Graduate Certificates
We offer two graduate certificate programs that can be completed either online or in-person on campus (both certificates are eligible for student loans).
The Graduate Certificate in Philanthropic Studies provides you with education in the field of philanthropic studies. The degree program introduces you to the critical issues and values of philanthropic practices.
The Graduate Certificate in Philanthropic Fundraising focuses on the latest research on philanthropy, and the practical applications to develop your knowledge base and skills in fundraising.
Our certificates are designed for those who have an interest in, and perhaps career need for, this education and want to sample the master's program. All of the certificate credits can be used toward the master's. The certificates provide opportunities both for students interested in learning more about the field as well as career professionals looking to expand your knowledge.
The certificates may be completed on their own or in conjunction with other graduate study.
ADMISSION ELIGIBILITY
The student must have a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 to apply. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may be considered for conditional admission.
APPLICATION
Those interested should apply online through the IUPUI graduate school, but no letters of recommendation or GRE are required. Applicants whose native language is not English must pass the TOEFL with a score of 69 or higher.
Please submit a résumé with a cover letter stating why you are interested in the PHST graduate certificate.
PROGRAM RESTRICTIONS
1. Students enrolled in a certificate program must complete it within 12 credit hours of approved course work with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B). Failure to do so results in automatic dismissal from the certificate program.
2. Students who have completed more than two PHST graduate courses must request permission to apply.
3. Transfer credit or course waivers are not accepted. Course substitutions must be approved by the director of master’s degree programs.
4. Admission to or successful completion of a certificate program does not guarantee subsequent admission to a PHST graduate degree program.
5. Students enrolled in the certificate program who apply to PHST's graduate degree programs must meet all existing admission requirements. If a student has a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better at the completion of the certificate, the student can request a waiver of the GRE requirement in applying to the M.A. program.
6. Students must complete the certificate in five (5) years.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Students must take a total of 15 credit hours. This total includes the following four required courses:
- PHST-P521: Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector
- PHST-P530: Donor Behavior in Major and Planned Giving
- PHST-P530: Institutional Donors
- PHST-P558: Principles and Practices of Fundraising
In addition, the student must take one graduate philanthropy elective course.
Courses taken for the PHST certificate can also be counted toward other degrees. All 15 credits can transfer to the philanthropic studies M.A. or Ph.D. degrees.
Last updated: July 2020
