Nonprofit Management & Governance (MPA)

  • Master of Public Administration
  • Strome College of Business
  • School of Public Service
Next Start Date
Aug 24, 2026
Accelerated Courses
NASPAA Accredited
Program Highlights
  • Rolling admission to start in any semester
  • GRE not required

Why ODU for a nonprofit management and governance MPA?

Nonprofit organizations need leaders who can think critically, manage resources wisely, and keep people at the center of their work. Our Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management and Governance prepares you to lead organizations that serve communities and advance public good.

In this MPA concentration, you'll learn how to analyze the challenges facing nonprofit organizations, develop practical strategies on how to handle them, and support decisions with theory and research. You will also learn how to manage nonprofit resources while working within the unique governance structures of mission-driven organizations.

Our courses connect knowledge with real-world practice in topics such as:

  • Current issues in nonprofit management
  • Nonprofit governance and ethical leadership
  • Budgeting and financial management
  • Fundraising and resource development
  • Policy, planning and daily operations

When you graduate, you'll be ready to help guide nonprofit organizations by strengthening their resilience and driving sustainable change with integrity.

ODU's Master of Public Administration program is NASPAA accredited by the Commission on Peer Review & Accreditation.

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Program Information

Total
39 Credit Hours

You will take eight core MPA courses and five courses in the nonprofit management and governance concentration.

Practical professional experience in a public or nonprofit agency setting is an important component of the MPA curriculum. A formal internship is highly recommended for students who lack significant experience in a public or nonprofit agency.

Explore Nonprofit Management and Governance MPA Courses in the Catalog

Accelerated Courses

Courses in this program follow an accelerated 8-week format.

There are no scheduled meeting times, so you can fit your studies into your personal schedule. You will access course materials and complete assignments online. The instructor may schedule specific deadlines for assignments or specific times to take exams.

Are you a current ODU undergraduate interested in earning a Master's in Public Administration?

Get a head start! In the Early Start MPA program, you can earn graduate credit toward your MPA while you complete your bachelor’s degree.

Early Start MPA

Total
39 Credit Hours

You will take eight core MPA courses and five courses in the nonprofit management and governance concentration.

Practical professional experience in a public or nonprofit agency setting is an important component of the MPA curriculum. A formal internship is highly recommended for students who lack significant experience in a public or nonprofit agency.

Explore Nonprofit Management and Governance MPA Courses in the Catalog

Accelerated Courses

Courses in this program follow an accelerated 8-week format.

There are no scheduled meeting times, so you can fit your studies into your personal schedule. You will access course materials and complete assignments online. The instructor may schedule specific deadlines for assignments or specific times to take exams.

Are you a current ODU undergraduate interested in earning a Master's in Public Administration?

Get a head start! In the Early Start MPA program, you can earn graduate credit toward your MPA while you complete your bachelor’s degree.

Early Start MPA

Cost & Aid

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Calculating Cost
In-state Virginia Residents
$672 per credit hour*
Out-of-state Students
$662 per credit hour

Rates are effective Fall 2026 and subject to change.

* In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met. Includes $510 standard tuition + $162 mandatory auxiliary tuition.

The newest class of graduates through ODUGlobal celebrated commencement in May 2024.
Scholarships & Aid

Scholarship Opportunities for Online Students

At ODUGlobal, we offer a variety of scholarships to support and empower you in achieving your academic and career goals, making quality education accessible wherever you are. 
 

Careers

Many of our MPA graduates have continued on to study in Ph.D. programs and have held leadership and career positions such as:

  • City Managers
  • Program Planners
  • Policy Analysts
  • Managers at federal, state, local & nonprofit agencies
  • Consultants
Fundraising Managers
Growth
5.9%
Median Salary
$119,200
Social and Community Service Managers
Growth
8.2%
Median Salary
$77,030
Public Relations Managers
Growth
6.9%
Median Salary
$134,760
Urban and Regional Planners
Growth
4.3%
Median Salary
$81,800

ODUGlobal Graduate Admissions Team

Elaine Ross, Assistant Director of Graduate and International Admissions

Contact us at globalgradadmit@odu.edu about admission requirements, deadlines, or anything else you need to know about the application process!

Angel Baker
Angel Baker
Applications Coordinator
Angela Schlender
Angela Schlender
Applications Coordinator

Ready to Apply?

We offer rolling admission for the MPA program. You can start in the Fall, Spring, or Summer semester.

GRE is not required, but admission to the MPA program is competitive. You must show that you are ready for graduate study through your application materials, including all college transcripts, a personal statement, and two recommendations. Review MPA application details in the graduate catalog.

Want to get started now?

You may be able to take up to four courses (12 credit hours) as a non-degree graduate student, before you are accepted into a specific degree program. 

Please contact us to discuss this option with an expert advisor.