Program Overview

MS in Management: Nonprofit Management Concentration

The Simmons Master of Science in Management (MSM) with a concentration in Nonprofit Management is designed to help students develop the skills to lead with purpose in mission-driven organizations. This program builds practical skills in finance, economics, marketing, and ethical, inclusive leadership, all tailored to mission-driven work.

Program Overview

The Nonprofit Management concentration prepares students for the challenge and possibility of nonprofit management. It helps students develop the skills to lead with purpose, build and manage nonprofit budgets, connect resources to strategy, strengthen organizational systems, culture, and performance, and engage donors, boards, and community stakeholders with credibility.

Career Opportunities

This master's concentration opens doors to senior nonprofit roles in program leadership and executive management, fundraising and development positions, high-impact program and operations oversight, nonprofit entrepreneurship and organizational expansion, policy and funding influence within institutions and communities, and careers in grants, community engagement, and nonprofit consulting.

Degree Requirements

The Masters of Science in Management: Nonprofit Management concentration requires 34 credits.

SOM Core Courses (10 Credits)

• MSMG 407: Accounting and Finance for Managers
• MSMG 411: Economic Analysis for Managers (3 credits)
• MSMG 442: Project Management (3 credits)
• MSMG 418: Data Feminism, Gender Equity, and Your Career (1 credit)

Nonprofit Management (15 credits)

• MSMG 430: Leading and Managing an Effective Nonprofit Organization (3 credits)
• MSMG 431: Financial Management, Accounting, and Strategy in Nonprofit Organizations (3 credits)
• MSMG 432: Philanthropy and Fundraising in the Nonprofit Sector (3 credits)
• MSMG 5XX: Applied Learning Project (3 credits)
• MSMG 522: Business, Government, and the Global Economy (3 credits)

Electives

Choose 3 of the following (9 credits):

• MSMG 425: Marketing Management (3 credits)
• MSMG 440: Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (3 credits)
• MSMG 450: Digital Marketing (3 credits)
• MSMG 445: Technology & Operations Management (3 credits)
• MSMG 470: Negotiations, Power and Decision-Making (3 credits)
• MSMG 538: AI and Business Strategy (3 credits)
• MGMT 508: Leadership and Change (3 credits)
• MGMT 509: Health Economics and Finance (3 credits)

Program Format and School

The program is offered as a concentration and a master's degree, through the School of Management, and is available in an online format.

Faculty

The program is led by experienced faculty, including:

• Erin DeCurtis, Associate Teaching Professor and Diane K. Trust Professor in Leadership Development and Associate Dean for Undergraduates and Faculty, SOM
• Crystal Daugherty, Associate Vice President and Campaign Director
• Sandi McKinley, Adjunct Faculty
• Niloufer Sohrabji, Professor and Program Director for Economics
• Masato Aoki, Associate Professor
• Mansfield Holmes, Associate Professor of Practice

The Simmons Advantage

Simmons University is one of 25 U.S. colleges and universities – and the only women-centered college – to receive the first Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose Classification. This elective designation is awarded by the American Council on Education (ACE), the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University, and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

Career Outcomes

At Simmons, students gain more than a degree; they join a dynamic Boston-based network of nonprofit leaders, alumni, and community partners. The connections lead to internships, mentorships, and real-world experiences that can launch students into leadership positions. Potential job titles include Program Director, Director of Development, Social & Community Service Manager, Nonprofit Operations Manager, Nonprofit Financial Manager, Volunteer Services Manager, and Information Services Manager.