MBA Programs for Non-Profit
A growing number of business students are looking for more than just a big salary; instead they are looking to create change by working in nonprofits, non-governmental organizations, and social enterprises. An MBA can help students apply core business principles (like strategy, finance, and marketing) to these organizations, so they can effectively drive social impact. Students can also choose to pair their MBA with a Master of Public Administration (MPA) or a Master of Public Policy (MPP) through dual-degree offerings.
Top Business Schools for a career in Non-Profit
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NYU - Stern
Although Stern does not offer a specialization in managing nonprofits, students can choose from several other related concentrations, such as “Social Innovation and Impact.” Electives such as “Financial Management for Nonprofits and NGOs” are available through NYU's Wagner School of Public Service. Stern has also established a fund that provides financial resources to students who pursue an internship in the social sector. Students can also choose to pursue Stern's MBA/MPA dual degree. View school profile
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UC Berkeley - Haas
Social enterprise-minded students can choose to pursue the school's emphasis area in Nonprofit and Public Leadership. Also, Haas' Center for Nonprofit and Public Leadership provides field work opportunities that give students real-world experience in the sector. View school profile
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York - Schulich
The school's Nonprofit Management & Leadership Program produces research in the field of non-profit management. Schulich's MBA specialization in Nonprofit Management helps students look at core business elements like marketing and financial management and their implications for non-profit organizations. View school profile
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Copenhagen CBS
Copenhagen offers a variety of electives, including ones in corporate social responsibility (CSR) that can pave the way for careers in nonprofits or NGOs. According to the school, about 17 percent of last year's class ended up in international organizations (nonprofits, public organizations, and NGOs). View school profile
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Oxford - Said
Students interested in managing nonprofits can use Oxford's Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship as a hub for making connections and finding resources. The center can also help students tailor their experiential projects to focus on social innovation. The school also offers a selection of social entrepreneurship electives. View school profile
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Suffolk University - Sawyer Business School
Through a range of unique curriculum, the school's specialized MBA degree in non-profit prepares students for a career in this field. Suffolk also offers an MPA degree in non-profit management. View school profile
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Harvard
Since 1993, HBS' Social Enterprise Initiative has been producing research and business case studies that explore how integrated business practices can drive social change. The Initiative also helps students adapt the school's curriculum for a career in social enterprises. View school profile
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Université de Genève - HEC Genève
Geneva, a hub for international organizations and NGO activity, is a magnet for those seeking a career in the non-profit sector. The school offers a specialized “International Organizations MBA” that examines management of intergovernmental, public and non-profit organizations. View school profile
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Birmingham
While the school doesn't have a concentration in non-profit management, students have the option of taking relevant modules, such as “Ethics in Global Business.” Last year, 16 percent of graduates went into either nonprofits or government. View school profile
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Yale
Almost 10 percent of last year's class went into the non-profit sector. In the past, students have been recruited by non-profit organizations like AmeriCare, the Nature Conservancy, and the Environmental Defense Fund. View school profile
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Brandeis - IBS
With the “Heller MBA in Nonprofit Management,” Brandeis is one of only a handful of schools to offer a specialized MBA in this field. The program's curriculum is designed to look at management through a non-profit lens, with a specific focus on “the triple bottom line” (people, planet, profit). Grads go on to do fulfilling work in organizations like the Peace Corps and the AIDS Action Committee. View school profile
