Nonprofit Management and Leadership University of Wisconsin Milwaukee

Overview

The Nonprofit Management and Leadership programme at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee is designed to equip students with the theoretical and practical expertise required to lead third-sector organisations. This multidisciplinary degree combines academic rigour with professional application to prepare graduates for high-level management roles.

Delivered through the College of Letters & Science and the Lubar College of Business, the curriculum focuses on the specific challenges of the nonprofit environment. Students engage with experienced professionals and faculty members to master resource development, governance, and strategic accountability in a global context.

Why Nonprofit Management and Leadership at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee?

This programme is one of only twelve worldwide to receive accreditation from the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council (NACC). This prestigious recognition confirms that the curriculum meets or exceeds international standards across sixteen major subject areas, ensuring a high-quality educational experience.

The institution offers a unique collaborative environment where students from diverse professional backgrounds share insights. Facilities and resources at the university support both on-campus and online learners, providing a robust network for those seeking to influence public policy and social change through effective organisational leadership.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 27090 per year
• National fee: USD 27090 per year
• Local fee: USD 13659 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires the completion of 39 credits, including core subjects and elective choices. Modules may include:

• Nonprofit Management
• Marketing for Nonprofit Organizations
• Fundraising and Development for Nonprofit Organizations
• Accounting for Nonprofit Organizations
• Professionals and Volunteers in Nonprofit Organizations
• Governance of Nonprofit Organizations
• Decision-Making for Nonprofit and Public Organizations
• Law of Nonprofit Organizations
• Nonprofit Revenue Streams and Portfolios
• Nonprofit Advocacy and Public Policy
• Nonprofit Economy
• Executive Leadership of Nonprofit Organizations
• Strategic Management and Leadership for Nonprofit Organizations

Elective options allow students to specialise in specific areas of interest. Modules may include:

• Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion
• Managerial Decisions and Negotiations
• Managing in a Dynamic Environment
• Information Technology Management in International Businesses
• Leadership, Team Building, and Effective Management
• Social Entrepreneurship in the Nonprofit Sector
• International Nongovernmental Organizations
• Leveraging Technology in the Public and Nonprofit Sectors
• Managing Change in Public and Nonprofit Organizations
• Nonprofit Administrative Internship
• Organizational Theory and Practice
• Analyzing and Evaluating Public Policies and Programs
• Sociology of Race and Ethnicity
• Urban Social Structure

Careers with Nonprofit Management and Leadership

Graduates are prepared for leadership roles across a full spectrum of nonprofit and public sector organisations. The programme develops skills in financial management and program planning that are highly valued by international nongovernmental organisations and community foundations.

Common career paths include executive leadership, development directorship, and policy analysis. By focusing on social entrepreneurship and strategic management, the degree enables professionals to transition into senior governance roles or manage large-scale volunteer operations within diverse global industries.