadership (taken twice)—3 credit hours
Topics of special interest, with students able to choose one of two options. Current topics are Fundraising and Board Governance, and Community Collaboration and Advocacy. Topics are subject to change pending developments in the nonprofit industry.
NPL 673: Effective Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations—3 credit hours
Concepts of leadership, organizational theory, and decision making presented from multiple perspectives; focus on the practice of educational administration and nonprofit leadership.
NPL 580: Financial Leadership in Nonprofit Leadership—3 credit hours
Provides students with a comprehensive overview of financial management related to nonprofit organizations. Topics include various budgeting systems and other financial management tools; service costing and the linking of costs to performance measures; fee setting; and government contracting.
NPL 582: Grant Writing in Nonprofit Leadership—3 credit hours
This course is designed to provide an introduction to grant writing and methods for writing grant proposals. Students will learn to critique, research, and write grant proposals. Emphasis will be placed upon organization of a grant writing campaign and preparation of a complete proposal package.
NPL 612: Strategic Planning in Nonprofit Organizations—3 credit hours
Identification, analysis, and application of techniques and tools of institutional planning and evaluation. Program, personnel, financial, facility, and institutional planning. Prerequisite: NPL 610
NPL 686: Field Experience in Administration—3 credit hours
A culminating experience to give the student the opportunity to work with a practicing administrator in the application of theoretical knowledge from previous coursework to administrative tasks. Accompanying seminars focus on selected topics associated with leadership and administration. Requires 150 hours of supervised activity for 3 hours of credit. Prerequisite: Departmental consent
“The program not only reinforced concepts I was familiar with but also introduced new perspectives, serving as a valuable means to broaden and refresh my knowledge base. Enrolling in this program reminded me of the importance of lifelong learning. We are never too old to embrace new knowledge and skills.”
—Renee C., M.A. in NPL, ‘23
“The program not only reinforced concepts I was familiar with but also introduced new perspectives, serving as a valuable means to broaden and refresh my knowledge base. Enrolling in this program reminded me of the importance of lifelong learning. We are never too old to embrace new knowledge and skills.”
—Renee C., M.A. in NPL, ‘23
Courses for the Graduate Certificate – Nonprofit Leadership
Tailor your curriculum to your interests and the skills you want to develop. Credits from the certificate program can be transferred to count toward completion of the Master of Arts in Nonprofit Leadership online program.
- One required course
- Three electives, chosen from nine options
- All courses are offered on demand
- No GRE required
Required Course
NPL 610: Survey in Nonprofit Leadership—3 credit hours
An introduction to the roles and responsibilities of administrators in nonprofit organizations. Trends in nonprofit service delivery, including organizational leadership and culture, human resource management, financial management, strategic planning, working with boards, marketing and public relations, social service partnership and collaboration.
Elective Courses—Choose Three
FCS 541: Research Methods—3 credit hours
Introduction to concepts, methods, and strategies for research. Topics include article database search, literature review, the nature of scientific research, research idea conceptualization, formulation of hypotheses and research questions, research proposals, and Institutional Review Board (IRB) requirements. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the MS in Nutrition and Dietetics program, or MA in Nonprofit Leadership program, or consent of instructor.
NPL 580: Financial Leadership in Nonprofit Leadership—3 credit hours
Provides students with a comprehensive overview of financial management related to nonprofit organizations. Topics include various budgeting systems and other financial management tools; service costing and the linking of costs to performance measures; fee setting; and government contracting.
NPL 581: Topics in Nonprofit Leadership—3 credit hours
Topics of special interest which may vary each time course is offered. Topic stated in the current Schedule of Classes. May be repeated under different topics for a maximum of six hours of credit.
NPL 582: Grant Writing in Nonprofit Leadership—3 credit hours
This course is designed to provide an introduction to grant writing and methods for writing grant proposals. Students will learn to critique, research, and write grant proposals. Emphasis will be placed upon organization of a grant writing campaign and preparation of a complete proposal package.
NPL 583: Supervision and Employee Engagement in Nonprofit Leadership—3 credit hours
Focuses on the recruitment, selection, and engagement of employees within the context of mission in nonprofit organizations.
NPL 605: Legal and Social Change—3 credit hours
Analysis of the effects of legal and social change on communities and nonprofit organizations; focus on selected issues of legal and social change with diverse populations.
NPL 606: Digital Media Applications for the Nonprofit Leader—3 credit hours
This course focuses on the ever-evolving digital media tools, technologies, applications, and best practices utilized in nonprofit leadership. The design and development of innovative digital strategies using the latest digital tools to achieve specific organizational goals will be emphasized.
NPL 612: Strategic Planning in Nonprofit Organizations—3 credit hours
Identification, analysis, and application of techniques and tools of institutional planning and evaluation. Program, personnel, financial, facility, and institutional planning. Prerequisite: NPL 610
NPL 673: Effective Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations—3 credit hours
Concepts of leadership, organizational theory, and decision making presented from multiple perspectives; focus on the practice of educational administration and nonprofit leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bradley University accredited?
Yes. Bradley University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Can I apply if my GPA is lower than 3.0?
A 3.0 GPA is typically required, but students with a GPA of 2.5-2.9 may be admitted on a conditional basis.
Can I transfer credits from a different graduate program?
Bradley University Admission Advisors will be happy to answer your questions about credit transfers.
Will my degree indicate that I completed coursework online?
No, the expectations of graduates from this program are no different than any other graduate from Bradley University. The only difference is in the method of program delivery.
Is the GRE or any other examination required?
No. Neither the GRE nor other test scores are required.
Can I take the courses out of sequence or start at a later date?
These programs are designed to allow maximum flexibility, so the course sequence is flexible although each program has a set capstone experience.
How are the courses delivered?
All courses are delivered entirely online through Canvas.
Do I qualify for financial aid?
Students who want to apply for financial aid should complete and submit the FAFSA as early as possible. The financial aid office at Bradley University will work with students to determine options for funding university coursework based on FAFSA results. Bradley’s FAFSA code is 001641. Learn more on the tuition and financial aid page.
Admissions Dates and Deadlines
Summer 2025
Apr
15
Final Application Deadline
April 15, 2025
Summer 2025
May
21
Start Date
May 21, 2025
Summer 2025
Fall 2025
Jul
20
Final Application Date
July 20, 2025
Fall 2025
Aug
27
Start Date
August 27, 2025
Fall 2025
Become the expert who creates lasting social impact.
You’re committed to making a difference. It’s time to advance into the senior positions that drive real change. Gain the leadership expertise you need through Bradley University’s online graduate programs in Nonprofit Leadership. Learn from award-winning authorities—in a supportive environment, on a flexible schedule that fits into your life.
Complete the form to get information on the program structure, curriculum, benefits, and application requirements.
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Bradley University is authorized to deliver online programs to US citizens and permanent residents residing in the United States. International students are encouraged to inquire about on-campus opportunities by visiting Bradley University International Admissions.