M.A. in Nonprofit Leadership and Management
Program Information
The Basics
Degree: Master of Arts in Nonprofit Leadership and Management
Units: 36 Graduate Units
Approximate Time to Completion
This program is designed to be completed in 2 years, including some summer and intersession coursework. Many students work full-time while completing the two-year program, however, a part-time three-year option is available.
Class Schedule
Each class typically meets once per week at 6:00 p.m. for 2 hours and 50 minutes. Some classes are also offered on weekend days. Summer and intersession classes typically hold more frequent class meetings. Students typically take 2-3 classes per semester as well as summer and intersession coursework.
Enrollment
This program enrolls approximately 25 new students each year.
Application Deadline
This program admits students for the fall semester. Click here for application deadline information.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available in the form of scholarships, grants, and student loans. Click here for financial aid information.
Tuition is discounted to $600 per unit for students employed more than 20 hours per week by a 501 (c)(3) organization.
What can I do with this degree?
The goal of this program is to provide existing and aspiring nonprofit practitioners with cutting-edge leadership theories and state-of-the-art management tools that can be used to create high-performing organizations. Information on where our students and alumni are employed can be found on the department website.
For more program information, visit the department website.
Application Checklist
- The University of San Diego Graduate School Admission Application. This application can be completed online at: www.sandiego.edu/admissions/graduate/apply/application.php
- The application fee of $45. Checks should be made out to the University of San Diego.
- One official sealed transcript from all colleges and universities attended.
- Three professional letters of recommendation from current or previous supervisors, board chairs, or colleagues.
- A current resume.
- A 500-word statement of purpose answering the question: What do you believe are the greatest challenges facing the nonprofit sector (either locally or nationally) and how will what you learn in this program help you effectuate change in those areas?
- If employed by a nonprofit organization, a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the applicant’s employer stating the degree to which the organization supports the applicant’s candidacy.
- Required documents for international students (if applicable).
- Official score reports for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
- Transcript Evaluation Report.
- Certification of Finances Form and required documentation.
Requirements for Admission
Standardized Testing Requirements
- No standardized testing is required for admission to this program. However, applicants with a GPA below 3.00 (on a 4.00) are strongly encouraged to submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test scores to strengthen their application.
- The University of San Diego’s Institution Code number is 4849. This number must be included on test registration forms in order to have the official results sent to the university.
Education Requirements
- Applicants must complete a bachelor’s degree prior to beginning the program.
- The minimum cumulative Grade Point Average is 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) in all undergraduate and graduate coursework.
Experience Requirements
- The program has a strong preference for applicants with at least four years of professional work experience.
Interview Requirements
- Candidates who are being seriously considered for admission will be asked to attend a group interview conducted by alumni of the program. Admissions decisions will be finalized shortly thereafter.
Requirements for International Applicants
Please note that international applicants must submit additional materials in order to be considered for admission. More information on these requirements is available here.
- A Course-by-Course Transcript Evaluation Report from World Education Services (WES) or Education Credential Evaluators (ECE). Transcripts issued directly in English by the academic institution are preferred. Otherwise, all transcripts that are not issued in English must be officially translated by an approved agency.
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required and may only be waived if English is the applicant’s primary language or if he or she obtained a bachelor’s degree in the U.S., Great Britain, Canada or Australia.
- TOEFL minimum scores:
- Internet-based test: 83
- Computer-based test: 237
- Paper-based test: 580
- IELTS minimum score:
- Band score 7
- TOEFL minimum scores:
- Certification of Finances Form and required documentation.
Deadline to Apply
All application materials, including transcripts, test score reports and letters of recommendation, must be received by the Office of Graduate Admissions by the deadline in order for your application to be considered. The current deadlines for admission to this program can be found here.
Application Status and Decisions
To confirm that application materials have been received or to check the status of your application, please log in to the MySanDiego portal with your applicant log-in or contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at 619-260-4524. Admissions decision letters are sent via US Mail.
| Send all application materials to: | For questions about this program or the admissions requirements contact: |
Office of Graduate Admissions Phone: (619) 260-4524 |
Office of Admissions and Outreach Phone: (619) 260-7988 |
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