Master’s in Nonprofit Management and Community Engagement (M.Ed.)

Master's in Nonprofit Management and Community Engagement (M.Ed.)

One of the only programs of its kind - learn to leverage proven nonprofit management strategies alongside grassroots community engagement in Merrimack’s 100% online master's degree.

For under $20K, earn your master’s degree in a high-touch, fully online program that blends nonprofit leadership, community organizing, and digital strategy. Designed for aspiring changemakers, this program offers hands-on experience through community partnerships and a self-branded capstone project.

Nonprofit Management and Community Engagement Master's Degree at a Glance

Mode of Study

Online (Synchronous)

Est. Time

12-16 Months Full-time (Part-time Study Available)

Start Terms

Fall I & II, Spring I & II, Summer I & II
View Application Deadlines

Credits

32

Evening Courses

Weekly live sessions

Accreditation

NECHE

Fellowships

Full-tuition &
Half-tuition

Scholarships

Alumni Scholarship

Tell Me More About Merrimack's Nonprofit Management and Community Engagement Master's Degree

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Master's in Nonprofit Management and Community Engagement Tuition

Credits
$
Per Credit
$
Total Tuition Cost

Typical Tuition Costs for the Master's in Nonprofit Management and Community Engagement

Merrimack College offers generous scholarship and fellowship opportunities to offset your graduate tuition and complement your education with valuable professional experience.

Presidential Fellowships are 9-month, 25 hour-per-week on-campus placements and cover 100% of tuition.

100%

Provost Fellowships are 9-month, 15 hour-per-week on-campus placements and cover $9,920, or 50% of tuition.

50%

Double Warrior Alumni Scholarships are awarded to all Merrimack College alumni, covering $6,547, or 33% of tuition, for recent graduates (25% for previously graduated alumni).

33%

Visit the page below to find all up-to-date tuition and fees information.

Overview of Merrimack's Nonprofit Management and Community Engagement Master's Degree

Merrimack’s Master’s in Nonprofit Management and Community Engagement is designed for people who want to lead with purpose and create lasting change. The program is fully online and at the same time it offers real-world, hands-on learning through volunteer opportunities, community interviews, digital outreach projects, and a personalized capstone. With top-tier industry partnerships and credentialing opportunities, supportive faculty, and strong connections to alumni in many regions of the country, you’ll build the skills and experience to make a meaningful impact in nonprofit leadership and community engagement.
 
In this program, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to achieve your career goals and excel in any community engagement setting, including:
Nonprofit and Community Leadership
Community Engagement, Service Learning, and Institutional Partnership
Family Engagement & Youth Development
Social Movements

Why Choose the Master's in Nonprofit Management and Community Engagement at Merrimack?

REAL WORLD, HANDS-ON LEARNING

Even in a fully online format, every course is designed to connect theory with practice through community interviews, volunteer work, digital campaign projects, and a self-designed capstone that showcases your specialized subject-matter knowledge.

PRACTICAL, RELEVANT SKILLS

Our master’s in nonprofit management and community engagement equips you with marketable expertise that employers value. You’ll develop proficiencies in writing, research, public presentation and program evaluation, along with the ability to collaborate, persuade, inspire and lead.

FLEXIBLE AND ACCESSIBLE FOR WORKING PROFESSIONALS

Take synchronous evening classes in a virtual learning environment alongside your classmates, with live weekly sessions, and complete your degree in as little as 12 to 16 months. This program is designed to fit your schedule without needing to put your career on pause. Whether you choose to study as a full- or part-time student, you’ll benefit from the same innovative curriculum, top-notch faculty, and close-knit sense of community. Not ready for a full degree program? Get started with our online Certificate in Community-Based Nonprofit Leadership.

STRONG NONPROFIT AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

Merrimack serves as a dynamic hub for civic activity, offering direct access to partner organizations and credentialing bodies across Greater Boston, such as Mass Nonprofit Network and SquashBusters, providing the opportunity to gain valuable experience and professional connections while contributing to meaningful causes. Additionally, our extensive network of accomplished alumni and expert faculty provide students with vital connections, mentorship, and professional opportunities within the community engagement field.

EXCEPTIONAL FACULTY

The program is led by nationally recognized researchers and practitioners in nonprofit leadership and community engagement. You’ll work in a small, online class setting that guarantees extensive faculty face-time and one-on-one support, learning from accomplished scholars and community engagement specialists.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

In addition to a tuition of under $20,000, Merrimack offers substantial financial support through on-campus fellowships and alumni scholarships, making your graduate education more affordable while providing career-boosting experience.

Career Outlook: Where Can a Nonprofit Management and Community Engagement Master's Degree Take You?

$ 0
Median Annual Salary

For Social and Community Service Managers in 2024.

0 %
Employment Growth

Between 2023 and 2033 for Social and Community Service Managers, faster than average.

k+
Jobs Available

For Social and Community Service Managers in the United States.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2024

Jobs with a Nonprofit Management & Community Engagement Master's Degree

Upon completing our program, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue positions such as:

  • Program Director
  • Youth Program Coordinator
  • Community Engagement Manager
  • Policy Analyst
  • Community Outreach Coordinator
  • Grants Manager
  • Social Policy Advocate
  • Nonprofit Executive Director

Where Merrimack's Master'sin Nonprofit Management and Community Engagement Graduates Work

Nearly 100 percent of our nonprofit management and community engagement graduate students find jobs within a year of completing the master’s degree, working in areas that include nonprofit leadership, service learning, government service, community organizing, policy analysis, academic research and digital community media strategy.

Space2Thrive

Founder, President

MassHousing

Business Development Analyst

Downers Grove Township

Life Skills Teacher

Notre Dame Education Center

ESL for Health Careers Instructor

Nelson Mandela University

Manager: Community Liaison and Marketing

Toledo Public Schools

Special Education Parent Liaison

What Our Master's in Nonprofit Management and Community Engagement Students and Alumni Say

What You'll Learn in Merrimack's Nonprofit Management and Community Engagement Master's Degree

Key Courses You'll Take

Community Engagement Theory and Practice

CME 5100

This course examines the contemporary community engagement movement, including civic and community engagement, service learning, community-based research in K–12 and higher education, and community-based education and learning. It explores key pragmatic issues such as planning and implementing community partnerships, developing service learning courses, and identifying outcomes for students and sites, as well as core theoretical issues such as community capacity building, reciprocity, sustainability, and ethical engagement.

Nonprofit Management and Leadership

CME 6200

This course provides an overview of leadership and management issues pertinent to the nonprofit sector. Topics include human resource development, program development, financial resource management, and organizational learning. The course also focuses on leader qualities and career paths in the nonprofit sector.

Capstone Project

CME 6850

The capstone project is designed to integrate, extend, and showcase student learning through the program. With the guidance and support of faculty, each student will implement a project that demonstrates and strengthens their community engagement and nonprofit knowledge and skills. Each student is expected to give a formal presentation of their project to the class at the end of the semester.  Students will also give presentations throughout the semester.  The capstone course is intended to support students through the implementation and write-up of the capstone project. This course will serve as a learning community and students will be expected to support one another in their work.

Master's in Nonprofit Management and Community Engagement Curriculum

View Full Curriculum from the Graduate Catalog

NonProfit Management and Community Engagement Requirements

To see more details about the program, please visit catalog.merrimack.edu.
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Skills You'll Learn

Merrimack’s Master’s in Nonprofit Management and Community Engagement equips you with the tools to lead, collaborate, and drive social change. Through hands-on projects and community-based learning, you’ll build a versatile skill set that prepares you for roles in nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, education, and beyond.

Nonprofit Leadership and Management

Develop strategies for leading mission-driven organizations, managing teams, and overseeing programs with a focus on social responsibility.

Community Needs Assessment

Learn how to map community assets, conduct interviews, and design initiatives that respond to real needs.

Grassroots Organizing and Volunteer Engagement

Build skills to bring people into the work of your organization, lead outreach efforts, and create meaningful opportunities for engagement.

Grant Writing and Development

Learn how to research funding opportunities, craft compelling grant proposals, and build sustainable fundraising strategies to support nonprofit initiatives.

Program Design and Evaluation

Gain skills in planning, implementing, and measuring the success of community and nonprofit initiatives.

Advocacy and Social Change Strategy

Understand the systems that impact communities and develop actionable approaches to promote justice.

volunteer director
nonprofit fundraising event

Merrimack's Industry Credentials and Partnerships

More information about Merrimack’s industry partnerships for the Nonprofit Management and Community Engagement master’s degree is coming soon.

Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) Credential

Gain a nationally recognized credential that signals your readiness to lead in the nonprofit sector. Merrimack is a proud campus partner with the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (NLA), offering students the opportunity to earn the Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) designation–a respected certification that demonstrates mastery in nonprofit management, leadership, resource development, and more.

Benefits for students include:

  • One-time discounted enrollment fee of $100

  • Access to exclusive online community, career resources, and study materials

  • The certificate is embedded within Merrimack’s 8-week CME 6200: Nonprofit Management and Leadership course, which is part of the M.Ed. in Nonprofit Management and Community Engagement curriculum.

Hands-on experience is a key component of the certificate:

This partnership ensures that our students not only build their knowledge but also graduate with tangible, real-world experience and a highly regarded credential.

Merrimack College is the only CNP partner campus in the Northeast, adding unique value and distinction to your degree.

NLA logo

Nonprofit Academic Centers Council (NACC) Honor Society

Merrimack’s partnership with the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council (NACC) provides students with access to an international network of accredited nonprofit education programs.

  • Eligible students can join the nonprofit honor society, recognizing academic achievement and commitment to public service

  • Membership adds credibility and visibility in the nonprofit field

  • Builds professional identity through affiliation with an esteemed academic organization

NAAC logo

Featured Faculty

Fellowships, Scholarships, and Financial Aid

Nonprofit Management and Community Engagement Graduate Fellowships

Merrimack’s Master’s in Nonprofit Management and Community Engagement provides on campus graduate fellowship opportunities that enhance your professional experience while significantly reducing tuition. Fellows benefit from real-world work opportunities, professional networking, and a career head start in the field.

  • Presidential Fellowships: Cover 100% of your graduate tuition and include a 9-month, unpaid fellowship placement of 25 hours per week.
  • Provost Fellowships: Cover 50% of your graduate tuition and include a 9-month, unpaid fellowship placement of 15 hours per week.

These fellowships allow students to gain practical skills and build valuable connections, making them an ideal choice for those seeking an impactful start to their careers.

Please note that we currently do not offer remote fellowship positions for our Master’s in Nonprofit Management and Community Engagement.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Merrimack College offers the Double Warrior scholarship for College alumni who are not receiving a full- or half-tuition fellowship. Students enrolling immediately after senior undergraduate year automatically receive a 33% discount and 25% thereafter. Please note that Double Warrior alumni scholarships cannot be combined with Dean Scholarships.

Graduate students can also receive financial aid in the form of federal aid, private loans, and payment plans. Click the link below to learn more about our scholarships and financial aid opportunities.

Application Information for the Master's in Nonprofit Management and Community Engagement

It’s easy to apply online! Simply create your account by registering a username and password. This will allow you to start an application, save and log back in at any time to complete it before submission.

A Completed Application Includes:

Important Information:

Graduate Community and Student Support

Discover Merrimack’s vibrant and supportive graduate community! Our Graduate Center, located on the second floor of the McQuade Library, is our hub for student life, resources, and support, ensuring that you get the most out of your graduate experience.

Enjoy the following benefits that are exclusive to graduate students:

A comfortable lounge for studying and socializing
A home base for daily life on campus with coffee and tea, a microwave and a fridge
A venue for programs and services supporting graduate student success
A warm, inviting place to connect with staff and other graduate students
Grad students sitting outside
Audrey falk

Want to Learn More about the Master's in Nonprofit Management and Community Engagement?

Contact the Program Director, Dr. Audrey Falk!

Schedule an Informational Call with the Program Director

Take the Next Step (We're Here to Help)

At Merrimack, we are ready to meet you where you are and get you where you want to go. And, we make the process simple along the way! Please feel free to contact our Graduate Admission team or join us at an upcoming event if you have any questions regarding scholarships, fellowships, financial aid, or the application process.

Programs Related to the Master's in Nonprofit Management and Community Engagement

Explore other areas and where they can take you.

Grad Chat Podcast

In this episode of Grad Chat, Helena Liedtke, a graduate of the Nonprofit Management and Community Engagement master’s program, joins us to share her personal experience through the program and her fellowship involvement. Don’t pass up this chance to learn more about Merrimack’s graduate programs!

Check us out on social media!

What's New at Merrimack

Merrimack College Awards & Recognition

U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2024)