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MANDEL CENTER FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations. Please click on a question to view the answer or scroll down the page to view all the questions.

  1. ABOUT THE MANDEL CENTER FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
  2. GRADUATE PROGRAMS
  3. EXECUTIVE DOCTOR OF MANAGEMENT DEGREE (EDM)
  4. APPLICATION PROCESS
  5. FINANCIAL AID/SCHOLARSHIPS
  6. THE STUDENT BODY AND STUDENT ACTIVITIES
  7. CITY OF CLEVELAND
  8. HOUSING
  9. MISCELLANEOUS

  1. ABOUT THE MANDEL CENTER FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

    What is the Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations?

    The Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations, founded in 1984, is a university-wide academic center that offers a multidisciplinary curriculum through its partnership with four (4) Case schools: the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, the Weatherhead School of Management, the School of Law and the College of Arts & Sciences. These schools have joined together to address a growing need for the professional education of leaders and managers of nonprofit organizations and to foster and disseminate research on the nonprofit sector. The Mandel Center offers the nation's most comprehensive education programs in nonprofit management.

    What is the mission of the Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations?

    The mission of the Mandel Center is to enhance the effectiveness of nonprofit leaders and managers and the organizations they serve, through its programs of education, research, and community service.

    Why should I study nonprofit management?

    There has been a rapid growth in the nonprofit sector since the late 1980s. Today there are over 1.2 million charitable, educational, religious, health, and social welfare organizations, including hospitals, educational institutions, museums, homeless shelters, churches, orchestras, and research centers, among others. Due to this rapid growth and an increasing demand for accountability within nonprofit organizations, the sector is in need of well educated and highly skilled leaders and managers. (For other facts and figures on the nonprofit sector see http://www.independentsector.org) The study of nonprofit management at the Mandel Center will provide you with the knowledge and experience necessary to succeed in this field.

    Why should I study at the Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations?

    The Mandel Center offers more courses expressly designed for nonprofit leaders and managers than any other university. Due to its affiliation with the Mandel Center, Case Western Reserve University's Weatherhead School of Management ranks in the top ten in the United States among graduate schools of business offering concentrations or specialties in nonprofit management, according to U.S. News & World Report. In addition, the Mandel Center's graduate programs have earned international recognition for the breadth of their multidisciplinary curricula and the quality of their teaching faculty.

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  2. GRADUATE PROGRAMS

    How is the MNO degree different from an MBA?

    Both the MNO (Master of Nonprofit Organizations) and the MBA (Master of Business Administration) are managerial degrees, and both impart knowledge and skills. In fact, a number of courses in the two degree programs address the same disciplines (for example, accounting, economics, marketing, and human resource management).

    The key difference lies in the professional setting in which the knowledge and skills are to be applied. The MBA focuses on preparing students to work in the corporate world, while the MNO prepares students to lead and manage in a nonprofit setting. It emphasizes the special characteristics of nonprofit organizations, such as their focus on mission, legal and tax status, sources of funding, and use of volunteers. Many of the courses within the MNO curriculum provide students with the opportunity to develop applied knowledge and practical experience through direct interaction with nonprofit organizations.

    Is it a year-round program?

    A student may take summer courses (e.g., "choice" or elective courses offered by the Center, other courses offered elsewhere in the University [if approved for MNO credit], an independent study, etc.). We do not offer required courses in the summer to allow students to do externships.

    If I start as a part-time student, may I switch to full-time status and vice versa?

    Yes. Your request for a change of status should be made in writing.

    If I start as a CNM student, may I transfer to the MNO?

    A student who is accepted into the CNM program will not automatically be admitted to the MNO program. The student must indicate in writing his or her desire to apply to the Master's degree program. A record of satisfactory performance in the CNM program is required, as is a Bachelor's degree. Moreover, all MNO applicants must have a GMAT score on file. Once a CNM student is admitted to the MNO, courses taken as part of the CNM program do count toward the Master's degree.

    If I am admitted to the MNO or CNM and find that I cannot attend, do I need to reapply?

    No, it is possible to request a deferral in writing for up to one year. A deposit of $150 will secure a place in the program.

    Can MNO students take courses outside the program?

    Yes, an MNO student can take courses at other schools within the University that are included on the Pre-Approved Electives list.

    Can MNO students do an independent study?

    Independent projects (known as MAND 501: Special Problems & Topics) can be pursued under faculty direction.

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  3. EXECUTIVE DOCTOR OF MANAGEMENT DEGREE (EDM)

    What is the EDM?

    See the EDM page on our website.

    What is the EDM Nonprofit Fellowship?

    An individual who meets the EDM admission criteria and who demonstrates an unusual promise for contributing to the development of the nonprofit field may apply to become an EDM Nonprofit Fellow. Applicants will be considered for partial or full funding for up to three years of tuition and fees in the EDM Program.

    What is the EDM application deadline?

    The deadline for application to the EDM Program is May 1st of each year.

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  4. APPLICATION PROCESS

    Is it advantageous to apply early?

    Admission decisions are made on a rolling admissions basis. We encourage early application; early applicants have a greater chance of admission and of receiving a scholarship. "Late" applications will still be considered, but fewer opportunities may be available.

