Nonprofit Organizations, MNO

Robert Fischer, Chair, Master of Nonprofit Organizations Program
robert.fischer@case.edu

Degree: Master of Nonprofit Organizations (MNO)

Program Overview

The Master of Nonprofit Organizations (MNO) degree program prepares students interested in the nonprofit sector for management and leadership positions, by building their skills, competencies, knowledge and capacity. The MNO degree has eight competencies:

  1. Financial Resource Development and Management
  2. Foundations and Management of the Nonprofit Sector
  3. Governance, Stewardship and Advocacy
  4. Legal and Ethical Decision Making
  5. Program Development and Evaluation
  6. Human Resource Management
  7. Communication, Marketing and Public Relations
  8. Nonprofit Leadership.  

The full-time program consisting of 39 credit hours can be completed in 12 months over three consecutive semesters. The part-time program can be completed in six or more semesters with students taking 1-2 courses per term.

The curriculum will provide education that instills analytical skills, knowledge relevant to ethical and entrepreneurial decision-making, and expertise in acquiring and managing resources. Graduates will be trained to enhance organizational effectiveness, harness passion, dedication, and vision, make the best use of available resources and seek new resources. Graduates will gain the technical and relational management skills and knowledge needed to address a wide range of issues confronting nonprofits and become professionals who work to influence political and social decisions, build capacity, and advance organizational mission. 

Students accepted for the MNO degree program must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. They must have a record of excellent academic performance and potential evidenced by grade point average. Applicants with a GPA below 2.7 may be admitted conditionally. Students must also show evidence of a strong interest in the nonprofit sector through volunteer activities, internship experiences, or employment in a nonprofit organization.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will possess an understanding of financial resource acquisition, budgeting, financial management, control and transparency in nonprofit organizations.
  • Students will possess an understanding of the history, contributions, and unique characteristics of the nonprofit sector and its management.
  • Students will possess an understanding of the role of stewardship and advocacy, and the responsibilities of the board of directors, staff and volunteers in the development of policies, procedures, and processes by which nonprofits operate and are held accountable.
  • Students will possess an understanding of the basic laws, regulations and professional standards that govern nonprofit sector operations, including a basic knowledge of ethics and decision-making.
  • Students will possess skills in program design, implementation, and evaluation strategies applicable to nonprofit organizations.
  • Students will possess the knowledge, skills, and techniques for managing volunteer and paid staff in nonprofit settings.
  • Students will possess the knowledge, attitudes and skills that nonprofit organizations use to understand, inform and influence their various constituencies.
  • Students will possess the cultural competency preparation for professional practice in culturally diverse nonprofit settings.