Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies
The M.A. in Philanthropic Studies is a gateway to understanding the social, cultural, political, and economic roles played by philanthropy and nonprofit organizations and facilitates a 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.
Curriculum
Our program includes 27 hours of core course work, 9 hours of electives, OR a 9-hour thesis option in place of electives.
Required Core Courses
- PHST-P521: Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector
- PHST-P524: Civil Society in Comparative Perspective
- PHST-P535: Law of Nonprofit Organizations
- PHST-P556: Grant Making and the Role of Foundations
- PHST-P558: Principles and Practices of Fundraising
- PHST-P590: Internship/Directed Off-Site Study
- PHST-P515/HIST-H516: History of Philanthropy
- PHST-P530/ECON-E514: Nonprofit Economy and Public Policy
- PHST-P532: Applying Ethics in Philanthropy/PHIL-P542: Ethics and Values in Philanthropy
Elective Courses (Choose 3)
- PHST-P518: History of International Humanitarian Assistance
- PHST-P527: Cross Cultural Dimensions of Philanthropy
- PHST-P534: Gender and Philanthropy
- PHST-P530: Variable Topics (including Community Foundations, Global Philanthropy, Data for Good, Religion and Philanthropy, Effectiveness in Philanthropy, Philanthropy in Comparative European Perspective (study abroad course), Leadership in the Philanthropic Sector, and Racial Equity and Philanthropy)
- PHST-P559: Donor Behavior in Major and Planned Giving
- PHST-P560: Institutional Fundraising
Application Deadlines
We accept applications for our graduate certificate and master’s degree at any time. New students can begin classes in August (fall), January (spring), and May (summer).
Please contact us directly for information on your next available option to start classes.
Admission Requirements
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 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts should be uploaded to your application within GradCAS or mailed to: Student Services, Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, University Hall, Suite 3000, 301 University Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46202.
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. Please upload this to the GradCAS application.
Résumé/CV: Please upload your résumé to the GradCAS application.
Results of the Graduate Record Examination Test: Applicants are not expected to submit GRE scores, however, they can be submitted as a part of your application if you wish. Please use the IUI code: R1325
Application Information For International Students:
- English Proficiency Verification
- Official Academic Records
- Test Scores
- Financial Support Agreement and Expenses
- Immigration Documentation
- Letters of Recommendation
Find more information for international students.
Expected Costs
Tuition and fees for each academic year are calculated in July and those costs can be viewed on the Enrollment and Management website. Rates are subject to change by the Indiana University Board of Trustees.
Financial Aid
Several fellowships, assistantships, and scholarships are available to graduate students in philanthropic studies. Complete applications must be submitted by February 15 for scholarship consideration. More information here.
Admission Eligibility
The student must have a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university to apply.
Application
Those interested should apply online through the IU graduate school.
Program Restrictions
- Students enrolled in a master's program must complete all coursework with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B). Failure to do so results in automatic dismissal from the program.
- Students who have completed more than two PHST graduate courses must request permission to apply.
- We allow up to 9 credit hours to transfer into our graduate program.
- Students must complete the master's degree in five years.
