Nonprofit Management Students: Who They Are and Why They Enroll

Abstract

Graduate and certificate programs in nonprofit management education are a growing element in the professional preparation of nonprofit managers. At an aggregate level, we know the number and types of programs available for students interested in pursuing advanced degrees in nonprofit management, but we know little about the students who attend these programs and why they chose these programs. To learn more about who these students are and why they choose nonprofit management programs, a survey was conducted in spring and summer 2000 of nonprofit management students enrolled in graduate or certificate programs at six universities across the United States. Results describe the demographic profile of these students, the reasons they sought academic training, and the characteristics they considered important when choosing a nonprofit management education program.