Departments
Programs
Philanthropic Studies
Chair of Faculty Dwight F. Burlingame
Graduate Program Director Dwight F. Burlingame
Director of Academic Programs Dwight F. Burlingame
Executive Director, Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University Patrick M. Rooney
Professors Wolfgang Bielefeld, SPEA; Robert G. Bringle, Psychology; Dwight F. Burlingame, Libraries; Phillip Cochran, Business; Ulla Connor, English; Thomas Davis, Religious Studies; Robert Dibie, SPEA (IUK); Guiliana Gemeli, History (Bologna); Kirsten A. Grønbjerg, SPEA (IUB); Donald Hossler, Education (IUB); Bessie House-Soremekun, Political Science; Lawrence A. Jegen III, Law; Leslie Lenkowsky, SPEA (IUB); Debra J. Mesch, SPEA; Eric M. Meslin, Medicine and Philosophy; Richard B. Miller, Religious Studies (IUB); James L. Perry, SPEA, (IUB); William M. Plater, English; David Reingold, SPEA (IUB); Patrick Rooney, Economics; Adrian Sargeant, SPEA; Philip V. Scarpino, History; William H. Schneider, History; Jane Schultz, English; John H. Stanfield, II, African American and African Diaspora Studies (IUB); Richard Steinberg, Economics; Susan Sutton, Anthropology and Women’s Studies; Eugene R. Tempel, Education; Brian Vargus, Political Science; James M. Walker, Economics (IUB); Robert White, Sociology; Patricia Wittberg, Sociology
Associate Professors Karl Besel, SPEA (IUK); Matthew Todd Bradley, Political Science (IUK); David Campbell, Political Science (Notre Dame); David Craig, Religious Studies; Kevin Cramer, History; Edward E. Curtis IV, Religious Studies; Gregory P. Gramelspacher, Medicine; Richard Gunderman, Radiology and Philosophy; Robert Katz, Law; Sheila Kennedy, SPEA; Elizabeth Kryder-Reid, Anthropology and Museum Studies; Una Okonkwo Osili, Economics; Kevin Robbins, History; Nancy M. Robertson, History; Anne Beeson Royalty, Economics; Michael Rushton, SPEA (IUB); Brian Steensland, Sociology (IUB); Robert Strikwerda, Philosophy (IUK); Andrea Walton, Education (IUB); Mark Wilhelm, Economics;
Assistant Professors Hayley Froysland, History; Beth Gazley, SPEA (IUB); Julie Hatcher, Service and Learning; Fran Huehls, Libraries; Lauren Morris MacLean, Political Science; Deanna Malatesha, SPEA; Paul B. McInerney, Sociology; Nicole C. Quon, SPEA (IUB); Timothy Seiler, Philanthropic Studies; Yue (Jen) Shang, SPEA (IUB); Gregory R. Witkowski, History (BSU); Ye Zhang, Economics
Adjunct Assistant Professors Nancy Goldfarb, Philanthropic Studies; Julie Hatcher, Service and Learning; Thom Jeavons, Philanthropic Studies; Laura Littlepage, SPEA; Kathy Steinberg, Philanthropic Studies; Anne Marie Thomson, SPEA (IUB); Lilya Wagner, Philanthropic Studies
Emeritus Faculty Constance M. Baker, Mary Anne Baker, Gerald L. Bepko, Edmund Byrne, Anne Donchin, Lawrence J. Friedman, Roger Hamburg, Giles Hoyt, Peter P. Jacobi, Lawrence Lambert, Angela McBride, Paul Nagy, Robert L. Payton, Jeanne Peterson, Jan B. Shipps, Sheldon Siegel, David H. Smith, Richard C. Turner, Carl H. Ziegler
Philanthropic Studies at Indiana University is interdisciplinary, inter-professional, and system-wide. The field addresses voluntary contributions of service and funds, voluntary associations, and what has been called ‘‘the social history of the moral imagination.’’ Areas of inquiry range from the history of philanthropy and philanthropy in literature (in the School of Liberal Arts at IUPUI) to fundraising management and legal issues (in other schools at IUPUI and IU Bloomington). Undergraduate and graduate degrees, minors, and certificates in various areas of philanthropic studies are currently available in the School of Liberal Arts and in other schools at IUPUI and IU Bloomington. For more information, visit the Center on Philanthropy atwww.philanthropy.iupui.edu.
