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Indiana University Online

Philanthropic Leadership, Phil.D.

Focus on solving society’s most intractable problems with the IU Online Professional Doctorate in Philanthropic Leadership. This flexible degree program is built for practicing professionals seeking to apply new and existing research to improve their communities and better the world around them.

Program quick facts

Course Delivery

100% Online

Total Credits

48

Campuses Hosting

  • Indianapolis

Degree Type

Doctor of Philosophy

Degree Overview

The IU Online Professional Doctorate in Philanthropic Leadership allows you to apply scholarship and data to produce actionable insights through philanthropic and nonprofit solutions. Designed for working professionals in a wide variety of fields, this unique doctoral program helps those with leadership experience and a graduate degree to advance their commitment to social good.

You’ll graduate with an Indiana University degree respected by employers worldwide—and you can work on yours anytime and anywhere. Plus, you’ll enjoy personalized support services throughout your academic journey.

And the benefits start long before graduation. More than half of IU Online students advance in their careers before they complete their degree.

To be accepted to this program, you must have:
  • A completed graduate degree in any field (including, but not limited to, M.A., M.S., M.P.A., M.P.P., J.D., M.B.A., M.S.W., and Ph.D.)
  • At least five years of demonstrated leadership experience
  • A commitment to advancing social good, as evidenced by professional or personal endeavors
  • In addition to the requirements above, international applicants must demonstrate English proficiency for admission into IUPUI graduate and professional programs. 
To apply to this program, complete an online application that includes:
  • Transcripts
  • Resume
  • Three to four letters of reference
  • A personal statement
Application Dates

Summer Semester (priority): Nov 1

Summer Semester (final): Dec 1

To graduate with a Professional Doctorate in Philanthropic Leadership, you must complete 48 credit hours.

See the required courses below

Core Classes for the BS in Actuarial Science, IUPUI
Course Number Course Name Credits
PHST-P 722 The Landscape of Philanthropy 3 Credits
PHST-P 721 Philanthropic Leadership Practices 3 Credits
PHST-P 723 Cultivating Generous Societies 3 Credits
PHST-P 728 Philanthropy, Justice, and Ethics 3 Credits
PHST-P 730 Data for Good 3 Credits
PHST-P 726 Applied Philanthropy Project I 3 Credits
PHST-P 727 The Art & Science of Philanthropy 3 Credits
PHST-P 724 Domains of Philanthropic Practice 3 Credits
PHST-P 729 Philanthropy Practices & Policies 3 Credits
PHST-P 725 Community Collaboration, Power, Politics, and Philanthropy 3 Credits
PHST-P 731 Philanthropic Leadership Case Study 3 Credits
PHST-P 732 Applied Philanthropy Project II 3 Credits
Thesis Research and Reading 3 courses, 4 credits each

Find course descriptions with our Search Schedule of Classes/Courses tool.

Program cost information

Plan your finances

Program cost can vary by campus, resident status, and type of program. Use the resources below to get accurate cost estimates for your specific situation.

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Contact Student Financial Services at iuosfs@iu.edu for cost information.

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