Program Overview
The 100 percent online Master of Public Administration with a specialization in Nonprofit Administration program at Barry University program emphasizes performance management and ethical public service while the specialization in nonprofit administration adds a mission-driven dimension to your leadership capabilities.
Paired with specialized coursework in nonprofit administration, this unique degree adds an additional executive-level dimension to your learning. You will develop the applied knowledge and best practices essential for leadership in public and nonprofit organizations as well as in companies that partner with nonprofit organizations. Use this program to forge ahead in your current career or to pivot into the rewards of the nonprofit sector.
This flexible online MPA with a specialization in Nonprofit Administration program prioritizes practical application. You will benefit from studying purpose-driven thought leadership, honing your strategic management expertise, and acquiring program evaluation skills that strengthen your ability to effectively serve and collaborate with stakeholders and the community.
Consistent with the mission of Barry University, the faculty in our MPA program is committed to the highest academic standards in graduate and professional education and to ensuring an engaging, inclusive learning environment. Our highly respected online faculty features Quality Matters-certified professors with extensive experience who are subject matter experts in the public sector.
Students may be able to transfer up to 6 graduate credits into the program.*

Barry University is a member of the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) – The Global Standard in Public Service Education.
This online MPA program prepares you to:
- Lead effectively in the nonprofit sector
- Comprehend the planning and logistics of starting a nonprofit
- Use internal audit functions to avoid fraud
- Navigate governmental oversight
- Execute effective administrative decision-making
- Evaluate leadership qualities and analyze the rule of law in administrative procedures
- Examine the process for change in the public sector to maximize efficiency and effectiveness
Have questions or need more information about our online programs?
Also available:
Barry University also offers a general Master of Public Administration degree.
Tuition
Tuition for the Master of Public Administration with a specialization in Nonprofit Administration online is $17,472 – all fees included except the $30 application fee. Tuition is the same whether you live inside or outside Florida and can be paid by the course.
Program | Per Credit | Per 3-Credit Course | Per Program |
---|---|---|---|
MPA in Nonprofit Administration | $416 | $1,248 | $17,472 |
Calendar
With six entry points per year, the Master of Public Administration with a specialization in Nonprofit Administration online program is convenient and accessible. After selecting your desired start date, you should consider deadlines for completing an application, turning in all required documentation, registering for classes, and paying tuition.
Now Enrolling:
Please refer to the full academic calendar for more details, including refund policies and dates.
Session | Program Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Payment Deadline * | Last Class Day |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Spring A | January 11, 2021 | December 28, 2020 | January 4, 2021 | January 4, 2021 | January 6, 2021 | February 27, 2021 |
Spring B | March 8, 2021 | February 22, 2021 | March 1, 2021 | March 1, 2021 | March 3, 2021 | April 24, 2021 |
Summer A | May 17, 2021 | May 3, 2021 | May 10, 2021 | May 10, 2021 | May 12, 2021 | July 3, 2021 |
Summer B | July 5, 2021 | June 21, 2021 | June 28, 2021 | June 28, 2021 | June 30, 2021 | August 21, 2021 |
Fall A | August 23, 2021 | August 9, 2021 | August 16, 2021 | August 16, 2021 | August 18, 2021 | October 9, 2021 |
Fall B | October 18, 2021 | October 4, 2021 | October 11, 2021 | October 11, 2021 | October 13, 2021 | December 4, 2021 |
*Payment must be received in full by the stated deadline regardless of financial aid arrangements. Failure to pay, or a balance on the account, will result in the student being dropped from courses, regardless of when the student registered. Students who do not register prior to the registration deadline must wait for the following term.
Ready to take the next step toward earning your degree online from Barry University?
Admissions
To apply for the Master of Public Administration with a specialization in Nonprofit Administration online, you must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. You may be able to transfer up to 6 graduate credits into the program.*
View all admission requirements +
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Professional resume with two references
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Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended should be mailed directly from the institution(s) to Barry at this address:
Mail to:
Office of Graduate Admissions
Barry University
11300 NE 2nd Avenue
Miami, FL 33161OR
Electronic:
- By email, sent directly from the institution to [email protected]
- SPEEDE (also known as EDI Service)
- Parchment Exchange
- National Student Clearinghouse
- eScrip-Safe
- JST System (military)
Have a question? Call us at 844-890-5951.
Courses
In order to earn the Master of Public Administration with a specialization in Nonprofit Administration online, you must complete 14 courses (42 credits), including 10 core courses (30 credits) and four specialization courses (12 credits). All courses are seven weeks in length.
You must complete the following courses.
PUB 503: Theories, Principles, and Practice of Public Administration
Duration: 7 weeks | Credits: 3
The course will focus on the classic writings that have framed the foundation of public administration over the past 120 years. The subject matter will be taught with application to current public administration practice as its principle objective.