    Is there a minimum grade point average?

    All the elements of the application are considered, not just the grade point average.

    May I use the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) instead of the GMAT?

    No. Since Mandel Center students register through the AACSB accredited Weatherhead School of Management, each MNO applicant must have a GMAT score on file.

    Is there a minimum GMAT score?

    All the elements of the application are considered, not just the GMAT score.

    Is there a minimum TOEFL score for international students?

    The minimum required TOEFL score for international applicants is 550 on the paper test and 213 on the computer test.

    Who should write my letters of recommendation?

    We require two (2) letters of recommendation from individuals qualified to comment on your nonprofit experience and/or your ability to master graduate level work, as well as your interpersonal and communication skills.

    Applicants for the MNO-Executive Option are required to submit three (3) letters of recommendation. At least one of the letters must be written by an individual who has supervised the applicant in his/her managerial career, and who can discuss the scope of the applicant's managerial duties and the effectiveness of the applicant as a manager.

    Applicants should use the Recommendation Forms included in the Mandel Center Application Packet or download the Recommendation Form (PDF) from this site. See the instructions on the Recommendation Form for mailing to recommenders.

    Whom do I contact if I am having difficulties downloading the application from your web-site?

    Please e-mail our webmaster at mcnoweb@case.edu.

    When will a decision letter be sent?

    Decision letters are sent within two to four weeks of receipt of all documentation. All letters are sent via first-class U.S. mail. No decisions are communicated by phone, e-mail, or fax. (An official GMAT score must be received by the Weatherhead School of Management before a decision can be made on an MNO applicant's file).

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  5. FINANCIAL AID/SCHOLARSHIPS

    How can I obtain information on the new loan forgiveness law for individuals working in public service jobs?

    See (Loan Forgiveness)

    Do you have graduate assistantships?

    No. Since the MNO is a professional master's degree (as opposed to a Ph.D.), and since we do not have an undergraduate major in nonprofit management, our students do not serve as graduate assistants or teaching assistants.

    Is it possible to work and go to graduate school at the same time?

    Yes, students typically do both. Those who have full-time jobs are usually able to handle six credits of coursework per semester in the fall and spring and three or more credits in the summer.

    How do I apply for loans?

    Please see Financing Your Education.

    Is federal student aid available to both CNM and MNO students?

    Yes, federal aid is available to both CNM and MNO students. Please see Financing Your Education. Contact the University's financial aid office at 216.368.4530 or http://finaid.case.edu for more details.

    Where else can I look for other scholarships and student aid?

    Two excellent sources for financial aid information can be found at http://www.finaid.org and http://www.fastweb.com.

    Are loans available for international candidates?

    Full-time international candidates are eligible for private loans if a US citizen residing in the US serves as a co-signer. US government sponsored loans are available to US citizens or permanent residents only.

    As an international student, what other options do I have for financial assistance?
    Listed below are several websites that contain information on scholarships for international students.
    Fulbright Commission and related websites http://www.iie.org/fulbright/ff
    http://www.fulbright.org
    http://www.usia.gov
    International Education Financial Aid http://www.IEFA.org
    International Education Finance Corporation http://www.IEFC.com
    Edupass - Smart Guide to Studying in the U.S. http://www.edupass.org

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  6. THE STUDENT BODY AND STUDENT ACTIVITIES

    Do all students have extensive nonprofit experience?

    Almost all Mandel Center students have some nonprofit experience, either as employees of, or as volunteers in, nonprofit organizations. Our programs also attract career-changers who are using their education to help make a transition to the nonprofit sector.

    Do you offer students any professional career support?

    The Office of Career Services works with current students as well as alumni. This office provides professional career development counseling, job search skills, externship opportunities, connections with professional mentors, and opportunities for networking with outstanding nonprofit leaders. The Career Services staff can put students and alumni in touch with employers across the nation. For more information, please visit the Career Services page.

    Are there any "extracurricular" opportunities?

    All students are members of the Student Leadership Committee, an organization that links the student body with the faculty, staff, and alumni of the Mandel Center and also arranges professional, social, and community service activities.

    How do graduates stay connected to the Center?

    The Mandel Center has over 600 alumni and an active Alumni Association. An alumni directory and the Mandel Center's newsletter help graduates stay in touch. In addition, graduates are welcome to attend career breakfasts, social events, and other Mandel Center activities and to call upon the Center's Career Services office for professional support throughout their careers.

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  7. CITY OF CLEVELAND

    Why is Cleveland a good place to study nonprofit management?

    Cleveland has a long tradition of innovative nonprofit activity and provides a perfect laboratory for students of nonprofit management. For additional information, please visit the Cleveland Community page.

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  8. HOUSING

    How do I find housing?

    At present, Case does not offer on-campus housing for graduate students. The University Off-Campus Housing Bulletin is available at no cost to students, faculty, and staff. For additional information, please visit the Housing Website.

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  9. MISCELLANEOUS

    Whom do I contact if I would like to talk with an alumnus in my area?

    You can contact the Office of Recruitment via e-mail at mcnoadmissions@case.edu to find out about alumni in your area.

    Do you offer distance learning programs?

    At this time, the Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations does not offer distance learning programs.

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