How the Online MS in Nonprofit Administration from LSUS Helps You Do Good as a Career

Do you ever feel stuck in a job that doesn't align with your values? Many professionals reach a point where they desire more than just a paycheck. They seek a career that allows them to contribute to a cause they care about and to make a real difference in the world.  
 
If this resonates with you, the online Master of Science in Nonprofit Administration from LSU Shreveport can help. This program empowers graduates like Jeffery Brasher to pursue fulfilling careers dedicated to social good. Jeffery's journey highlights the program's structure, its impact on his career, and the lessons he learned.

Meet Jeffery Brasher 

Please tell us about yourself. 
I am the Scout Executive/CEO of the Norwela Council, Boy Scouts of America in Shreveport, LA. We provide Scouting programs for youth ages 6-21 in nine northwest Louisiana parishes. I began this role in Shreveport in November 2019. I hold a Master of Science in Nonprofit Administration from LSUS and a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Communications and minors in Marketing and English from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. I've worked in the nonprofit field for almost 31 years with the Boy Scouts of America in various roles in five Councils, eight of those years as a CEO. 
 
What made you decide to pursue your LSUS degree through LSU Online? 
Going back and earning a postgraduate degree had been something that had been in the back of my mind for years. When I began working on this degree, I was almost through completing my Certified Nonprofit Professional Certification, which brought the decision to the forefront. I was honored to be asked to serve on the Advisory Board of the Institute for Nonprofit Administration and Research at LSUS. After serving for a few months with INAR and being an advocate for that program, I decided to pursue the degree. 
 
How has earning your online degree from LSUS helped you in your career endeavors? 
Many of the classes I took were about duties I regularly perform, so they were good reinforcers and greatly enhanced my skills by giving me different perspectives. There were a few classes that I had absolutely no experience with that really took me out of my comfort zone, but these helped me develop new skills. So much of the curriculum is "real world" that will help nonprofit professionals regardless of their role or organization. 
 
How did you balance your time while earning your degree? 
I had been out of college a long time, so getting back into the school groove was an adjustment, and there were sacrifices made that affected my free time, weekends, etc. These changes affected me and my family, and I'm very grateful my wife supported me in earning the degree. I made it a priority to spend time every day on assignments and staying ahead. Some days, that meant staying up late; some days, it meant getting up at 4:30 AM. But I also made sure I devoted time to others and my hobbies. I just got into a pattern, and balancing everything became a part of my daily routine. 
 
Do you have any advice for future students? 
The online MS in Nonprofit Administration program is well worth pursuing. I'd recommend it to anyone considering a career with nonprofits and those already in the field, especially in middle or upper-management roles. It will enhance leadership skills and give exposure to every facet of nonprofits, from governance to human resources to fiscal management. The support from the faculty, staff, and student success coaches is phenomenal. Many resources are available to help you have a great experience. Deciding to earn this degree was one of the smartest decisions I've ever made. Not only did I learn a lot about our field, I learned a lot about myself. 

About the Online Master in Nonprofit Administration from LSU Shreveport 

The online Master of Science in Nonprofit Administration from LSU Shreveport is a flexible degree that allows students to pursue a meaningful career. Taught by experienced professors with a deep understanding of the nonprofit sector, the program equips graduates with the essential knowledge and skills to navigate the unique challenges and opportunities nonprofit organizations face. Students may also tailor their education with three specialized tracks: Nonprofit Administration, Nonprofit Development, and Disaster Preparedness. 
 
The program covers strategic planning, fundraising, nonprofit resource development, and more. This comprehensive curriculum provides the expertise needed to secure funding, manage resources, and effectively lead teams toward achieving an organization's mission. The focus on real-world application produces graduates who are prepared to make a lasting impact within the nonprofit sector. Overall, the program delivers a high-quality, convenient education at an affordable cost. 

Invest in Your Future with LSU Shreveport 

Jeffery Brasher's story shows how the online MS in Nonprofit Administration from LSUS can give you the tools to turn your passion for social change into a fulfilling career. 
 
Ready to start your own educational journey? Learn more about the program, or apply now!