Bachelor of Arts in Philanthropic Studies
Philanthropic Studies provides a theoretical framework and practical knowledge for students who want to turn their passions for civic engagement into professions. TheBachelor of Arts in Philanthropic Studies degree programprepares students for entry-level positions in philanthropy and nonprofit organizations. Their understanding of the meaning and role of philanthropy and nonprofit, nongovernmental, or civil society organizations in society opens up opportunities to make an impact in their careers. Students acquire a facility in discerning and pursuing ethical and value-based actions and ideas, and a commitment to the value of the cultures of others. The Bachelor’s degree program offers an opportunity for all students seeking to enrich their lives with a sense of contributing to the common good.
Admission
All students entering the Bachelor of Arts in Philanthropic Studies program must be admitted officially to IUPUI as a degree-seeking student by the Office of Admissions or by another Indiana University campus as a degree-seeking student. For more information, visit the Office of Undergraduate Admissions atwww.enroll.iupui.edu. For program related questions, please contact Center on Philanthropy Student Services, 317-278-8911.
Academics
The B.A. major in Philanthropic Studies requires satisfactory completion of the following requirements:
Completion of properly distributed credit hour requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree, as indicated in the Bulletin of the IUPUI School of Liberal Arts that was current when the student declared a major in Philanthropic Studies.
Completion of 33 credit hours, with a minimum grade of C in each course, from among the following distribution of Philanthropic Studies and related courses (or from approved substitutions):
- 21 Credit Hours in Core Courses
- 12 Credit Hours in Advanced Courses (300 or above)
Philanthropic Studies Core Courses (21 credits):
- P201 - Introduction to Philanthropic Studies (3 cr.)
- P210 - Philanthropy and the Social Sciences (3 cr.)
OR
- P211 - Philanthropy and the Humanities (3 cr.)
OR
- P212 - Philanthropy and Civic Engagement (3 cr.)
- P301 - Contemporary Contexts for and Approaches to Philanthropy (3 cr.)
- P401 - Ethics and Values of Philanthropy (3 cr.)
- P450 - Capstone Seminar in Philanthropic Studies (3 cr.)
- SPEA V458 - Fund Development for Nonprofit Organizations (3 cr.)
- P490 - Internship in Philanthropic Studies (3 cr.)
Advanced Courses (12 credits):
- P330 - Topics in Philanthropic Studies (3 cr.)
- P375 - Philanthropy, Calling, and Community (3 cr.)
- P430 - Topics in Philanthropic Studies (3 cr.)
- SPEA V268 - American Humanics Topics
- RELS R379 - Religion and Philanthropy (3 cr.)
- ECON E414 - Economics of the Nonprofit Sector (3).
- RELS R393 - Comparative Religious Ethics (3cr.)
- HIST H415 - The History of Philanthropy in the West (3 cr.)
- SPEA V362 - Nonprofit Management and Leadership (3 cr.)
- ENG L373 - Philanthropy and Literature: Philanthropy and Literature (3 cr.)
- SPEA V462 - Community Development (3 cr.)
- ANTH E411 - Wealth, Exchange, and Power in Anthropological Perspectives (3 cr.)
- PHIL P326 - Ethical Theory (3cr.)
Master of Arts
The Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies focuses on the history, culture, and values of philanthropy. Its objectives are: to enable students to gain the knowledge and skills either to pursue further graduate study in relevant fields or to pursue careers in the independent sector or in related fields; to enable students to investigate the broader theoretical issues of philanthropy and of their chosen areas of specialization from a variety of disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives; and to utilize the interdisciplinary base to maintain a thorough critical inquiry into the historical and cultural implications of philanthropy.
