Earn an Online Master of Science in Nonprofit Administration from LSUS
Degree completion possible in as few as 12 months
Classes taught by faculty active in the nonprofit sector
Students in the MSNPA program get hands-on experience through graduate research assistantship positions through the LSUS Institute for Nonprofit Administration and Research.
Specialized tracks in Nonprofit Administration, Nonprofit Development, Disaster Preparedness, and Faith-Based Organizations Administration
Accredited
Accreditation
The Master of Science in Nonprofit Administration program at Louisiana State University Shreveport is accredited by the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council (NACC) and is only ONE of 12 programs in the world accredited by this prestigious governing body.
Four specialized tracks offered:
Nonprofit Administration, Nonprofit Development, Disaster Preparedness and Faith-Based Organizations Administration Track Learn More
Admissions
Whether you’re returning to school or advancing your career, our admissions team is here to support you every step of the way.
Apply by
Apr 20, 2026
Classes begin
May 11, 2026
Admission Requirements
The admission process is the first step toward earning your degree and preparing for more rewarding opportunities. We’ve streamlined the process so you can get started quickly and easily. Students interested in the Nonprofit Administration online degree program must meet the following requirements for admission.
Program Requirements:
- Submit graduate application and $20 application fee
- GPA: A minimum 2.5 grade point average on the undergraduate degree (on a 4.0 scale) or a 2.75 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in the last 60 hours attempted in the degree program. Additionally, a 3.0 GPA is required on any graduate work previously attempted with no more than 6 credit hours with a grade of "C" and no grades of "F".
- Academic Standing: Graduate students must be in satisfactory standing at the last institution that they attended.
- Entrance Exam: No GRE is required.
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended and any other required official documents
Once your materials have been received, you will receive notification from Graduate Studies and your materials will be forwarded to the graduate director of the MSNPA program.
Official transcripts, official test scores, and other materials that come from third-party sources should be mailed to:
LSUS
Admissions and Records Office
One University Place
Shreveport, LA 71115
Transcripts may also be submitted via secure means—e.g., eSCRIP-SAFE—to admissions@lsus.edu.
*This degree does not lead to any additional certification if the graduate does not already possess a teaching certificate.
To be considered for admission to any of our graduate programs, students must first meet the LSUS Graduate School admission requirements.
Graduate School Admission:
Unconditional Admission: For unconditional admission to graduate study, students must be in satisfactory standing at the last institution attended and meet all admission requirements of a degree program and one of the following:
Earned a graduate degree from a regionally accredited university, OR
Earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited university, with a minimum 2.5 overall GPA or minimum 2.75 GPA in the last 60 semester hours of courses.
A minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) is required on any graduate work attempted with no grades of D or F.
International Admission:
International applicants must meet regular admission requirements for their selected program. In addition, you may be required to submit additional information. Learn more about international admission requirements.
*Professional experience is determined on a case-by-case basis using a resume and any requested supporting documents. The LSUS Admissions Committee evaluates an individual's accomplishments, roles, and responsibilities to determine the total number of years of professional experience.
Flexible Schedule
Our program is built for busy adults with work and family commitments. Learn on your schedule with 24/7 access to course materials.
No required login times
Complete coursework when it works for you
Stay on track with weekly goals
Perfect for full-time workers and parents
Tuition
LSUS programs offer competitive, flat-rate tuition with no out-of-state fees, helping you advance your career with predictable, affordable costs.
Tuition & Fees
- 33 credit hours
- Total credit hours per program
- $378
- Cost per credit hour
- $12,489
- Total cost with fees
*Actual cost per credit is $378.44 with 33 credit hours total. This makes the total cost $12,488.52
The total cost above does not include transfer credit or financial aid. Cost per credit hour and fees are subject to change. Fee schedules may vary by program depending on course-specific fees for proctoring and/or books. Please contact a Student Success Coach for more information.
Financial Aid Available
LSUS offers several ways to help you pay for your degree including credit for prior learning (PLA), financial aid, and veteran education benefits. Learn more ›
Academics
Students who graduate with a master’s degree in nonprofit administration will have the skills to manage the formation, behavior, and operations of nonprofit organizations. You also have the opportunity to align your degree with your career aspirations with four specialized tracks.
Nonprofit Administration Track
The Nonprofit Administration Track focuses on managing nonprofit organizations, covering organizational design, structure, behavior, and collaborative partnerships with boards, volunteers, and staff. Graduates are prepared to lead mission-driven organizations, strengthen operational efficiency, and drive growth and innovation in the nonprofit sector. Learning outcomes below:
- Evaluate organizational structures and daily workflows and recommend changes that better serve the mission.
- Analyze board–staff roles and produce a clear governance plan that improves accountability and support.
- Design and implement an operations plan that covers policies, risk, budgeting, and basic data practices.
