Pacific University Master of Nonprofit Leadership
The Master of Nonprofit Leadership (MNL) at Pacific University is a fully online graduate program designed to develop capable, confident, and community-minded nonprofit leaders. Built for working professionals, career changers, and emerging leaders, the MNL blends nonprofit best practices with hands-on learning, mentorship from experienced practitioners, and deep engagement with the sector. Through live online classes, collaborative projects, and two annual virtual leadership residencies, students gain the strategic, operational, and people-centered leadership skills needed to strengthen organizations and drive mission impact.
Upcoming Deadlines:
- Fall 2026 - Deadline July 15
AFP Members are Eligible for Tuition Scholarship
AFP is proud to partner with Pacific University to offer members a special scholarship opportunity toward the Master of Nonprofit Leadership (MNL) program—an opportunity to elevate your skills, expand your impact, and accelerate your career in the nonprofit sector. Eligible applicants will receive a scholarship in excess of $4,000.
Learn More About Scholarships (AFP Members Only)
Learn More and Apply for the Program
Why This Program Stands Out
The Pacific University MNL program goes beyond traditional graduate study by connecting academic learning directly to real-world nonprofit practice. Students benefit from:
Learning That Translates Immediately Into Your Work
Coursework is designed to enhance your current role from the very first term. Students regularly apply new insights in fundraising strategy, fiscal management, governance, and organizational leadership to their day-to-day responsibilities.
Mentorship From Sector Leaders
Throughout the program, students engage with seasoned and emerging nonprofit leaders who offer practical advice, sector perspective, and professional support. These connections deepen understanding and strengthen your professional network.
A Community of Mission-Driven Peers
MNL students form meaningful relationships with colleagues across the nonprofit sector, creating a network of peers who share challenges, exchange ideas, and support one another’s growth long after the program ends.
This program definitely accelerated my confidence in my current leadership role. All of the courses were directly relatable to my current position and easily was translated into my day to day operations. The program I work for was very open to changes directly pulled from this program. I am so grateful.
Flexible Pathways for Busy Professionals
The program is intentionally designed for working adults, offering:
- 100% online coursework with structured weekly classes
- A full-time pathway that can be completed in just 13 months
- Part-time options that allow you to earn your degree in two or three years
- Two virtual leadership residencies, providing immersive learning and deeper community building
This flexibility ensures you can advance your education without pausing your career.
What Graduates Are Equipped to Do
MNL graduates leave with the tools to:
- Build collaborations and partnerships that amplify impact
- Strengthen organizational capacity and financial sustainability
- Lead teams and manage operations with clarity and confidence
- Champion mission-driven strategies grounded in best practices
- Fund and grow programs that change lives
Whether you aim to lead a team, step into executive leadership, or bring stronger strategy to your current role, the program prepares you to guide nonprofits toward lasting, meaningful results.
The development and implementation of my project in action was a great success for my organization. Of course it was a key component of the program requirements, but it also helped me immensely in a professional setting and will continue to be a valuable tool for my organization's leadership for years to come.
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to advance your leadership and make a deeper impact in your organization and community, the Pacific University MNL program—paired with AFP’s special tuition scholarship—offers a powerful pathway forward.
