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Apply NowPhilanthropic Studies, M.A.
Course Delivery: 100% Online
Total Credits: 12
In-State Tuition Per Credit: $414.00
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: $1155.00
Cost of attendance may vary by campus. View the total cost calculator
Degree Overview
Offered by the world’s first school of philanthropy, the IU Online Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies is your gateway to understanding the social, cultural, political, and economic roles played by philanthropy and nonprofit organizations.
As a student in the program, you explore such topics as the nonprofit and voluntary sectors, civil society and philanthropy, the history of American philanthropy, and the ethics and values of philanthropy. You also complete an internship in philanthropic studies. You’ll gain experience in understanding and applying cutting-edge research and develop critical thinking skills about the complex issues confronting the nonprofit sector.
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 bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a scale of 4.0), and an overall 3.0 average in your major field. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may still be considered for admission based on the strength of the other portions of the application.
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.
Your IU Online M.A. 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
To graduate with the M.A. 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)
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECON-E 514 | Nonprofit Economy and Public Policy | 3 Credits |
| PHIL-P 542/ PHST-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 |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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