Admission
Requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0, and a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in the student’s major field. In addition, students seeking admission to the program should demonstrate an appropriate level of achievement on the Graduate Record Examination (or comparable proficiency test), and must arrange for three letters of recommendation to be addressed to the M.A. Program Admissions Committee.
Applicants who do not meet all of the requirements listed above may be admitted to the program on a provisional basis, in which case their status will be reviewed after a fixed period of time to determine whether they may continue in the program.
Scholarships and financial aid
Fellowships, scholarships, and graduate assistantships are available. Please contact Student Services at the Center on Philanthropy.
Curriculum
The M.A. in Philanthropic Studies requires a total of 36 credit hours. This includes 18 credit hours of core courses, 9 credit hours of elective courses, and 6 credit hours of thesis or additional courses. A minimum of 18 credit hours in core and elective courses combined must be in the School of Liberal Arts at IUPUI, and not more than 9 credit hours may be taken in courses numbered below 500. These 9 credit hours may come only from courses approved for Graduate School credit. In addition, the student earns 6 credit hours either for a thesis on a topic approved by the M.A. Program Advisory Committee or for graduate-level courses in a field in which future study is planned. The approval process for the thesis or its alternative normally takes place after a student has successfully completed 15 credit hours of course work.
In order to earn the M.A. in philanthropic studies, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0. Grades in courses counting for credit toward this degree may be no lower than C (2.0 on a scale of 4.0).
The 18 credit hours of core courses normally include Philanthropic Studies P521 The Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector; Philanthropic Studies P523 Civil Society and Philanthropy; History H509 History of Philanthropy in the West or History H516 History of Philanthropy in the U.S.; Philosophy P542 Ethics and Values of Philanthropy; Philanthropic Studies P512 Human and Financial Resources for Philanthropy; and Philanthropic Studies P590 Internship in Philanthropic Studies. In addition, students will take one of the following: Philanthropic Studies P530 Cross-Cultural Dimensions; SPEA V524 Civil Society in Comparative Perspective; or Religion R590 Religion and Philanthropy. Also, students must take either Economics E514 The Nonprofit Economy and Public Policy or Philanthropic Studies P535 Law of Nonprofit Organizations, as well as P600 M.A. Thesis in Philanthropic Studies if completing a thesis (6 cr.).
Dual Degrees
The philanthropic studies program has developed dual-degree opportunities with several schools and departments. When approved, a dual degree provides a student with a program of study that leads to the M.A. in philanthropic studies and a master’s degree in another discipline. Students must apply separately and simultaneously for a dual degree.
- Economics (M.A. in Economics)
- History (M.A. in History)
- Nursing (M.S. in Nursing Administration)
- School of Library and Information Sciences (M.L.S.)
- School of Public and Environmental Affairs (M.P.A.) in Nonprofit Management)
For more information, contact Student Services in the Center on Philanthropy at (317) 278-8911.
Executive M.A. in Philanthropic Studies Program
Many students interested in the M.A. program are unable to attend on a traditional residential basis because of the distance from Indianapolis and their ongoing job responsibilities. To provide access to the M.A. in Philanthropic Studies at Indiana University for this growing constituency, the executive master’s program was established in 1996. A participant in the executive master’s program can finish the requirements for the degree usually in three years by completing an orientation before the first day of classes; six or seven intense one-week sessions of residential study at IUPUI; distance education and directed off-site course work; and elective study at a qualified institution near the student’s home.
Normally, each summer course requires one week of intense on-campus study and is preceded by a pre-residential period of approximately six weeks that includes preparatory reading and assignments. Each session is followed by a post-residential period that includes evaluative experiences to be completed at home. During both the pre-residential and post-residential periods, faculty works with students by telephone, e-mail, fax, and mail.
Applicants for the executive program are not required to take the GRE. Otherwise the admission criteria are the same as for those applying for the residential program with the addition of three to five years of work experience in the nonprofit sector. Deadline dates for admission are January 1 for non–U.S. citizens and February 1 for U.S. citizens.