PUB 535: Research Methodologies
Duration: 7 weeks | Credits: 3
This course provides an opportunity for students to explore research that relates to administrative and technical processes using various research techniques. Students undertake an in-depth review and critical investigation using qualitative and quantitative analysis. Students will be exposed to various tools and techniques appropriate to applied research and will develop a research design based on an instructor-approved topic. The research design may be used as a foundation for the capstone project.
PUB 545: Values and Ethics in Administration
Duration: 7 weeks | Credits: 3
This course is designed to create an awareness and sensitivity to the values and ethical issues inherent in public administration decisions. The importance of ethics in maintaining public trust in the context of representative democracies will be emphasized. Classic moral philosophies will be studied as the basis for the values and ethical practices in government today. In addition, the legal requirements for complying with legislated ethical standards will be studied.
PUB 605: Public Policy Analysis and Evaluation
Duration: 7 weeks | Credits: 3
Policy Analysis and Evaluation is a seminar designed to examine the theory and practice of public policy analysis as it is conducted in complex political environments.
PUB 609: Seminar in Public Financial Administration
Duration: 7 weeks | Credits: 3
This course presents the principles of financial management in the public sector. Topics include public sector operating and capital budgets, expenditures and revenues, and financial reporting and analysis at the federal, state, and local level as well as the role of financial administration in promoting the common good.
PUB 611: Seminar in Public Human Resources Administration
Duration: 7 weeks | Credits: 3
This course presents the principles of public personnel management and human resource administration and examines the balance between organizational and individual needs. Topics include the functional and technical aspects of human resources, strategic and operational concerns; the history of the civil service; constitutional/legal issues; employee benefits; recruiting/hiring/developing/retaining high quality employees; and labor union/management relations.
PUB 635: Leadership in Public Purpose Organizations
Duration: 7 weeks | Credits: 3
Leadership is essential in any organization for it to be effective. This course will review the very special characteristics of leadership in public purpose organizations. Issues such as the impact of the political process on leadership, navigating media storms, leading and empowering employees, and maintaining a focus on public purpose will be addressed.
PUB 647: Public Law and Administration
Duration: 7 weeks | Credits: 3
The role of public administrative law and procedure will be taught as it applies to both public and private decision-making. The effects of public administrative law and rule making will be presented along with the oversight provided by legislatures and public policy processes inherent in making and sustaining public policy.
PUB 670: Public Planning and Growth Management
Duration: 7 weeks | Credits: 3
The classic management function of planning will be reviewed in its state and local government contexts. Emphasis will be placed on planning for change management applications to social equity and on strategic planning in public decision making.
PUB 699: Capstone: Applied Project
Duration: 7 weeks | Credits: 3
The Applied Project is a supervised capstone for the master's program. It is an independent, web-supported study with a graduate faculty mentor/instructor and a professional in the field to guide relevance to current public administration practice. The project is designed to build from knowledge gained during the program and to make connections between academic and professional work.
You must complete the following courses.
PUB 622: Nonprofit Administration
Duration: 7 weeks | Credits: 3
This course provides the student with an understanding of the role of nonprofit organizations in the scope of public-private purposes. It examines the role of boards and staff, vision and mission, funding and accountability, excellence in operations, and sustainability.
PUB 613: Philanthropy and Fundraising for Nonprofit Organizations
Duration: 7 weeks | Credits: 3
This course will address historical philanthropic perspectives in the nonprofit sector, purposes and principles behind philanthropic behavior, the philanthropic relationship between donors and nonprofits, and the differences between philanthropists and the casual donor and how this distinction informs nonprofit financial development programs. Informed by philanthropic/donor behavior, this course will address how to develop a financial development plan and fundraising methods including special events, annual giving, major gift campaigns, direct mail campaigns, grants management, and marketing.
PUB 616: Human Resources for Nonprofit Organizations
Duration: 7 weeks | Credits: 3
Informed by the unique governance structure of nonprofit organizations, this course will cover essentials in nonprofit human resources including the principles and practices of volunteer management, and recruiting and retaining paid and nonpaid staff.
PUB 645: Nonprofit Program Evaluation
Duration: 7 weeks | Credits: 3
As nonprofit organizations are under increased scrutiny from grantors, contractors, and donors, both government and private, to accurately report on program expenses and related outcomes, this course will inform nonprofit program evaluation techniques to meet those reporting requirements including how to develop an outcomes-based evaluation instrument, the challenges in measuring nonprofit organizational effectiveness, the principles of organizational learning, and how program evaluation can be used to determine allocation of resources and to inform strategic change.
*Previously earned credits, if accepted for transfer, must be completed in less than the (5) year period immediately preceding initial enrollment at Barry. Only relevant courses for which a grade of B or higher was earned will be considered. Only credits will be transferred, not grades or grade point averages and credits that were used to earn a degree at another institution will not be accepted.