The M.S. in Nonprofit Management (NOPM) program welcomed three current students—Nina Collymore, Ermina Chowdhury, and TaNia McClary—for a virtual event to discuss their experiences in courses and the program as a whole. The conversation spanned a range of topics, illuminating the value of the program’s flexibility, seasoned professors, and career opportunities and resources.
Collymore is a full-time student in the NOPM program. With experience in engagement and community partnerships at HomeFree-USA and Experian, she has honed her ability to empower young people’s passions. She has spearheaded multiple programs since 2018, developing a strong interest in project management and applying her analytical background to advance community development. Collymore was given the opportunity to host a Fireside Chat with Teresa Younger, the CEO and president of the Ms. Foundation for Women.
“A nonprofit is the reason why I was able to go to undergrad and have a full-ride there,” Collymore said. “I started working for nonprofits later on in my college life and realized how valuable they are to the community. Even being in this program now, I realized how much more valuable they are.”
Chowdhury is a NOPM student and SPS CUNY Fellow. During her time as a data research intern with the Social Science Research Council and a government relations intern at Kasirer, Chowdhury has worked across nonprofit, finance, and government spaces throughout her career. As a passionate proponent of educational equity and approaching systemic challenges with data, she is drawn to roles that bridge the gap between the nonprofit world and her community.
“I wanted to forge a career that turned my passion into a tangible impact, and I think Columbia has done a really amazing job of providing the experience students need,” Chowdhury said. “You’re not only learning theories, but you’re able to apply them to the real-world. The scholar-practitioner model is something that I thought was super unique for Columbia. With professors who are actual practitioners in the field, connecting and networking with them may lead to your next opportunity.”
McClary is a Columbia HBCU Fellow in the NOPM program. As a results-oriented leader and communications professional, she is dedicated to making social impact more accessible by demystifying the social sector. Her experiences as a development assistant, executive assistant, and junior fundraising strategist have shaped her interest in conflict resolution and collaboration.
“Knowing that there is a legacy of really great thought leaders that come out of this institution gives me a lot more confidence that I can make the impact on the world that I intend to,” McClary said.
The NOPM program’s flexibility offers full-time or part-time options, on-campus or online, to accommodate every student’s needs, availability, and circumstances. Full-time students take four classes a semester and finish their degrees in three semesters. Part-time students can take up to three years to finish their degrees and typically take two classes a semester.
By emphasizing a hands-on, interactive learning environment, the program prepares students to practice their craft rather than relying solely on theory. Program leaders consistently bring in sector leaders to speak or to connect with students, which broadens students’ community before they even graduate.
Every student in the NOPM program has access to a wide array of courses, connections, and support systems. Many professors are not only educators but practitioners in subsectors such as international relief, affordable housing, philanthropy, and grant writing, among others. Some may wonder if they are in the right stage of life to attend the NOPM program, but the student demographics and extensive alumni network offer career development opportunities for all students.
About the Program
Columbia University’s M.S. in Nonprofit Management prepares graduates for leadership roles within mission-driven organizations in a wide variety of contexts, including global and community nonprofits, foundations, education, healthcare, the arts, or as fundraising and development experts.
Learn more about the program here. The program is available part-time, full-time, on-campus, and online.
