125 credits
required for program
- On Campus
- Minor Available
- PSEO/Early College Online Classes
Prepare to work in nonprofit organizations. The nonprofit leadership degree combines ministry and business courses.
Nonprofit leadership may be the right degree for you if you
- want to develop your leadership skills
- are interested in a meaningful career with a nonprofit organization
- want to combine your heart for ministry with business savvy
Why study nonprofit leadership at Northwestern?
You will develop relational skills, learn ethics, and gain experience in missional leadership. Our small class sizes allow you one-on-one attention from experienced professors. They will help you be well-equipped for a career in nonprofit leadership.
With campus so close to Minneapolis and St. Paul, students at Northwestern have the opportunity to intern in a variety of nonprofits around the Twin Cities.
Accelerated M.A. in Ministry Leadership
Students may apply through the Ministry department to combine an undergraduate degree in Nonprofit Leadership with an accelerated Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership. Nonprofit majors complete up to 14 credits of the MA degree during their undergraduate program and the remaining 22 credits during the fifth year of study. The fifth-year can be completed on-site or through online learning. This pathway saves students time and tuition expense as they add a graduate degree to their portfolio.
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The Christian Ministries department aims to prepare students to serve in a variety of contexts. Our majors are highly flexible and the general ministry concentration can be specialized to fit a variety of student-desires specializations and perceived callings. Our goal as faculty is to steward our gifts, skills, and ministry experiences to prepare our students to serve effectively in home, church community, and world.
Careers in nonprofit leadership
There are a variety of career and academic pathways that begin with a degree in nonprofit leadership.
What types of work are related to this degree?
- Administration
- Management
- Public relations
- Fund raising/development
- Research
- City or county boards or management
- Grant writing
- Direct service
- Ministry development
- Finance or budget analysis
- Community affairs
- Program development or program direction
- Emergency services management
- Camp or missions trip administration and leadership
What will I learn?
You will develop a ministry mindset, learn practical business skills, and establish strong communication skills for work in nonprofit organizations.
ICS 3069
Business as Mission
A practical and philosophical exploration of issues in business as mission. Special topics such as work, calling, kingdom entrepreneurship, and tent-making will be explored.
BUS 4435
Business Ethics
An understanding of personal and corporate integrity from a biblical perspective and resolving ethical dilemmas is emphasized. A comprehensive case analysis is required.
MGT 3075
Entrepreneurship
An introductory study of how to start a small business. Students examine their readiness to start a business, survey the legal issues facing a start-up and examine the various approaches to business formation. Students apply the topics of marketing research and marketing mix, finance, and operations to the formulation of a comprehensive business plan, market and finance assessment.
ENG 3248
Grant Writing
A course designed to give students practical and technical experience in creating grant proposals on behalf of nonprofit organizations. Students will work with an organization of their choice to gather information that will lead to the development of key components of a grant proposal. With additional instruction in how to tailor a proposal to a specific funding audience, students will adapt their existing text to meet the focus areas of a selected funder.
MIN 3207
Ministry in a Globalized World
This course prepares students to understand the impact of globalization on present day ministry. Students will be equipped to investigate diverse social and cultural contexts and develop strategies to minister effectively in an era of cultural, religious, and ethical diversity.
Still have questions about this program or how to apply?
Our team is ready with answers!
Discover the School of Theology and Ministry
Professors at Northwestern are focused on their students first. Our faculty include experts in their respective fields who want to help you grow in your faith while you earn your degree.
