Nonprofit Administration, DNPA

The Doctorate in Nonprofit Administration (DNPA) equips nonprofit professionals with the knowledge and skills to translate research into practice, implement evidence-based strategies, manage projects, and develop as leaders. The program nurtures the potential of nonprofit executives to drive meaningful change both within their organizations and in the broader community, achieving positive outcomes at individual, organizational, and societal levels. Developed by the School of Social Policy & Practice, the DNPA program prepares leaders who will have a significant impact in both practice and executive leadership roles in a complex environment.

The Doctorate in Nonprofit Administration (DNPA) will be a fully online program complemented by two in-person campus immersion experiences, providing all the benefits of a world-class learning community in an interactive, relational, accessible, and convenient format. Balancing the rigor of doctoral education with the practical needs of busy professionals, students complete both coursework and their dissertation in just three years with no career disruption.

The program integrates immersive campus experiences with online course delivery (via videoconferencing), offering flexibility for working professionals wherever they live. Students gain an unparalleled educational experience, gathering on an Ivy League campus during immersions to learn, connect, and strengthen their relationships with their cohort. Technology is employed thoughtfully to foster connection, not distance.

Recognizing the importance of relational learning, the program’s online delivery and educational strategies build leadership capacity in navigating complex, ethically challenging environments. All courses are offered synchronously, led by renowned faculty from around the world, covering the latest in nonprofit administration, leadership, research, development, and social justice. The DNPA program develops the next generation of nonprofit leaders with the skills, knowledge, and commitment to advance social justice.

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2026 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

The SP2 Doctorate in Nonprofit Administration (DNPA) curriculum provides a logical structure, timeline, and progression that supports the development of advanced nonprofit practitioners with deep expertise and skills. The curriculum’s offers intensive learning experiences and high-level conceptual knowledge, enabling students to build strong relationships with faculty and peers during initial in-person experiences, followed by online coursework. Even in theoretical courses, students gain practical knowledge to guide their future work. As noted, our online program offers all the benefits of a world-class learning community in an interactive, relational, accessible, and convenient format.

The DNPA program follows a cohort model, where all students enter and progress through the curriculum together. This cohort approach enables and encourages students to engage with new knowledge in relation to each other, with each member bringing their own unique nonprofit administration expertise to the group.

The program begins with an in-person immersion, where students meet their peers and faculty, become acquainted with the campus, and start their courses. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in advanced nonprofit concepts and theories in the first year, including essential skills in both quantitative and qualitative research methods. During the first semester, students take a quantitative research course, learning how to evaluate evidence-based research and contribute to it—providing a framework that they apply across other courses. In the second semester, students take a comparable course in qualitative research.

During the summer semester, students complete two additional courses (one in Summer 1 and one in Summer 2). The proposed courses are listed in the next section.

In the second year, the curriculum progresses with specialized, applied courses that address essential topics in nonprofit administration. These courses cover advanced content on nonprofit leadership and management, with a strong emphasis on promoting cultural diversity.

Required Classes

Notes:

All courses will have to demonstrate the inclusion of social justice in the course objectives, reading, and grading.

Dissertation Seminar: We will hold biweekly dissertation seminars in year one summer. The focus will be on selecting a dissertation topic and writing a dissertation proposal. This dissertation seminar will be for credit (1 CU).

In year 3, we will also hold a bi-weekly dissertation seminar, however, it will not be for credit. The focus will be on completing the dissertation and supporting students who need help in moving forward.

Courses will combine traditional elements from the on-campus program (readings, discussion groups, lectures, case studies, written assignments, assessments, feedback, etc.) as well as online-specific opportunities (chat rooms, message boards, video conferencing, etc.).