Nonprofit Development Track
The Nonprofit Development Track emphasizes fundraising, donor stewardship, volunteer development, and organizational marketing strategies. Graduates gain the skills to grow resources, build lasting donor relationships, and advance their nonprofit’s mission while enhancing career opportunities in development and leadership. Learning outcomes below:
- Analyze giving and audience data to set realistic goals and segment donors for outreach.
- Design an integrated fundraising plan with trackable steps across campaigns, grants, and major gifts.
- Produce a complete grant package, case for support, work plan, budget, and outcomes, aligned to funder criteria.
Disaster Preparedness Track
The Disaster Preparedness Track prepares students to manage crises and emergency situations within nonprofit and relief organizations. Graduates develop the expertise to lead relief efforts, coordinate disaster response, and pursue Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credentials for high-demand roles in crisis management. Learning outcomes below:
- Develop an all-hazards plan that coordinates the nonprofit’s role across agencies and sectors.
- Map and coordinate essential resources, volunteers, and donations before, during, and after an event.
- Evaluate threats to staying open and put in place practical safeguards for people, money, and data
Faith-Based Organizations Administration Track
The Faith-Based Organizations Administration Track equips students with the skills to lead and manage nonprofits that play a vital role in serving underserved communities. By focusing on governance, funding, and mission-driven leadership, the program prepares graduates for impactful careers in one of the largest sectors of U.S. charitable giving. Learning outcomes below:
- Evaluate how religious values and traditions influence organizational behavior, governance, service delivery and ethical decision-making in faith-based organizations.
- Analyze the governance structures and societal impact of faith-based organizations across diverse theological and cultural contexts.
- Design and implement inclusive, interfaith leadership strategies and strategic mission-driven initiatives for faith-based organizations.
Courses
Students in the M.S. in Nonprofit Administration online program must complete 33 total credit hours of course work. This includes 27 credit hours of core courses and 6 credit hours of a specialty track.
| Core Courses: 9 courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
Students must complete the following courses. |
|
NPA 702: Development and Theories of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Organizations |
3 |
NPA 703: Administrative Law and Nonprofit Organizations |
3 |
NPA 706: Principles of Grant Writing |
|
NPA 708: Nonprofit Research and Program Evaluation |
3 |
NPA 710: Nonprofit Human Resource and Administration |
3 |
NPA 734: Nonprofit Governance and Decision Making |
3 |
NPA 761: Nonprofit Financial Management |
3 |
NPA 762: Nonprofit Resource Development |
3 |
NPA 735: Nonprofit Marketing & Strategic Communications |
3 |
Total Required Credit Hours |
27 |
| Nonprofit Administration Track: 2 courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
Students selecting the Nonprofit Administration Track must take the following courses. |
|
NPA 780: Structure and Process in Nonprofit Administration |
3 |
NPA 798: Directed Project |
3 |
Total Required Credit Hours |
6 |
| Nonprofit Development Track: 2 courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
Students selecting the Nonprofit Development Track must take the following courses. |
|
NPA 763: Seminar in Planned Giving |
3 |
NPA 764: Seminar in Development |
3 |
Total Required Credit Hours |
6 |
| Disaster Preparedness Track: 2 courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
Students selecting the Disaster Preparedness Track must take the following courses. |
|
DPPA 601: Disaster Preparedness Administration |
3 |
DPPA 620: Local, State, and National Disaster Response |
3 |
Total Required Credit Hours |
6 |
| Faith-Based Organizations Administration Track: 2 courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
Students selecting the Faith-Based Organizations Administration Track must take the following courses. |
|
NPA 630: Understanding and Managing Faith-Based Organizations |
3 |
NPA 640: Directed Project in Faith-Based Organizations |
3 |
Total Required Credit Hours |
6 |
Testimonials
I enjoyed being in an online environment with classmates from all over the country. Not only were the professors amazing, but many of my classmates actively worked in the nonprofit sector. It was great to learn from my classmates’ experiences- it helped to solidify the course material and make it applicable to the real world. Because of this program, I feel very prepared to enter a leadership position at a nonprofit.
Careers
Whether you're aiming to advance in your current role or transition into a new leadership position, this program equips you with the knowledge and skills to lead effectively and drive positive change in your community.
Career Opportunities
- Assistant Director of Fundraising
- Program Director
- Executive Director
- Marketing/Research Associate
- Director of Public Relations
- Operations Manager
- Board Member or Chair
- Program Manager
- Social Services
- Community Engagement Liaison
- Director of Development and Communications
- Manager of Community Development
- Volunteer Coordinator
- Planned Giving Officer
- Database Manager
- Disaster Response Project Manager
- Emergency Response Specialist
- Director of Corporate Giving
- Corporate Relations Manager
- Finance Officer
- Human Resources
- Legal Counsel
- Executive Director of a faith-based nonprofit
- Program Director or Manager in religious or interfaith organizations
- Director of Development/Fundraising for a faith-based charity
- Community Outreach or Engagement Manager
- Faith-Based Services Coordinator
- Church Administrator or Business Manager
- Policy or Advocacy Specialist for faith-based initiatives
- Consultant for faith-based nonprofit effectiveness
