Nonprofit Administration - Part Time, MNA

Program Director: Marco Tavanti, PhD

The Master of Nonprofit Administration (MNA) at University of San Francisco’s School of Management prepares nonprofit professionals for leadership and managerial positions in the nonprofit and social sector. In line with the university’s motto, “Change the world from here”, the MNA program promotes competent nonprofit leaders and effective managers for innovative, strategic and systemic solutions to make the world a better place. Its carefully designed curriculum and embedded experiential learning enhance managerial competencies and leadership capacity in the areas of:

1. Nonprofit social innovation through effective fundraising strategies and social enterprise solutions for achieving financial sustainability. 
2. International, cross-cultural and diversity perspectives for effective operations of social solutions through NGOs and global enterprises. 
3. Social impact measurement and analysis of organizational effectiveness and program’s outcomes benefit our communities and the common good.

Many MNA alumni are nonprofit leaders with executive positions at nonprofit corporations and other social economy organizations, including foundations, social enterprises, voluntary associations, faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, and international nongovernmental organizations. In addition to studying in San Francisco’s dynamic nonprofit environment, graduate students benefit from the program’s project-based learning, experienced faculty, global immersions and richly diverse cohorts. The classroom discussions, projects and exercises are enhanced by video conference technology that gives students a diverse modality of participation through a blended system of teaching and learning.

The part-time MNA program is designed for professionals currently working in, or transitioning their careers into, the nonprofit sector. The full-time MNA program is designed for international or young professionals who want to start a managerial or leadership career in the nonprofit sector. Students generally have at least 2-3 years of nonprofit experience as volunteers, entrepreneurs or employees. 

The MNA courses investigate the political, economic, legal, and social environments of nonprofit organizations. MNA students gain knowledge of organizational behavior and management theory, and develop skills in specific areas such as ethical leadership, board governance, strategic planning, fundraising and marketing, human resources and financial management, program evaluation and impact analysis, nonprofit legal issues, nonprofit advocacy, and international NGOs. They specialize in social sector areas of their interest through a capstone project and certifications in sustainable development, social entrepreneurship, and humanitarian emergency among others.

Students in the FT-MNA  take four courses in the Fall, three in the Spring and two in the summer. Students in the PT-MNA generally take 2 courses per semester plus an Academic Global Immersion or other courses during the Intercession or Summer Sessions.

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