ASU Launches Online Bachelor’s in Nonprofit Leadership

ASU Launches Online Bachelor’s in Nonprofit Leadership to Empower Future Changemakers

The online Bachelor of Science in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from Arizona State University will begin accepting students for fall admission. The new undergraduate program at the School of Community Resources and Development provides students with preparation for leading roles in the nonprofit sector, which demonstrates rapid expansion.

ASU extends its current undergraduate nonprofit leadership program through its in-person delivery and its online master’s program because of increased student interest. The program enters the market at an optimal time due to expanding job opportunities and rising demand from individuals who seek purposeful employment.

Responding to a Shifting Workforce

Megan Pontes, who serves as Assistant Teaching Professor and interim lead for the new program, believes there exists a genuine social transformation happening. People from various backgrounds, including for-profit employees, military veterans, and nontraditional students, choose to enter nonprofit work because they seek meaningful change rather than employment.

The societal shift demonstrates a widespread pattern that particularly affects Gen Z and younger millennials who pursue careers focused on sustainability, along with equity and public health, and community involvement. The rising demand for housing and health services in Phoenix requires more qualified nonprofit professionals, according to Pontes.

A Growing Industry with Urgent Needs

Statistics demonstrate that the nonprofit sector employment grew at 18.6% during 2007–2017, whereas for-profit employment grew at approximately a six times lower rate. The growing sector encounters an urgent problem because it lacks an adequate numbers of qualified workers. Nonprofit organizations face challenges in filling positions, according to a 2023 National Council of Nonprofits survey, where 75% of respondents reported job vacancies while dealing with increased service demands after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program at ASU addresses workforce gaps by teaching students to tackle practical challenges that include community development and environmental sustainability, and global relief operations. Students who enroll in this program learn strategic leadership skills alongside nonprofit management practices while gaining hands-on experience to become career-ready and impact-driven professionals.

Preparing Leaders for Purpose-Driven Careers

The educational experience at this institution extends beyond traditional degree requirements, as Pontes explained. Our educational program establishes a pathway that enables students who want to lead with purpose. The program enables students at any career stage to discover ways they can create meaningful change for their communities, particularly in the Valley region.

The program provides flexible online learning options that benefit students who require flexible scheduling while working or balancing their lives and community service commitments.

Join the Movement

The growing interest in nonprofit careers has prompted ASU to create an education system that offers accessible, forward-thinking learning experiences with strong community impact. The new online bachelor's degree program represents more than workforce response because it welcomes students who wish to lead with purpose.

The program serves as a transformative platform for those who want to create positive change through their community work.