Executive Leadership and Governance
Leading a nonprofit or nongovernmental organization of any size requires senior leaders to examine individual and organizational practices and behaviors. In the Executive Leadership and Governance master’s degree concentration, you'll develop a broad spectrum of tools in leadership, change management, and diversity, equity, and inclusion to better navigate organizational changes and challenges. Enhance your knowledge in board and senior-team leadership, value-centered leadership, strategic direction and planning, and organization culture development.
This program follows the graduate guidelines of the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council (NACC).
Summmer 2023 Course Offering
Check out our experiential learning course Development in Action: An Immersive Leadership Experience offered this summer at the Kennedy Mountain Campus.
At a Glance
Free Application
University College is committed to educational access, and given the difficult circumstances currently impacting millions of people, we are waiving application fees.
Skills You'll Learn
Craft leadership development plans using strengths, skills, and behaviors
Evaluate effective leadership to positively impact organizational health and impact
Evaluate organizational capacity, operations, governance, and program implementation
Curriculum
Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership with a concentration in Executive Leadership and Governance requires completion of 48 credit hours (12 courses).
All students are required to complete a zero-credit Student Success Course.
Sample Schedule
Plan out your schedule and determine your preferred timeline for completing your master's degree—finish in as few as 18 months or take up to five years.
| Year 1 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classes | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Year 2 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classes | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Year 1 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classes | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Year 2 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classes | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
Interested in a graduate certificate?
Explore our four and six course graduate certificates in Executive Leadership and Governance.
Take a Course Before You Apply
We know how important it is to get started when you're ready and that's why you can enroll in a course before you officially apply.
Career Outcomes
Predicted outcomes for graduates of Executive Leadership and Governance
According to the Johns Hopkins Center for Civil Society Studies, nonprofits are creating jobs three times faster than for-profits and is the third largest industry in the U.S.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics found there were nearly 12.3 million jobs in the nonprofit sector, which amounts to 10.2% of employment in the United States. The Colorado Nonprofit Economic Impact study found that nonprofits make 11.3% of the states GDP and accounts for over 333,000 jobs.
Nonprofit leaders are essential to community decision making and will help impact the local economy and workforce.
Job Titles
Nonprofit Director Salary: National Average
Get Ahead with Career Services
One-on-one career coaching and mock interviews
Job database dedicated to DU students and alumni
Résumé and cover letter guidance
Hear from Our Students
Hear from Our Students Carousel
These times are tumultuous, yet nonprofit organizations still need to move forward to make the world a better place. How are we navigating our organizations and fundraising programs through this time of uncertainty? Let's come together and discuss how we all can survive and even thrive in these times. In this session, seasoned nonprofit professionals who are Nonprofit Leadership faculty, will address the challenges of creating a fundraising strategy in the age of COVID-19 and practical tips to make your fundraising program work in times of crisis.
Flexible Online Classes
We understand the demands of balancing work, friends and family, and school can be challenging. That's why at University College, you can complete your program entirely online. Our online learning platform makes it easy to work anywhere at any time.
Featured Instructors
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Accreditation & Associations
University College programs maintain the highest level of accreditation offered by The Higher Learning Commission, one of the regional accrediting bodies recognized by the federal government. The University of Denver and all of its academic programs are regionally accredited by this commission, and regional accreditation is the highest standard for universities in the United States.
The University of Denver's Nonprofit Leadership program through University College is proud to be a sponsor of the Colorado Nonprofit Association, a valued community partnership for more than a decade.
The Nonprofit Leadership program at DU's University College is a proud member of several leading nonprofit associations, including the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council (NACC).