Philanthropic Studies, MA: Online Degrees: Online Degree Programs: Indiana University

Philanthropic Studies, MA

Master of Arts

Course Delivery
100% Online
Total Credits
36
In-State Tuition Per Credit
$390.25
Out of State Tuition Per Credit
$1078.00

Philanthropic Studies, MA

Master of Arts

There are more than 1.6 million nonprofit organizations in the US alone, and these organizations need well-prepared leaders and staff to continue making an impact on millions of lives across the globe. A degree in philanthropic studies prepares you to work in fundraising, grant making, and program management, across a broad range of fields including religion, education, social services, health, arts and culture, animals, the environment, developing countries, and many other worthwhile causes.

The IU Online Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies--from the world's first school of philanthropy--is a gateway to understanding the social, cultural, political, and economic roles played by philanthropy and nonprofit organizations, and facilitates broad understanding that prepares graduates for leadership practice within the nonprofit sector. Students gain experience in understanding and applying cutting-edge research and develop critical thinking skills about the complex issues confronting the nonprofit sector.

As a student in the program, you explore such topics as the nonprofit and voluntary sectors, civil society and philanthropy, history of American philanthropy, and ethics and values of philanthropy. You also complete an internship in philanthropic studies.

Your IU Online MA in Philanthropic Studies prepares you for such careers as:

Director of gift planning
Fundraising consultant
Principal gifts officer
Development director
Director of alumni relations
Director of major gifts and planned giving
Annual giving director

Degree Requirements

To graduate with the MA in Philanthropic Studies, you must complete 36 credit hours.

Requirements are broken down as follows:

Philanthropic studies core courses (27 credit hours)
Elective courses OR master's thesis option (9 credit hours)

Admissions

To be accepted to this program, you must have:

A bachelor's degree
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required with a minimum 3.0 overall grade point average (on a scale of 4.0), and a minimum 3.0 average in your major field. Applicants with a grade point average below 3.0 may still be considered for admission based on the strength of the other portions of the application.

NOTE: This program is authorized, exempt, or not subject to state regulatory compliance and may enroll students from all 50 states

To apply to this program:

Complete an online application that includes:

Three letters of recommendation
Resume
Statement of purpose (500 words)
GRE scores from the last five years (for applicants with less than five years of work experience in the field of philanthropy)
Additional application materials may be required for international students

Courses

Core

ECON-E 514/PHST-P 530	Nonprofit Economy and Public Policy	3 Credits
PHIL-P 542/PHST-P 532	Ethics and Values in Philanthropy/ Applying Ethics in Philanthropy	3 Credits
PHST- P 535	Law of Nonprofit Organizations	3 Credits
PHST-P 515/HIST-H 516	History of Philanthropy	3 Credits
PHST-P 521	Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector	3 Credits
PHST-P 524	Civil Society and Philanthropy	3 Credits
PHST-P 556	Grant Making and the Role of Foundations	3 Credits
PHST-P 558	Principles and Practices of Fundraising	3 Credits
PHST-P 590	Internship/Directed Off-Site Study	3 Credits

Elective

PHST-P 518	History of International Humanitarian Assistance	3 Credits
PHST-P 527	Cross Cultural Dimensions of Philanthropy	3 Credits
PHST-P 530	Variable Topics	3 Credits
PHST-P 534	Gender and Philanthropy	3 Credits

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

Tuition & Fees

Cost for Indiana Residents

Per Credit Hour
Tuition: $390.25

3 Credit Hours
Tuition: $1170.75

Note: Additional fees will apply.

Cost for Out of State Residents

Per Credit Hour
Tuition: $1078.00

3 Credit Hours
Tuition: $3234.00

What's it like to be an IU Online Student?

Earn an IU education from wherever you are

When you enroll in an IU Online program, you take IU classes, taught by the same faculty who teach on our campuses.

It's the flexible, affordable way to get the IU education you deserve without putting your life—or career—on hold.
Get the support you need to succeed

As a student in an IU Online program, you'll have the opportunity to engage with and seek help from your professors and peers, just as you would in a campus-based program.

You'll also have access to a variety of academic and other support services that you can call on when you need additional assistance. You're an important part of the IU community and we're dedicated to ensuring you have the resources you need to thrive in your online program.
Reap the rewards for decades to come

No matter what field you're in, an IU degree or certificate can improve your chances of earning a promotion or pay raise.

You'll also earn skills that will help you to achieve success for the foreseeable future, whether you're seeking to complete an advanced degree in your current field or switch career paths altogether.
Take the first step toward a more rewarding future

Request More Information