Graduate Certificates
We offer two graduate certificate programs: a Certificate in Philanthropic Studies and a Certificate in Philanthropic Fundraising. Both certificates can be completed online or in-person, and both 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 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
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.
PROGRAM RESTRICTIONS
- Students enrolled in a certificate program must complete all required credits with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B). Failure to do so results in automatic dismissal from the certificate program.
- Students who have completed more than two PHST graduate courses must request permission to apply.
- Transfer credit or course waivers are not accepted. Course substitutions must be approved by the director of master’s degree programs.
- Admission to or successful completion of a certificate program does not guarantee subsequent admission to a PHST graduate degree program.
- 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 will receive a waiver of the GRE requirement in applying to the M.A. program.
- Students must complete the certificate in five (5) years.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Graduate Certificate in Philanthropic Studies (12 credits)
- PHST-P521: Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector
- PHST-P532: Applying Ethics in Philanthropy/PHIL-542: Ethics and Values in Philanthropy
- PHST-P558: Principles and Practices of Fundraising
- Any graduate PHST elective course
Graduate Certificate in Philanthropic Fundraising (15 credits)
- PHST-P521: Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector
- PHST-P559: Donor Behavior in Major and Planned Giving
- PHST-P560: Institutional Donors
- PHST-P558: Principles and Practices of Fundraising
- Any graduate PHST elective course
Courses taken for the PHST certificate can also be counted toward other degrees. All PHST credits can transfer to the philanthropic studies M.A. or Ph.D. degrees.
Last updated: May 2021
