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IU Indianapolis Bulletin » Schools » IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy » Graduate Programs » Professional Doctoral Degree in Philanthropic Leadership (PhilD)

Professional Doctorate in Philanthropic Leadership

As the world’s first school dedicated to the study and teaching of philanthropy, Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy now offers the first Professional Doctorate in Philanthropic Leadership (PhilD). As a cohort, PhilD students will wield cutting-edge leadership tools and creative applications for existing research, scholarship, and data, all toward helping solve some of our global society’s most intractable problems as addressed through philanthropy, nonprofits, and cross-sectoral initiatives.

If you have served as a senior leader for the public good, whether in the philanthropic, government, or private sectors, already have a master’s or other graduate degree, and wish to explore real-world solutions for current challenges through philanthropic and nonprofit solutions, the Professional Doctorate in Philanthropic Leadership may be an excellent fit for you.

We require the following documents to complete your application:

  1. Transcripts from each college/university you have attended
  2. Your resume/CV
  3. Three letters of reference that address both your leadership acumen and potential academic success in the PhilD
  4. Personal statement: a brief description of your tenure as a leader in your field
  5. Applied Research Project Proposal: Applicants for the PhilD will submit a proposal for a major applied research project, applying existing research, scholarship, and data for actionable insights that advance the practice of philanthropy and nonprofits

GRE or other graduate school admission test results are not required for application to the PhilD, however, applicants may choose to upload scores if they wish.

International applicants, in addition to the requirements above, must demonstrate English proficiency for admission into IUI graduate and professional programs. All international students must demonstrate English proficiency for admission into Indiana University Indianapolis (IUI) graduate and professional programs. 

Additionally, as part of our admissions review process, we require transcripts from colleges or institutions outside of the United States to be evaluated by either WES (World Education Services) or ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators).

Applications submitted without demonstrated English proficiency and without a WES or ECE evaluation by the application deadline will not be considered complete and will not be forwarded to the admissions committee for review.

Curriculum

Different than a traditional Ph.D. degree, which typically prepares graduates for academic positions, the Professional Doctorate in Philanthropic Leadership is for practicing professionals. Take your career to the highest levels with courses and faculty that combine your professional experience with the most sophisticated curriculum in our sector, addressing the nexus of philanthropy, leadership, and applied research inquiry.

The PhilD curriculum focuses on applying new and existing research, education, and real-world practice to produce actionable insights that advance the practice of philanthropy and deliver social impact. In lieu of a dissertation, students will develop a cumulative, major final applied project that translates research into actionable strategies to solve real, complex problems for an organization or aspect of the sector.

Course Sequence

The PhilD program courses are designed to be completed sequentially. The courses are online, asynchronous with optional live meetings on zoom.

Year 1

1.The Landscape of Philanthropy

2.Philanthropic Leadership Practices

3.Cultivating Generous Societies

4. Philanthropy, Justice, and Ethics

5. Data for Good

6. Applied Philanthropy Project I

Year 2

7. The Art & Science of Synthesis

8. Domains of Philanthropic Practice

9. Philanthropy, Practices, & Policies

10. Community Collaboration, Power, Politics and Philanthropy

11. Philanthropic Leadership Case Study

12. Applied Philanthropy Project II

Year 3

13 – 15. Project research, writing, and presentation

Residency

There are three required residencies in the PhilD program, one per year. The first residency will be in August 2026 and this initial residency of several days on campus will allow the cohort to meet in person at the start of the program. Optional synchronous supplemental online sessions will be offered throughout the curriculum.

Cohort

The PhilD welcomes applicants from a wide range of fields, including the private and government sectors, in addition to those with backgrounds in the philanthropic sector. Leadership through extensive volunteering, such as a long-term board member or trustee, may also be sufficient for the PhilD application requirements. With the advantage of the cohort model, the PhilD students will have rich and diverse backgrounds to share as peers, for lifelong professional connections.

Please see our website here for more information and program updates.