by John MacGregor
Online Masters Degrees Programs Columnist

Because people often give to nonprofit organizations money out of kindness, you might not think nonprofits need highly-effective leaders. However, nonprofit managers know that success rides on running a tight ship and being able to demonstrate it to potential donors. A master’s degree in nonprofit management offers the skills needed to be an effective leader who can integrate the latest theories into actions for change.

Nonprofits belong to neither the government nor the private business sectors. They are often called, the ‘third sector.’ The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that this sector will provide excellent job prospects in the coming years. According to the BLS, nonprofits are in need of managers who have “effective communication skills, a strong sense of responsibility, and the ability to manage time effectively. Formal education almost always is necessary for advancement.”

Online Master’s Degree Programs Get You up to Speed Quickly

You can enhance your leadership abilities through an online course of study that allows you to study from home and on your own schedule—without compromising quality of materials and interactions with professors and classmates. No matter where you’re located, you can find an online master’s degree program and you can often complete your studies in two years.

Check Out Your Options in the Third Sector

The third sector offers a substantial variety of causes for which to work; from little league to language and cultural studies; from music and arts to helping the homeless and providing medical aid around the world. You can start small in your local community or join up with international giants like Doctors Without Borders or the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. With the training offered by a master’s degree in nonprofit management, you could even start your own organization and make a difference in new and unique ways.

About the author

John MacGregor is a freelance writer with degrees from the University of California in Comparative Literature and Law. He has traveled widely and worked on civil rights, government, education, and technology projects.

Source(s):

Johns Hopkins Nonprofit Listening Post Project
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics