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Please note there is no application fee for graduate applications submitted by the Priority Deadline.

The MS in Strategic Nonprofit Management at the CUNY School of Professional Studies is a fully online master’s degree designed for professionals committed to advancing social impact.

Delivered in a flexible 7-week course format, the program allows working adults to complete their degree on their own schedule—balancing professional responsibilities with graduate study. Students learn to manage organizations strategically, lead teams effectively, and use data and technology to make evidence-based decisions that strengthen nonprofit performance.

This 30-credit online graduate program prepares students to drive change, improve operations, and lead with purpose in community organizations, NGOs, foundations, and mission-driven enterprises across the nonprofit sector.

What You’ll Learn

Graduates of the MS in Strategic Nonprofit Management program will be able to:

• Design and implement strategies that strengthen nonprofit organizations.
• Apply ethical and effective leadership and governance practices.
• Develop and manage budgets, fundraising plans, and grant proposals.
• Use data, analytics, and emerging technologies to drive impact and accountability.
• Apply communication and marketing strategies to engage persuasively with boards, funders, and community stakeholders.

View Program Curriculum

Program Highlights

• Accelerated 7-week courses offered year-round in fall, spring, and summer semesters.
• Completely online and flexible, designed for working adults to complete coursework on their own schedules while meeting instructor-established deadlines.
• Zero-Textbook-Cost (ZTC) degree, eliminating the cost of course materials for students.
• Hands-on, practical curriculum that blends nonprofit management theory with experiential learning activities and real-world applications.
• Courses in AI, data strategy, and analytics to prepare leaders for the evolving nonprofit landscape.
• Supportive faculty mentors with deep experience in nonprofit leadership and management.

Why Choose CUNY SPS?

CUNY SPS is a nationally ranked leader in online education for working adults. The School combines academic excellence, flexibility, and affordability within the City University of New York system.

The MS in Strategic Nonprofit Management is unique within CUNY as the only graduate degree focused exclusively on nonprofit leadership, governance, and data-driven management. Students gain access to a diverse network of nonprofit peers and leaders dedicated to improving communities across New York City and beyond.

Who Should Apply

The MS in Strategic Nonprofit Management is ideal for:

• Current nonprofit professionals looking to advance into management or director-level roles.
• Career changers seeking to enter the nonprofit sector with applied leadership skills.
• Public service, education, or healthcare professionals who collaborate with nonprofits and want to formalize their training in nonprofit management.
• Individuals who want to lead with purpose, manage strategically, and make measurable impact.

Career Outcomes

The MS in Strategic Nonprofit Management positions graduates for leadership roles such as:

• Nonprofit Director or Manager
• Program Operations Manager
• Development or Fundraising Manager
• Grants or Data & Evaluation Manager
• Executive Director or Chief Operating Officer

Graduates are prepared to lead organizations in health and human services, education, arts and culture, community development, and social enterprise settings.