Lynchburg College

What you'll study

The program requires 30 hours of graduate coursework. Required courses are:

• EDLS 690 — Principles of Leadership (3)
• LS 600 — History and Foundation of Nonprofits and Management (3)
• LS 604 — Strategic Communications and Public Relations (3)
• LS 606 — Change and Organizing in the Community (3)
• LS 608 — Nonprofit Finance (3)
• LS 610 — Leadership Research, Evaluation, and Analytics (3)
• LS 612 — Leading in a Digital Environment (3)
• LS 614 — Leading Boards and Staff (3)
• LS 616 — Fundraising and Grant Writing (3)
• LS 690 — Capstone: Strategic Planning and Leadership (3)

Students also take one elective (3 hours), with LS 699 — Nonprofit Leadership Internship listed as an option. Course work emphasizes grant writing practice, strategic communications, community organizing, nonprofit finance (policies, financial statement analysis, budgeting, audit/tax reporting), research and program evaluation, and digital engagement.

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree. Application steps include completing the online application, submitting an official transcript from the institution awarding the bachelor’s degree, providing an essay addressing why you want the MA in Nonprofit Leadership Studies and how it will support your career goals, and submitting two letters of recommendation. Admission deadlines are specified by semester (Summer, Fall, Spring) on the program page.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to assume leadership and executive roles in nonprofits, charities, foundations, NGOs and related community organizations. The program targets skills employers seek for positions overseeing governance, fundraising, financial management, program evaluation, communications and digital engagement, enabling graduates to design, implement and evaluate policies and practices that advance an organization’s mission.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Financial support details are not listed on the program page; prospective students should review the university’s scholarships, assistantships and financial aid resources and contact the graduate coordinator for guidance on funding opportunities and certificate‑related cost implications.