“The MNCL program focuses on putting lessons into action.”
Maggie Crider, May 2023 prospective graduate
When Maggie Crider decided to pursue a graduate degree to deepen her knowledge of nonprofit leadership, she searched for a program that would allow her to apply course content right out of the gate. Maggie, the Compliance Specialist for the Home at Last program at The Kitchen, Inc., found what she was looking for with Drury’s Master of Nonprofit and Civic Leadership (MNCL).
Maggie talked with MNCL alumni prior to submitting her application and discovered that graduates felt well-prepared for leadership roles in nonprofit organizations. Upon entering the program, she found it easy to make a connection with faculty.
“I have loved my time at Drury and in the MNCL program. The professors have been incredibly involved with the students’ success, which is really important to me. All of the class assignments were reflective of the learning materials and were often examples of our learning materials in action. I have been able to directly apply my new nonprofit knowledge into my current career, and that has been incredibly helpful.”
The MNCL degree features 10 courses:
- Offered in a mix of fully online and blended formats.
- Blended courses offer students the choice of meeting in a live class session via Zoom or participating in the classroom at the Springfield campus.
- Blended classes are offered of an evening, typically once per week, from 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m., making it possible for working professionals across the nation to earn the degree.
- Sessions are a mix of 8-week and 16-week courses. It’s possible to complete nine credit hours in a semester and only be enrolled in six hours at a time.
A thesis is not required for the MNCL degree. Instead, students work one-on-one with a professor to plan and execute a capstone project that is applicable to their professional role or a problem that they seek to address in their own community. The ability to craft a practical capstone project has been a program highlight for Maggie:
“I have been able to explore my own skills and passions to determine what role I want to play in nonprofits. The capstone course has been instrumental in combining all of the lessons I have learned throughout my time in the program.”
Maggie, who has worked full-time while completing degree requirements, is on track to earn the master’s in May 2023. “I have been so encouraged by the professors and faculty and have felt an incredible amount of support, which I am incredibly thankful for.” Way to go, Maggie!
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