- MBA: Masters of Business Administration programs come with a variety of public sector “twists” such as Northwestern’s Social Enterprise concentration at the Kellogg School of Business. Net Impact recently published a survey titled Business as UNusual, which outlines approximately 40 business school programs that successfully incorporate a socially-focused curriculum.
- MPA: The Masters of Public Administration teaches students how to apply business skills to the public sector. If jobs like Grants Manager, Director of Development, Manager of Philanthropic Programs, or Community Involvement Representative interest you, an MPA may be what you are looking for.
- MPP: A Masters of Public Policy can lead to a career in local or state governments or governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations or think tanks. Positions may include Policy Analyst, Director of Research or Government Relations Manager.
- MUP: A Masters of Urban Planning degree focuses on city revitalization, empowerment of impoverished areas, and environmental concerns. Graduates typically secure jobs in such organizations as the UN, USAID, the World Bank, local and state housing agencies and nonprofit organizations that assist the homeless.
- MSW: A Masters of Social Work degree is generally required for any managerial position in this field and academic programs often include a year of classroom study and a year of field work. Graduates often find jobs in fields including adoption support, child protection, employment, hospice care, mental health counseling and school social work.
Nonprofit Degree
What is a nonprofit degree?
A nonprofit degree is a degree from a university that prepares one for a career in the nonprofit sector.
Most colleges may not list a nonprofit degree exactly as that: A Nonprofit degree. Instead you should keep your eyes open for names of degrees like Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, Social Work, or others.
I have a Masters degree in Public Administration (MPA) with a focus on Nonprofit Management. This is just one of the avenues you could take if you are looking to get a nonprofit degree.
Here is a quick breakdown of some programs that may be of interest to you:
Nonprofit Degree MPA Degree MSW Degree MUP Degree
In case you do not understand the lingo associated with nonprofit degrees, here it is in plain language:

