How to Choose an NPO Graduate Degree Program

By eHow Education Editor

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A non-profit organization, or NPO, graduate program is one way to jumpstart your career. Though the field is still new, there are more than 100 such programs throughout the country scattered throughout business, social work and public policy schools. Be sure to think about which NPO graduate program is best for you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Step1

Decide the area you want to pursue. NPO graduate programs range from courses of study dealing with the business side to lobbying to marketing. Knowing the area that interests you or whether you would like a generalized degree is important before you pare down your choices.

Step2

Evaluate the admissions process. Make sure that you have the required scores on any graduate-level examinations or that you have enough recommendations from academic or professional sources. Check the dates for applications. Though it is not the best way to eliminate choices, you may be able to narrow your choices for an NPO graduate program based on the application process itself.

Step3

Compare your credentials with the requirements of the courses you are considering. Some require practical experience while others have heavy requirements for specific academic areas. Choose an NPO graduate program based on how closely aligned your background is with the school's requirements unless you are willing to do extensive additional work to be prepared for their program.

Step4

Speak to students and faculty members in the department through email or phone calls. Students can tell you what their schedules are like and whether they are happy with the program. Professors can give you an idea of the expectations they have of students in the nonprofit management programs.

Step5

Research places where the graduates from each program have gone. Make sure that the graduates have gone on to good careers. Though the school may not release the graduates' names, you should be able to get at least a list of organizations for which those graduates work. Eliminate schools if you do not see yourself in any of the positions as their recent graduates.

Tips & Warnings

Think about the way a non-profit organization operates and decide what intrigues you. If you are interested in the fund-raising side, then a Master's of Business Administration may be the way to go. Should you find the event planning exciting, then a Master of Public Administration may be more to your liking.
Be prepared for a tough job market. Even with a master's degree, NPO graduates are competing with scores of other people for only a few jobs.