Growth in the nonprofit sector has been explosive over the past decade.
That means nonprofits need leaders who understand the unique role nonprofits play in today’s world. From international NGOs to local grassroots organization, nonprofits are a vital and vibrant part of the local and global economy.
Our graduate program in Nonprofit Studies (NPS) combines theories of nonprofits with practical, real-world applications. Our graduate programs in Nonprofit Studies are ideal for current and prospective nonprofit leaders, nonprofit entrepreneurs and those seeking a theoretical foundation in nonprofit management and development.
Nonprofit Studies
School-Wide
Dr. Grant Rissler has been named chair of the Nonprofit Studies program at the University of Richmond School of Professional and Continuing Studies effective Jan. 9, 2026. He takes on the role following the departure of Dr. Andrew Schoeneman, who accepted a position at the University of Virginia.
Faculty in the School of Professional & Continuing Studies celebrated promotion announcements and service awards during the annual awards ceremony held during the spring faculty meeting on January 8, 2026.
Faculty in the School of Professional & Continuing Studies celebrated promotion announcements and service awards during the annual awards ceremony held during the spring faculty meeting on January 9, 2025.
Review the options for Nonprofit Studies at the University of Richmond School of Professional & Continuing Studies
MNS Program of Study
Total: 30 semester hours
Required
15 semester hours
NPS501U Understanding the Nonprofit Sector
NPS520U Financial Management and Budget Development
NPS530U Law, Ethics and Governance
NPS540U Resource Development and Promotion
NPS550U Strategic Human Resource Management
Elective
12 semester hours. Select 6 hours (2 classes) from each group below.
Content Specialization
6 semester hours. Topic for NPS598U must relate to content specialization as determined by the program chair.
NPS522U International Non-Governmental Organizations (iNGOs)
NPS566U Public Policy and Advocacy
NPS567U Sustainability and Nonprofit Organizations
NPS581U Community Engagement in the Nonprofit Sector
NPS598U Selected Topics
Systematic Design and Inquiry
6 semester hours. Topic for NPS598U must relate to systematic design and inquiry as determined by the program chair.
NPS562U Assessment and Program Evaluation
NPS570U Program Design and Proposal Writing
NPS571U Social Entrepreneurship
NPS572U Innovations in Organizational Norms and Practice
NPS598U Selected Topics
EDUC680U Content Specialization and Research I
Integrative Seminar
3 semester hours
NPS590U Integrative Seminar
GC-NPS Program of Study
Total: 18 semester hours
Required
15 semester hours
NPS501U Understanding the Nonprofit Sector
NPS520U Financial Management and Budget Development
NPS530U Law, Ethics and Governance
NPS540U Resource Development and Promotion
NPS550U Strategic Human Resource Management
Elective
3 semester hours. Select 1 additional graduate-level Nonprofit Studies (NPS) course or another graduate-level course with approval from the chair.
Going back to school at this point in life has been scary and challenging. I had no idea how to do research or write an APA paper, no frame of reference to participate in some of the class discussions, and was the most “senior” person in the class, including the instructors. My friends (and husband) thought I was crazy.
At this point in my educational journey, my thinking has completely changed. I have learned more than I thought possible about nonprofit organizations and how they operate, met many new people, and discovered new aspects of Richmond. I am not sure where this is going to lead, but it has been a very empowering experience for me.