Master's Concentration

Mission-Driven Operations and Management

A nonprofit organization can only accomplish its mission if its program operations and organizational management are efficient and effective. Staffing, performance evaluation, impact, and the human and financial resources must function smoothly for any organization to succeed. In this master's degree concentration in Mission-Driven Operations and Management, you'll learn how to examine an organization's financial and operational goals and develop partnerships and community-based strategies that can further an organization's impact — all through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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.


Mission-Driven Operations and Management image

At a Glance

Classes Begin
June 12
Format
Evening or Online
Term Length
10 Weeks
Admission
No GRE or GMAT
Master's Degree
Tuition
$38,688
Time
As few as 18 months
U.S. News Best Colleges
Top-Ranked University

U.S. News & World Report Rankings
Tracy Joosten
Talk to an Enrollment Manager

Tracy Joosten

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


Effectively plan and resource nonprofit and/or nongovernmental program development


Evaluate existing program design, funding structures, resource allocation, and impact


Ensure mission accomplishment and operational alignment

Curriculum

Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership with a concentration in Mission-Driven Operations and Management requires completion of 48 credit hours (12 courses).

All students are required to complete a zero-credit Student Success Course.

5
Core Courses
4
Concentration Courses
3
Elective Courses

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.

Time to Completion
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 Mission-Driven Operations and Management.

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 Mission-Driven Operations and Management


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.


A report done by the Philanthropy Outlook projects charity giving will grow 3.8% over the next year. This increase of funds will help community service agencies to create new positions.


The nonprofit industry is a diverse industry with employers based in large cities to rural areas. Nonprofit professionals can seek employment in healthcare, education, social services, arts and culture, and more.

Job Titles

Director of Operations
Program Director
Program Manager
Operations Managers
Business Manager

Nonprofit Services Director of Operations Salary: National Average

$50,000
(Glassdoor)

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

Theme: Job Satisfaction
Flexible Online Classes

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

Accreditation & Associations

Higher Learning Commission logo
Higher Learning Commission

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.

Colorado Nonprofit Association
Colorado Nonprofit Association

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.

Nonprofit Academic Centers Council
Nonprofit Academic Centers Council

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).

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