M.A. in Nonprofit Leadership
The M.A. in Nonprofit Leadership at OCU is a 36-credit-hour program that can be complet...
M.A. in Nonprofit Leadership
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in Nonprofit Leadership at OCU is a 36-credit-hour program that can be completed flexibly in either one or two years, accommodating the needs of working professionals. Classes are primarily held in the evenings and are offered both in-person and via live-streaming, providing accessibility from various locations. The program emphasizes practical, real-world experience, with courses led by seasoned faculty who bring their extensive professional backgrounds into the classroom. Students can choose from a specialized track in Arts Administration or Social and Voluntary Services Administration, or pursue a general Nonprofit Leadership path. OCU also offers a Juris Doctor/M.A. in Nonprofit Leadership dual degree, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of both law and nonprofit management.
Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of nonprofit management and leadership. Core courses cover vital topics such as "Sociology of Leadership," "Strategic Planning & Program Development for Nonprofits," "Resource Mobilization & Development," "Law & Nonprofit Organizations," "Nonprofit Financial Oversight," "Grant Writing," and "Marketing for Nonprofits." The program also includes courses in "Research Data in Nonprofits" and "Nonprofit Program Evaluation," ensuring students develop analytical skills crucial for assessing program effectiveness and making data-driven decisions. The culminating "Professional Project (capstone)" allows students to apply their knowledge to a real-world challenge within the nonprofit sector. Classes are structured in convenient 8-week blocks, allowing students to focus on a manageable number of courses at any given time.
Research Focus: Oklahoma City University's M.A. in Nonprofit Leadership program has an applied research focus, emphasizing the use of data and evaluation to improve nonprofit effectiveness and decision-making. Courses like "Research Data in Nonprofits" and "Nonprofit Program Evaluation" are central to the curriculum, encouraging students to develop skills in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting information to assess program impact and inform strategic planning. While specific faculty research projects are integrated into the teaching, the overarching goal is to equip future nonprofit leaders with the ability to conduct and utilize research for organizational growth, accountability, and social change. The program's capstone project often serves as a practical application of these research skills, allowing students to address a challenge facing a local nonprofit.
Industry Engagement: Oklahoma City University places a strong emphasis on industry engagement within its Nonprofit Leadership program, largely due to its faculty comprising experts actively working in the nonprofit sector. This ensures that the curriculum is current, relevant, and infused with real-world insights. The program prepares students to run successful organizations, moving beyond theory to practical application. OCU's location in Oklahoma City, a vibrant city with a thriving nonprofit community, provides numerous opportunities for internships, networking events, and collaborations. Graduates often find themselves connecting with leading nonprofit executives and practitioners, building valuable professional networks that aid in career advancement within the sector.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in Nonprofit Leadership at Oklahoma City University fosters a global perspective by acknowledging the interconnectedness of social issues and the international reach of many nonprofit initiatives. While specific dedicated "global" courses might not be explicitly listed, the curriculum's emphasis on advocacy for social change, resource mobilization, and strategic planning implicitly addresses challenges and opportunities that transcend national borders. The program prepares leaders who understand that addressing societal problems often requires a global mindset, interdisciplinary approaches, and a sensitivity to diverse cultural contexts, enabling them to contribute to causes with local and international dimensions.
Location
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 12330
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 83 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Oklahoma City University (OCU) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities designed to attract and support talented international students. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden of studying abroad and reward academic excellence, leadership, and artistic achievement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: OCU provides merit-based scholarships to international students who demonstrate outstanding academic records, leadership potential, and community involvement. These scholarships are automatically considered during the admission process, and amounts vary based on academic achievement and program of study.
Performance and Talent Scholarships: Students applying to OCU’s renowned performing arts programs, including music, dance, and theater, may be eligible for performance-based scholarships. These awards recognize exceptional artistic ability and provide financial support to help students pursue their creative passions at a professional level.
Transfer Student Scholarships: International students transferring from other accredited institutions may qualify for transfer scholarships. These awards acknowledge previous academic success and help make the transition to OCU more affordable.
Graduate Scholarships and Assistantships: Graduate students, especially those in business, law, and healthcare fields, can access scholarships and assistantships that offer tuition remission and stipends in exchange for teaching or research support. These opportunities provide valuable experience and financial relief.
Oklahoma City University's M.A. in Nonprofit Leadership is a highly practical and impactful program designed to equip individuals with the skills to lead and sustain organizations dedicated to social good. Its flexible format, experienced faculty from the nonprofit sector, and strong emphasis on real-world application through a capstone project make its graduates exceptionally prepared for the unique challenges and rewards of nonprofit management. The program's focus on strategic planning, resource mobilization, and financial oversight ensures that alumni can drive meaningful change while maintaining organizational stability.
Executive Director / CEO (Nonprofit): The ultimate leadership role, overseeing all aspects of a nonprofit organization's operations, strategy, fundraising, and mission fulfillment. Graduates are prepared to lead boards, manage staff, and ensure the organization's long-term sustainability and impact.
Development Director / Director of Philanthropy: Responsible for all fundraising efforts, including individual giving, corporate sponsorships, grants, and major gifts. This role requires strong relationship-building skills, strategic planning for revenue generation, and a deep understanding of donor cultivation.
Program Director / Manager: Designs, implements, and evaluates specific programs or services offered by a nonprofit. This involves managing budgets, staff, and volunteers for particular initiatives, ensuring they align with the organization's mission and achieve desired outcomes.
Grant Writer / Grant Manager: Specializes in identifying funding opportunities, writing compelling grant proposals, and managing grant reporting requirements. This is a critical role for securing foundational and governmental support for nonprofit operations.
Nonprofit Consultant: Provides expert advice to various nonprofit organizations on areas such as strategic planning, fundraising, governance, organizational development, and program evaluation. Graduates can leverage their broad understanding to assist multiple clients.
Volunteer Coordinator / Director of Volunteer Services: Manages the recruitment, training, placement, and retention of volunteers, who are often the backbone of nonprofit operations. This role requires excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
Marketing & Communications Director (Nonprofit): Develops and implements strategies to raise awareness, build brand identity, and engage stakeholders for a nonprofit organization. This includes public relations, digital marketing, storytelling, and advocacy campaigns.
Nonprofit Financial Manager / Controller: Oversees the financial health of a nonprofit, including budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with regulations. This role is crucial for transparency and accountability.
Advocacy Director / Policy Analyst: Works to influence public policy and legislation that aligns with the nonprofit's mission. This involves research, lobbying, coalition-building, and public education to drive systemic change.
Community Development Manager: Identifies community needs and resources, then designs and implements programs to address those needs through collaboration with various stakeholders, including residents, local government, and other organizations.
