Graduate Programs

Admissions

Philanthropic Studies

MA in Philanthropic Studies

The Philanthropic Studies Program is part of the School of Liberal Arts at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis;  21 of the 36 credit hours required for the MA degree must be Liberal Arts courses.   If you do not meet all of the requirements listed below, you may be admitted to the program on a conditional basis and will be reviewed after a fixed period of time to determine whether you may continue in the program.

  • Prior Academic Work
    A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required with a minimum of a 3.0 overall grade point average (on a scale of 4.0), and a minimum of a 3.0 average in your major field. Applicants with a grade point average below 3.0 may be considered for conditional admission.

  • Results of the Graduate Record Examination General Test
    Applicants are expected to demonstrate an appropriate level of proficiency on the GRE or a comparable proficiency test (i.e., GMAT, LSAT). Results from the Graduate Record Examination taken within the past five years are required. The Graduate School of Indiana University has established the minimum criteria for GRE scores to be greater than 1000 (Verbal and Math combined)

    Note: Applicants whose academic records fail to satisfy the GRE standards may be admitted to the program on a conditional basis, in which case their status will be reviewed after a fixed period of time to determine whether they may continue in the program. 

  • Recommendations 
    Three letters of recommendation to the Admissions Committee are required.  Preference will be given to those candidates who can demonstrate ability to successfully perform academic work. In selecting your recommenders, try to select those people who can best speak to indications of your ability to successfully do academic work. If a recommender is not in an academic environment, encourage him/her to assess your knowledge, skills, and abilities as they relate to your ability to do academic work. 

  • Statement of Purpose
    Preference will be given to those candidates whose goals and interests, broadly speaking, match those of the Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies and its curriculum. 

  • Resume
    Please send updated resume to Peggy Smith, Student Services Coordinator.
Application Deadlines

Those students who are not U.S. citizens must submit their application materials no later than January 1. Students seeking financial aid must apply by February 1. The priority deadline for all others is April 15, but the Center will accept applications untilJuly 15, if space is available.

The deadline for Spring admission is November 15. International applicants must apply by October 15.

Please note: Spring admission is only recommended for applicants who have completed SPEA V521/PHST P521, "The Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector" course OR any equivalent graduate level introductory course in Nonprofit Management or Philanthropic studies from another university. If you have any questions about this policy, please contact Student Services, pessmith@iupui.edu

Graduate Record Examination

Applicants should demonstrate an appropriate level of proficiency on the GRE. An official report of the results is required for admission. Computer-Based Testing is conducted year-round by appointment through designated test centers. Information on the GRE is generally available at a local college or university, or by calling Educational Testing Service at (800) GRE-CALL.

For International Students and Scholars

Whether you want to pursue a degree in Philanthropic Studies or lend your expertise to the Center on Philanthropy's academic and research programs, the Center's International Community Development office can help. Read more about services for students and scholars, or email Assistant Director Nan Bohan or call her at (317) 261-3008.

Apply online now!

Apply online at the Indiana University Graduate School.

PhD in Philanthropic Studies

Applications are required by January 15.

Admission Requirements
  1. Formal application to Ph.D. program 
  2. Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts 
  3. Grade of B or higher on all courses applied to requirements 
  4. GRE test scores 
  5. Three letters of reference 
  6. Current curriculum vitae 
  7. Three-page essay summarizing professional goals and proposed research area 
  8. An interview (telephone, electronic, or in person) with members of Philanthropic Studies Doctoral Committee