For more information, contact the Center on Philanthropy at (317) 278-8911, or visit the Web site at www.philanthropy.iupui.edu.
Doctor of Philosophy in Philanthropic Studies
Philanthropic studies is a field of inquiry built upon an interdisciplinary theoretical examination of philanthropy, while also providing an understanding of the individual side of philanthropic behavior and the structures that support voluntary activity. The interdisciplinary approach to philanthropic studies allows for the treatment of the distinct characteristics of philanthropy and the nonprofit sector. The methodologies of the social sciences, the humanities, and professional disciplines are applied to understanding the processes of giving and volunteering from the donor’s perspective and of volunteer involvement and fundraising from the organizational perspective. Research in this field will build the knowledge base and inform the practice of fundraising; grant-making; volunteer involvement; and leadership in nonprofit, public, and private philanthropic organizations and other public service programs, which lead to a “civil society.”
The primary goal of the Doctor of Philosophy in Philanthropic Studies at Indiana University is the preparation of researchers and scholars who will provide leadership in the profession of philanthropy, higher education, and nonprofit organizations.
Upon completion of the Ph.D. in philanthropic studies, graduates will be able to
1. Demonstrate multiple perspectives of knowing to synthesize the multidisciplinary contributions to knowledge generation in philanthropic studies.
2. Evaluate the ways in which knowledge and practice in philanthropy are influenced by historical developments, philosophical thoughts, political and social-economic systems, and cultural diversity.
3. Analyze, develop, and evaluate concepts and theories that contribute to the philanthropic studies field/discipline.
4. Conduct and communicate original research that advances the body of scientific knowledge in philanthropic studies.
5. Demonstrate expertise in research methodologies and techniques and their appropriate application in one’s selected specialty within philanthropy.
6. Analyze the impact of an expanded knowledge base in philanthropy and external forces on the development of philanthropy policy and practice in a just society.
7. Commit to leadership roles in philanthropic studies education, research, and practice and the incorporation of research and practice ethics.
Credits
A minimum of 90 credit hours is required; a maximum of 30 credit hours may be transferred from other graduate work in philanthropic studies and related areas. All courses credited toward the Ph.D. degree must have a minimum grade of B and receive written approval of the Ph.D. Program Committee or its representative.
Admission Requirements
- Formal application to Ph.D. program
- Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts
- Grade of B or higher on all courses applied to requirements
- GRE test scores
- Three letters of reference
- Current curriculum vitae
- Three-page essay summarizing professional goals and proposed research area
- An interview (telephone, electronic, or in person) with members of Philanthropic Studies Doctoral Committee
Admissions Deadline
Applications are required by January 15 to be eligible for nomination for a prestigious Indiana University Fellowship.
Research Opportunities
Primary areas of faculty research expertise include:
- Philanthropic history and traditions; role of philanthropy in civil society; community-based studies of philanthropy
- Management and measurement of philanthropic resources; governance issues of philanthropic institutions and nonprofit organizations
- Foundations similarities and differences; corporate philanthropy
- Forces influencing giving and volunteering in families over time
- Costs and benefits of fund raising campaigns
Course Requirements
Four Philanthropic Studies core seminars (12 credits)
- PHST 660 Ethical, Moral, and Religious Aspects of Philanthropy
- PHST 662 Historical and Cultural Perspectives of Philanthropy
- PHST 664 Role of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Organizations in Society
- PHST 790 Research Seminar in Philanthropic Studies
Four External Minor courses (12 credits)
Research Methods (9 credits)
Open electives (6 credits)
Dissertation (21 credits)
External Minor
All Ph.D. students complete a 12 credit hour External Minor related to their area of specialization in a department or school other than the Center on Philanthropy. This requirement enables students to link their research to the full range of academic disciplines available on both the Indianapolis and Bloomington campuses.
Advisory Committee
All students in the Ph.D. program, with the approval of the program director, will select an advisory committee of three faculty members, one of whom will represent the student’s area of specialization outside the Center on Philanthropy.
Qualifying Examination
A written qualifying examination is required for admission to doctoral candidacy. The focus and scheduling are determined by the student’s advisory committee.
