Graduate Student Learning Outcomes
Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies (M.A.)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. Students completing the Philanthropic Studies M.A. curriculum will:
- Gain knowledge of the history and cultural traditions of philanthropy and the nonprofit sector in a global context and the multi-disciplinary theories that explore/explain philanthropic behavior and why nonprofit organizations exist in society.
- Be able to acquire knowledge of research and resources in the field of philanthropic studies and to use that knowledge to create scholarly products and conduct research.
- Gain knowledge and skills needed to pursue further graduate work, and to network with others to pursue careers in the philanthropic/nonprofit sector.
- Understand how to interpret and apply ethical frameworks and concepts to philanthropic activity in society and to act ethically and work skillfully with others to achieve educational and professional goals.
This program prepares experts in philanthropy who will become faculty, researchers, and practitioners. Students include those fresh out of an M.A. program and mid-career professionals who want to deepen their knowledge of philanhtropy and the nonprofit sector and wish to enhance their ability to compete successfully for top leadership positions. The program includes a core of 15 credit hours and 9 research hours that provide an advanced understanding of the field but can otherwise be individualized. It allows the transfer of 30 credits hours from a relevant master's degree.
Students completing the Philanthropic Studies Ph.D. curriculum will:
- Gain knowledge of the history and cultural traditions of philanthropy and the nonprofit sector in a global context and understand multi-disciplinary theories that explore/explain philanthropic behavior and why nonprofit organizations exist in society.
- Be able to acquire knowledge of research and resources in the field of philanthropic studies and to use that knowledge to conduct original research, generate new knowledge, and create scholarly products.
- Be able to apply ethical standards to the pursuit of professional, scholarly, and societal goals to advance the common good.
- Understand how to interpret and apply ethical frameworks and disciplinary concepts to philanthropic activity in society and to act ethically and work skillfully with others to achieve educational, scholarly, and professional goals.
Last Updated: February, 2014.