Simmons graduate students can hone their professional and leadership skills in two nonprofit management programs offered by the School of Management (SOM).
“Nonprofit organizations are critical to the success of education, healthcare, advocacy, and human services in the US, as well as to address persistent dynamics of oppression, equity, and access. Managing nonprofit organizations effectively requires an understanding of how unique they are and what distinct approaches to program delivery, management, and leadership are needed,” says Dr. Erin DeCurtis, associate teaching professor, Diane K. Trust Professor in Leadership Development, and associate dean for undergraduates and faculty.
With two new graduate programs offered by Simmons’ School of Management (SOM) — the MS in management: nonprofit management concentration and the graduate certificate in nonprofit management — students can receive robust training in both practical skills and purpose-driven leadership.
MS in Management: Nonprofit Management Concentration
The MSM with a nonprofit concentration is “designed for professionals who are ready to lead in mission-driven organizations,” says Christina Ramey, SOM professor of practice and director of graduate programs and certificates. “It is especially valuable for individuals from non-business backgrounds who want formal training in management, finance, strategy, and operations.”
Furthermore, this program supports educators, advocates, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and subject matter experts who wish to strengthen their leadership capacity and move into management or executive roles. “The program equips students with the skills and confidence to lead teams, manage resources, and drive meaningful organizational impact,” Ramey adds.
Simmons’ MSM with a concentration in nonprofit management uniquely integrates strong business fundamentals with specialized nonprofit leadership training. “Unlike traditional management programs, it blends strategic leadership, financial management, and operational excellence with a comprehensive understanding of the mission-driven sector,” Ramey says.
Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management
The certificate is a flexible option for professionals who want to build their nonprofit management expertise without committing to a full degree. Certificate students gain practical and immediately applicable skills that enhance their effectiveness and expand their career opportunities.
“It is well-suited for those looking to advance in their current roles, pivot into nonprofit leadership, or complement another master’s degree with nonprofit-specific competencies,” Ramey explains.
The graduate certificate delivers essential nonprofit-specific skills, such as fundraising, financial analysis, program evaluation, governance, and leadership — but without the time and financial commitment of a full degree program. (The certificate may also serve as a potential pathway to the MSM program).
Professionalizing Coursework
The nonprofit management coursework emphasizes applied learning, case studies, and practical tools. The courses are designed to be directly relevant and immediately applicable to students’ professional roles.
Some of the course offerings include: “Leading and Managing an Effective Nonprofit Organization” (MSMG 430), “Project Management” (MSMG 442), “Financial Management, Accounting, and Strategy in Nonprofit Organizations” (MSMG 431), “Philanthropy and Fundraising in the Nonprofit Sector” (MSMG 432), “Applied Learning Project” (MSMG 469), and “Economic Analysis for Managers” (MSMG 411).
In reference to the “Leading and Managing an Effective Nonprofit Organization” course, DeCurtis explains that it “gives a broad understanding of how these critical functions operate within the context of trying to create positive social change, particularly in the face of persistent challenges like food and housing insecurity and gender, racial, and economic equity.”
Another distinctive concentration course, “Applied Learning Project,” gives students the opportunity to complete a hands-on project for a nonprofit organization in which they can apply their knowledge and skills from the program to advance the organization’s success.
Real-World Learning and Career Preparation
Simmons’ MSM and the certificate programs in nonprofit management “prepare students to lead effectively in today’s complex nonprofit environment by combining management theory with hands-on application,” Ramey says.
Students develop core competencies in financial management, fundraising strategy, program evaluation, governance, and strategic planning, critical skills for sustainable nonprofit leadership.
Moreover, the master’s program, Ramey adds, “provides comprehensive management training in organizational leadership, operations, and data-informed decision-making.”
Through applied coursework, case studies, and real-world projects, students will be able to translate learning into practice. “Graduates will be prepared for roles such as program director, development manager, operations manager, executive director, or other leadership positions within nonprofit and mission-driven organizations,” Ramey says.
Both programs address challenges one may encounter in the nonprofit sector. “The two greatest risks for nonprofit organizations are lack of funding and poor financial management,” DeCurtis says. “Simmons’ SOM programs are anchored in an in-depth understanding of fundraising best practices and understanding the misconceptions around funding sustainability in nonprofit organizations.”
As Ramey elaborates, “today’s nonprofit organizations face increasing demand for services, funding uncertainty, resource constraints, and heightened accountability. These programs are designed to prepare leaders who can successfully navigate those challenges.”
For example, students learn how to build sustainable financial models, diversify revenue streams, measure and communicate impact, and strengthen governance and operational systems.
“As with all programs within Simmons’ SOM, we are anchored in helping students understand the unique challenges of managing and leading organizations that tend not to center women and people of color at the senior leadership level,” DeCurtis explains. “The program is also designed to bring a critical lens to how nonprofits have operated historically, which has often positioned nonprofits as saviors rather than as partners with individuals and groups in marginalized communities to build on the existing capacity in those communities.” Therefore, the curriculum and coursework offer “an overarching understanding of the global and economic context of organizations and operational best practices.”
Emphasizing ethical leadership, strategic decision-making, and mission alignment, the curriculum introduces students to the key elements for maintaining public trust and organizational resilience. As Ramey notes, “by integrating business discipline with nonprofit values, Simmons prepares graduates to lead organizations that are both mission-driven and operationally strong.”
Linking Passion to Purpose in the Workplace
Over the last 15 years, DeCurtis observes, the growth of mission-driven for-profit companies has led many business schools to focus on training students to launch and lead social enterprises. “That is fantastic,” she says, “we need more mission-driven businesses that are creating positive social value for individuals, communities, and the natural environment. And the nonprofit sector still plays a vital role in our society, and we are excited to offer a program dedicated to developing leaders in that distinct sector.”
Simmons prepares students to excel in the nonprofit landscape, which is the third-largest sector of the US economy by number of people employed. Purpose-driven professionals work across areas such as program management, fundraising, financial leadership, communications, advocacy, and executive management.
As nonprofit organizations grow more complex and accountable, there is increasing demand for leaders who combine passion for a mission with strong management, financial, and strategic expertise.
“These programs at Simmons’ SOM are designed to meet that demand,” Ramey says, “developing leaders who are prepared not only to manage organizations, but to strengthen communities and create lasting social impact.”