Dissertation Requirements
After nomination to candidacy, the student, with the approval of the program director, will select a research committee of no fewer than four faculty members, including an outside member. The committee must approve the proposed dissertation topic. The dissertation involves an original piece of research and oral defense.
Full Time or Part Time
The program is available for both full- and part-time students.
Length of Study
Three to five-and-a-half years, depending on full- or part-time study.
Financial Support Opportunities
A variety of financial resources are available for Ph.D. students, including university fellowships, philanthropy scholarships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and loans. Information about financial resources for Ph.D. students may be obtained from the Student Services office.
Courses
P105 Giving and Volunteering in America (3 cr.)
This introductory course for non-majors encourages students who have had meaningful service experiences to reflect on their past and current experiences with giving and volunteering. Students will be introduced to the historical, philosophical, and literary traditions of American philanthropy and will be encouraged to apply them to their own lives, service experiences, educational and professional goals, and visions of a better world. One component of the course involves a service-learning experience and reflective essay.
P201 Traditions and Practice in Philanthropic Studies (3 cr.)
This course explores the issues and values surrounding philanthropy and nonprofit organizations as they have developed in history, as they shape contemporary formal study of philanthropy, and as an important part of students’ personal, intellectual, and professional lives. One component of the course involves a service-learning experience and reflective essay.
P211 Philanthropy and the Humanities (3 cr.)
This course draws from the humanities disciplines to address the question of responsible action in philanthropy. To whom or to what should a philanthropist be responsible? Readings and discussions will involve an analysis of values, goals, purposes, moral claims, and aspirations that sometimes compete, conflict, or coexist uneasily.
P 212 Philanthropy and Civic Engagement (3 cr.)
What contributions do philanthropy and voluntary service make to American society? And how does American society affect philanthropy and voluntary service? Using insights from history, economics, political science, and public policy analysis, this course examines the nature and scope of philanthropic giving and volunteering in the United States, the ideas and forces that have shaped its character and growth, and the issues it presents for a free and democratic society.
P301 History of Philanthropy in the West (3 cr.)
This course examines the history of the social act of philanthropy from the ancient world to modern times (circa 1900). Students will scrutinize both the history and historiography of “philanthropy,” what charity happened in past time, and what methods and sources modern historians use to write about such occurrences. The course will involve analyzing allegedly benevolent human practices within the context of their social, political, and cultural histories.
P330 Community Service Seminar (3 cr.)
This course introduces students to the philanthropic tradition in American culture. Students explore values, traditions, and social frameworks surrounding philanthropy in American history, discuss current issues related to volunteerism and the nonprofit sector, and reflect upon their personal service experiences and commitment to working with others to advance the common good.
P430 Philanthropy and the Arts (3 cr.)
This course covers the historical, social, political, and aesthetic relationships between philanthropy and the visual and performing arts since the time of Greek antiquity to the present day. Students will learn about the traditions and history of arts funding over the past 2,500 years and how the past influences giving to the arts in today’s world.
P 450 Senior Seminar in Philanthropic Studies (3 cr.)
This courses is designed to help graduating seniors synthesize and demonstrate learning in their major. It provides opportunities for students to integrate what they have learned in Philanthropic Studies and prepare for their future careers, as they interact with other students who are completing majors in Philanthropic Studies.
P490 Internship in Philanthropic Studies (3 cr.)
This course gives students the opportunity to apply theory to practice within a nonprofit organization. Students work with a sponsoring organization and the faculty advisor to develop a meaningful experience in their areas of interest, such as fundraising, marketing, communications, program development, board development, and volunteer coordination, among others.
P501 The Philanthropic Tradition (3 cr.)
This interdisciplinary course examines the core values of philanthropy and the principal patterns of philanthropic behavior and organization with particular emphasis on the Western tradition and its American adaptation.
P512 Human and Financial Resources for Philanthropy (3 cr.)
