M.S. in Criminal Justice
The M.S. in Criminal Justice at UTC is structured to provide students with advanced kno...
Master of Public Administration: Non-Profit Management
Chattanooga, Tennessee
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The MPA with a Nonprofit Management concentration at UTC is tailored for individuals aspiring to, or currently serving in, leadership and management roles within charitable organizations, social enterprises, and other non-governmental entities. The program integrates core public administration principles with specialized knowledge of the nonprofit sector's unique operational, financial, and ethical challenges. It's a 36-credit hour program, offering flexibility with evening, online, and hybrid course formats to accommodate working professionals. The program emphasizes practical application, ethical decision-making, and a commitment to advancing the public interest through effective nonprofit governance.
NASPAA-Accredited: The UTC MPA program, including its Nonprofit Management concentration, holds the prestigious NASPAA accreditation. This signifies that the program adheres to rigorous, globally recognized standards for quality in public service education. NASPAA (Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration) is the premier accrediting body for master's programs in public affairs, assuring students and employers that the UTC MPA delivers a high-quality, relevant, and comprehensive education in public and nonprofit administration. This accreditation highlights UTC's commitment to excellence in public service education and is particularly notable as it is the only NASPAA-accredited program in East Tennessee.
Curriculum: The curriculum is strategically designed to provide a strong foundation in general public administration while offering deep specialization in nonprofit management. Core courses (23 credits) cover essential areas such as Public Administration Foundations, Organizational Theory and Administrative Behavior, Public Administration Research and Analysis, Program Planning and Evaluation, Budgeting and Finance in Public Agencies, Human Resources Management in Public Agencies, and Public Policy. For the Nonprofit Management concentration, students complete specific elective courses (12 credits) that delve into topics like Nonprofit Management Fundamentals, Ethical and Legal Aspects of Nonprofit Management, and Nonprofit Resource Development (fundraising). Elective options may also include Community Economic Development, Volunteer Management, and International Nongovernmental Organizations, providing a comprehensive understanding of the nonprofit landscape. A 1-credit professional development experience, which can be an internship or a tailored project, rounds out the 36-credit requirement.
Research Focus: While the Nonprofit Management concentration is highly practice-oriented, it maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based management and applied research. Students are trained to critically analyze the effectiveness of nonprofit programs, evaluate organizational performance, and develop data-driven strategies. The required "Public Administration Research and Analysis" course provides methodological skills. Furthermore, the capstone experience, which often involves an applied administrative or research project with an external client, encourages students to engage in practical research that addresses real-world challenges faced by nonprofit organizations. Faculty research interests in areas like government-nonprofit relations and nonprofit organizational behavior further enrich the program's applied research opportunities.
Industry Engagement: The UTC MPA program boasts significant industry engagement, particularly within the robust nonprofit sector of the Chattanooga region. The curriculum is designed to reflect the practical needs of nonprofit organizations, offering hands-on learning experiences. Students benefit from the program's established connections with local and regional nonprofit entities through internship opportunities and collaborative projects. These experiences allow students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios, build invaluable professional networks, and gain insights into the daily operations and strategic challenges of nonprofit leadership. The program actively prepares graduates for immediate and impactful contributions to the nonprofit community.
Global Perspective: The Master of Public Administration with a Nonprofit Management concentration inherently fosters a global perspective by addressing universal challenges faced by civil society organizations worldwide. Many nonprofit issues, such as humanitarian aid, environmental conservation, and social justice, transcend national borders. The curriculum may include the study of international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs) and explore how nonprofits operate in diverse political, economic, and cultural contexts. By examining varied models of philanthropy, volunteerism, and advocacy globally, students develop a broader understanding of the interconnectedness of global issues and the vital role of the nonprofit sector in addressing them on a global scale.
Location
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 26852
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $40
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 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
Standardized Test Requirements
- GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Minimum score of 300 required.
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students pursuing their education in the United States. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and contributions to the campus community, helping to make higher education more affordable and accessible for students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UTC provides merit-based scholarships that international students can apply for, typically based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall potential. These scholarships often cover partial to full tuition and are renewable based on maintaining satisfactory academic performance.
International Student Scholarships: Special scholarships are available exclusively for international students, helping offset tuition fees and living expenses. These awards may vary annually and are competitive, encouraging students to demonstrate strong academic records and involvement in extracurricular activities.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UTC offer scholarships targeted at students within specific fields of study. International students enrolled in areas such as Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, or Arts and Sciences can explore scholarship options through their respective colleges or departments.
Graduates of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's (UTC) NASPAA-accredited Master of Public Administration (MPA) with a specialization in Nonprofit Management are uniquely prepared to lead and sustain organizations dedicated to social good. Their comprehensive training in public administration principles, combined with specific expertise in nonprofit operations, fundraising, and governance, makes them highly desirable across a diverse range of mission-driven entities.
Executive Director/CEO (Nonprofit): This is often the ultimate goal for many. Graduates can lead nonprofit organizations of varying sizes, overseeing all aspects from strategic planning and financial management to program delivery, fundraising, and community engagement. They are the chief executive officer, responsible for the overall success and mission fulfillment of the organization.
Development Director/Fundraising Manager: A critical role in any nonprofit, these professionals are responsible for securing financial resources. They develop and implement fundraising strategies, cultivate relationships with donors, manage grant applications, plan fundraising events, and oversee donor stewardship.
Program Director/Manager (Nonprofit): Graduates oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of specific programs or services offered by a nonprofit organization. They ensure that programs align with the organization's mission, meet community needs, and achieve desired outcomes, often managing staff and budgets for their respective programs.
Volunteer Coordinator/Manager: Nonprofits heavily rely on volunteers. Graduates in this role recruit, train, supervise, and motivate volunteers, ensuring their effective utilization to support the organization's mission and programs. This requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
Grants Manager/Writer: Specializing in securing grant funding, these professionals research potential grant opportunities, write compelling grant proposals, manage grant reporting, and ensure compliance with grantor requirements. Their ability to articulate a nonprofit's impact is crucial.
Community Outreach/Engagement Coordinator: Graduates build and maintain relationships with community stakeholders, partners, and beneficiaries. They serve as a liaison, fostering collaboration, raising awareness about the organization's mission, and mobilizing community support for various initiatives.
Nonprofit Operations Manager: These professionals handle the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of a nonprofit, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness. This can include managing facilities, technology, administrative staff, and internal processes to support the organization's programs and mission.
Social Enterprise Manager: With an increasing focus on sustainable models, graduates can work in social enterprises that blend a social mission with business principles. They might manage operations, marketing, or program development for organizations that seek both social impact and financial sustainability.
Advocacy/Policy Director (Nonprofit): For nonprofits engaged in policy change, graduates can lead advocacy efforts. They research policy issues, lobby decision-makers, organize grassroots campaigns, and build coalitions to influence public policy in alignment with the organization's mission.
Nonprofit Consultant: Experienced graduates can become independent consultants or work for consulting firms specializing in the nonprofit sector. They advise various nonprofits on strategic planning, organizational development, fundraising strategies, governance issues, and program evaluation.
