About Lipscomb
Nonprofit Management Concentration
As the only graduate business degree of its kind in the area, the Lipscomb MBA/PMBA with a nonprofit management concentration blends the management skills of the MBA core with the specialized examination of the nonprofit sector. This valuable combination of skills and knowledge provides an understanding of the landscape to those who will work in the industry and those who will serve as board members and advisors to nonprofit organizations.
Career opportunities abound in the nonprofit industry, and nonprofit companies and boards are always looking for individuals who hold advanced degrees. Nonprofits have long expected their senior management to hold advanced degrees, and boards are well aware of the benefits an MBA recipient can bring to their organizations. The opportunities are countless: from multi-billion dollar international operations to small local agencies, working in the areas of human and social services to education, healthcare, the environment, the arts and more – working in the nonprofit sector can offer a wide array of career possibilities.
Did you know?
- To further challenge future leaders to give back to their communities and to our world at large, Lipscomb supports the development of nonprofit leaders through a 25 % scholarship for all students pursuing this concentration. This opportunity aligns with the values of Lipscomb University as a university that promotes servant leadership and Christian values.
-
According to a 2009 survey by The Bridgespan Group, there is a “leadership deficit” for nonprofit organizations. The survey’s report, Finding Leaders for America’s Nonprofits, also notes that traditional business skills are critical for nonprofit organizations. The specific skills listed in the report are:
- Finance
- General Management
- Marketing/Communications
- Planning
- Evaluation
- Operations
- Technology
- Human Resources
“The personal income of most entry-level and mid-level professionals makes it difficult for them to pursue an MBA degree,” said Dr. James Vaillancourt, senior consultant and former executive director of the Center for Nonprofit Management. “The fact that Lipscomb is willing to offer a scholarship is great. It says about a lot about their support for the program and reduces what students have to pay out of their pockets.”
Concentration Coursework
BU 6403 Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector
This course serves as an introduction to nonprofit organizations and explores their unique characteristics. Issues facing managers in the nonprofit sector will be discussed and include program planning, selecting and managing boards, fund raising, financial and budgeting challenges, and developing strategies. In addition, the nonprofit sector will be studied from a historical, social, and economic perspective.
ICM 5013 Negotiation and Settlement Processes
This course is designed to offer a basic experiential introduction to the concepts, instruments, functions, and theories of modern negotiation. The purpose of this introduction is to give you some of the information needed to better understand the basic dynamics of interpersonal, business and legally related negotiation.
BU 6413 Marketing, Fundraising and Resource Development in the Nonprofit Sector
This course investigates the range of fundraising elements in the nonprofit organization, including fundraising strategies, program management, and methods and approaches to fundraising. Included will be an examination of the process of optimizing voluntary support through effective development and implementation of capital campaigns. Other marketing efforts will be discussed including service marketing, promotional methods, and marketing management. Students will also work with a nonprofit organization on a development plan.
Concentration coursework is offered on weeknights and/or weekends during the October, March and June terms.
For more information about the Lipscomb MBA/PMBA with a nonprofit management concentration, visit the online catalog with the most current course and prerequisite information, and faculty profiles.