Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies
We offer the first master's degree in the nation that focuses on philanthropy's history, culture and values. While other programs focus on the "how" of nonprofit management, we focus on the "why"—the social, cultural, political and economic roles philanthropy has played through history.
Through our program, you'll gain the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue further graduate study or to enter the field as a nonprofit professional. You'll learn about the broader theories of philanthropy and your area of interest from a variety of perspectives.
The M.A. in Philanthropic Studies is a 36-credit-hour graduate program that includes 24 hours of course work central to the study of philanthropy, six hours of elective courses and six hours of thesis work or courses in lieu of thesis option, and three hours of internship.
Required Core Courses (15 credits)
The 15 credits of core courses will normally include those listed below:
- Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector: PHST-P521, 3 credits
- Civil Society and Philanthropy: PHST-P523, 3 credits
- History of American Philanthropy: HIST-H515, 3 credits OR History of Philanthropy: PHST-P515, 3 credits
- Ethics and Values of Philanthropy: PHIL-P542, 3 credits
- Internship in Philanthropic Studies: PHST-P590, 3 credits
Human & Financial Resources Courses for Philanthropy (6 Credits)
- Principles and Techniques of Fundraising: PHST-P558, 3 credits
- Grant Making and the Role of Foundations: PHST-P557, 3 credits
Comparative course - take one (3 credits)
- Cross-Cultural Dimensions of Philanthropy: PHST-P527, 3 credits
- Civil Society in Comparative Perspective: PHST-P524, 3 credits
- Religion and Philanthropy: REL-R539, 3 credits
Policy course - take one (3 credits)
- Nonprofit Economy and Public Policy: ECON-E514, 3 credits
- Law of Nonprofit Organizations: PHST-P535, 3 credits
Electives (3 credits)
Thesis OR one elective research course and one additional elective (6 credits).
Last Updated: September 2015