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.
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
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.
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 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
Nonprofit Services Director of Operations 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
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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).