Linking practice and classroom: Nonprofit financial management curricula in MPA and MPP programs

Abstract

There is a growing interest in the nonprofit sector among the students and graduates of Master of Public Administration (MPA)/Master of Public Policy (MPP) programs. In response, curricula have attempted to incorporate fundamental competencies necessary for success in the nonprofit sector. This article explores the educational demands from the perspectives of practitioners and provides guidance to programs on course offerings, especially for the nonprofit financial management courses. Regarding the reflection of practitioners’ perspectives, we analyze a NASPPA survey for the competencies that are important for being employed as a nonprofit financial manager (employment rank) and competencies that are required to learn in the classroom prior to working as a nonprofit financial manager. We identify the competencies that are currently being taught through a selected sample of MPA/MPP programs by analyzing the syllabi used in the nonprofit financial management courses. We conclude that there is general congruence among the employment and course content except for a few exceptions.

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