This course is designed to familiarize beginning graduate students with the three major areas subsumed under resources of the independent sector: volunteers, grant making, and financial resources obtained through a fundraising program. The course is divided into four parts to include the theoretical framework for the sector; government, corporate, and foundation resources; charitable donations by individuals; and volunteer management.
P521 The Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector (3 cr.)
Students examine issues of why people organize, give, and donate time; theories of the sector; policy formulation in the sector, etc., with the objective of becoming “philanthropically literate.”
P523 Civil Society and Philanthropy (3 cr.)
The course explores the relationship of civil society to the state, how the nonprofit sector affects the state, and how the state regulates the sector. A continuing theme is how and whether the state and philanthropic institutions make civil investments in strengthening civil society.
P530 Topics in Philanthropic Studies (3 cr.)
In-depth study of selected topics and issues in philanthropic studies. Specific topics vary by semester. Course may be repeated once for credit with a different course topic.
P535 Law of Nonprofit Organizations (3 cr.)
This seminar examines aspects of the legal regulation of nonprofit organizations. Topics include the formation, operation, and governance of nonprofit organizations, duties and liability of officers and directors, charitable solicitation, tax-exempt status for public benefit and mutual benefit organizations, charitable contributions, political activities, foundations, membership organizations, and religious organizations.
P555 Readings in Philanthropic Studies (1‑4 cr.)
P: permission of director. A tutorial course involving in-depth study and analysis of a specific topic in philanthropic studies, by arrangement with instructor.
P590 Internship in Philanthropic Studies (3 cr.)
A course for the advanced student of philanthropy. Students work 10 hours per week for a voluntary association, applying knowledge gained in earlier courses to practical situations. Requirements include a journal and a substantial term paper.
P600 M.A. Thesis in Philanthropic Studies (3‑6 cr.)
P602 Qualitative Methods for Third Sector Research (3 cr.)
This course examines the organization, design, and execution of multi-method, qualitative research with a special emphasis on third sector contexts. Specific tools for research, such as observation, interview, case study design, and document analysis will be examined through course readings, discussion, and the conduct of student projects.
P660 Ethical, Moral, and Religious Aspects of Philanthropy (3 cr.)
This doctoral seminar focuses on the major ethical and moral texts that explain and justify philanthropy. Emphasis is placed on the philosophy of philanthropy in comparative perspective, world traditions of social and religious conditions, and moral issues raised in philanthropy practice.
P662 Historical and Cultural Perspectives of Philanthropy (3 cr.)
This doctoral seminar focuses on the history of Philanthropy from earliest to contemporary times. Cross-cultural perspectives are considered as socially and historically conditioned. Ethnic and gender philanthropy are examined across geographic, cultural, and chronological periods.
P664 Philanthropy and Nonprofit Organizations in Society (3 cr.)
Social, psychological, political, and economic theories are used to explain philanthropy and the practice of philanthropy through organizations in society. Major theoretical concepts such as contract failure, social origins theory, voluntary failure, and serial reciprocity presented along with others.
P690 Research in Philanthropic Studies (1-3 cr.)
One semester of M.A. course work. Students will research specialized topics related to philanthropic studies agreed upon with the instructor from and in their chosen disciplinary perspective. In some instances, team research may be carried out. The course may be repeated once with approval by the chair of philanthropic studies.
P790 Research Seminar in Philanthropic Studies (3 cr.)
This doctoral seminar examines epistemological issues and tools, synthesizes the ways of knowing, and assesses forces that affect the conduct and use of knowledge in philanthropic studies. Multiple disciplinary perspectives and contemporary theoretical foundations of philanthropic studies are used to design and critique potential dissertation projects.
P890 Dissertation (cr. arr.)
Research and writing dissertation.
Undergraduate and graduate degrees, minors, and certificates in various areas of philanthropic studies and nonprofit management are available at IUPUI and IU Bloomington. These include nonprofit management, museum studies, the bachelor’s degree program and the philanthropic studies minor. New courses and degree programs are developing rapidly. For up-to-date information, please contact Student Services for the Philanthropic Studies Program, (317) 278-8911, or visit www.philanthropy.iupui.edu.