Designed for current and aspiring nonprofit leaders, this specialized program equips you with the skills, knowledge and expertise to drive positive change in the nonprofit sector. CSUN's MPA in Nonprofit Sector Management combines theory, practical experience and a values-driven approach to help you make a lasting impact in the communities you serve.

“The program made an immediate difference in my work environment. I found myself thinking bigger and more critically about staff structure and board involvement – topics not previously in my purview. My new boss took notice and a promotion and relocation to Washington, D.C. happened before I even finished my degree.”

Kristi Koon, Graduate, MPA: Nonprofit

Fast Facts
  • Priority deadline: March 19, 2024
  • Program mode: 100% online | Cohort format
  • Program duration: 2 year (36 units)
  • Financial Aid available
  • No GRE Required

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Watch what our graduates say about this program.

Career outlook

CSUN ranks 3rd as a talent provider for many of the public sector’s top positions in Los Angeles, Long Beach and Anaheim. Graduates of this program include Chiefs of Police, Mayors, Executive Directors and other leaders in the field.

An impressive 86% of MPA graduates are employed full-time, with 3,055 working in the public and nonprofit sectors.

Some agencies and companies they work for:

  • City of Los Angeles
  • County of Los Angeles
  • Los Angeles Unified School District
  • Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
  • Los Angeles County FCA
  • Kaiser Permanente
  • County of Ventura

Plus many more!

$90k average non-profit manager salary in the U.S. as of February 2022
The nonprofits industry employed the third largest workforce of any in the U.S.
15% job growth within the nonprofit sector 2020-2030

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Transform your community.

By choosing this program, you’re investing in your own potential as a transformative leader. When you finish, you’ll be ready to drive positive change and create lasting impacts in the world around you.

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As a student, you’ll extensively study and discuss:

  • Management (human and financial)
  • Stakeholder relations
  • Budgeting
  • Fundraising and resource development
  • Program implementation
  • Policy
  • Grant writing

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Why you'll love us.

  • NO TEMPLATES, EVER.

    At CSUN, we don't fill courses. We build them, entirely from scratch, each and every time we launch a program. This leads to a unique education, with real and lasting outcomes in your career.

  • EXPERT INSTRUCTION AND DESIGN.

    Our world-class faculty design and teach all courses, helping you gain today’s most in-demand skills – and bringing the industry directly to you.

  • GROUP-POWERED LEARNING.

    When you enroll, we place you in a small, interactive group of peers from diverse organizations and industries. And from day one to graduation, you’ll learn and grow together.

  • VIP SUPPORT.

    As you earn your education, we’ll stay with you every step of the way, offering close, personal support when and where you need it.

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Overview

CSUN ranks among the nation’s top providers of MPA degrees and is California’s leading MPA provider. Since 1985, more than 3,600 graduates have earned their MPA degrees at CSUN and now work in major roles across Southern California and beyond.

Taught by CSUN faculty as well as industry leaders, this program presents you with the management tools and concepts to lead the nonprofit sector. In the program, you'll master a number of core skills – management, strategic planning, fundraising, grant writing and more – while expanding your knowledge of trends in the nonprofit arena. The program improves your critical thinking skills, business acumen and decision-making ability.

You'll work on real-world scenarios that prepare you for a variety of possibilities in the sector. You’ll also engage in practical exercises and learn tools for ethical and competent financial management. And through cases studies and exposure to topical business scenarios, you’ll learn to use academic models to solve everyday issues.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question: What prerequisites do I have to complete to be admitted to the MPA program?

Answer: A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university and previous work experience (at least two years) are required for admission if your cumulative GPA is below a 3.0. All students are required to upload a statement of purpose and resume when they submit their MPA application regardless of GPA. At this time, the program does not require any specific prerequisite courses before admission.

Question: Must I submit a transcript for every college that I have attended?

Answer: Yes, you must submit an official transcript from any institute of higher education that you attended (even if you did not graduate). Official e-transcripts may also be emailed directly from your previous college or university.

Question: If I received my bachelor's degree from CSUN, do I have to include transcripts with my application?

Answer: No, we have access to your CSUN transcripts.

Question: Would I have to submit letters of recommendation?

Answer: If your cumulative GPA is above a 3.0, you would not need letters of recommendation. However, if it’s below a 3.0, you will need to submit three letters of recommendation from current or former supervisors.

Question:What is the application deadline?

Answer: Application deadlines for different cohort sites and on campus vary. Please contact the MPA office at 818-677-3332 if you have any questions.

Question: Can I work while I'm in the program?

Answer: The MPA program is designed to accommodate working professionals. Classes are scheduled one night per week from 6 p.m. – 9:45 p.m. to facilitate success for working adults. Additionally, an online version of the program is also available each fall semester for those students wishing to study remotely.

Question: How long will the program take to complete?

Answer: On average, the MPA program takes from two to two-and-a-half years to complete.

Question: What if I need to temporarily stop attending?

Answer: If, for compelling reasons, a student finds it necessary to miss either a complete course or a significant number of classes, he or she must consult with their regular cohort or on-campus contact, as soon as the student is aware that classes or courses will be missed.

Question: Will I have access to the University Library?

Answer: Yes. Students can take advantage of many resources through the University Library. Be prepared to show your registration receipt and a picture ID. Students in cohorts have full access to a large array of materials online.

Question: Are the cost of the books included in the tuition?

Answer: No. The cost of the books are not included with your tuition.

For additional questions and answers, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

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