Executive Program, Three-Year Plan
Summer Residential Study: Six Courses
Course Offerings-Summer Residential Study
Directed Off-Site Study
Transfer Study (two elective)
Computer and Internet Access
Faculty
Expected Costs
Scholarships
Work Experience
Deadline for Application
Student Reflections
Apply Online
Philanthropic Studies Program

The Executive Master of Arts degree enables practitioners with three to five years of work experience in the nonprofit sector to complete the M.A. in Philanthropic Studies. Students can finish the requirements for the degree in three years of residential and directed off-site study. The program explores the social, cultural, political, and economic roles played by philanthropy and nonprofit organizations in contemporary and historical settings.

The Executive M.A. in Philanthropic Studies is a 36-credit-hour graduate program that includes 6 core courses central to the study of philanthropy (summer residential study), one video history course, one internship, two electives, and a thesis or courses in lieu of thesis.

The Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies at Indiana University is one of the first master's degree programs in the United States to focus on the history, culture and values of philanthropy. Other programs focus on the "how" of nonprofit management. In contrast, this program explores the "why" - the social, cultural, political, and economic roles played by philanthropy and nonprofit organizations in contemporary and historical settings. Although management practice is not neglected, the program focuses the discussion on the distinctive values underlying the varieties of philanthropic experience.

Executive Program, Three-Year Plan

Executive program students can finish the requirements for the degree in three years by completing:

• Six intense one-week sessions of residential study at IUPUI
• Directed off-site course work
• Elective study at a qualified institution near the student's home
• Fulfillment of internship/experience requirement

Executive program students may satisfy elective requirements with nonprofit management online courses.

Summer Residential Study: Six Courses

Each summer course requires one week of intense on-campus study in July and is preceded by a pre-residential period of approximately eight 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 [see schedule]. Summer courses end in early to mid-Fall. During both the pre-residential and post-residential periods, faculty and students communicate by telephone, electronic mail, fax and mail.

Course Offerings-Summer Residential Study

Most students take two of the following courses each summer:

• The Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector
• Human and Financial Resources for Philanthropy
• Civil Society in Comparative Perspective
• Ethics and Values of Philanthropy
• Nonprofit Economy and Public Policy
• Law of Nonprofit Organizations

Directed Off-Site Study

Directed off-site study requires completing several non-residential learning experiences which total 12 credit hours and include the following:

• History of Philanthropy in the West (video)
• Internship in Philanthropic Studies
• Thesis or two higher level courses in lieu of thesis

Winter terms are generally used to complete the directed off-site study courses and electives.

Transfer Study (two electives)

With prior approval, two elective courses at the graduate level (for a maximum of 8 credit hours) may be transferred from an accredited institution to Indiana University. While certain requirements do apply to transfer credits, this option allows a student the flexibility to study in his or her community and be exposed to related course work at other institutions.

Computer & Internet Access

Because linking by computer networks will be an integral part of ongoing communication for executive master's program students and faculty, all students are required to have access to a computer and the Internet. A personal computer account is provided to Indiana University students, but many students use their own provider.

Faculty

Executive master's program teaching faculty includes distinguished members from Philanthropic Studies, Political Science, Philosophy, History, Law, Public & Environmental Affairs, and Economics. In addition, affiliated faculty are available to assist in enriching the internship experience and guide thesis research from the disciplines of:

• Sociology
• Religious Studies
• Social Work
• Finance
• Medicine
• Organizational Behavior
• Management
• Women's Studies
• Nursing
• Educational Administration

Expected Costs

Fees for the 2007-2008 academic year are $712.75 per credit hour for out-of-state students and $242.40 per credit hour for Indiana residents. Rates are subject to change by the Indiana University Board of Trustees.

Scholarships

For the Executive M.A. in Philanthropic Studies, several scholarships are available for tuition assistance. These scholarships were established to provide greater access for all potential students.

For scholarship consideration, all application materials must be submitted by February 1 along with the following:

1) A one-page letter expressing your interest in being considered for a scholarship.

2) A statement indicating your current employer's name and the size of your organization; your current position; your annual income; and the amount of employer support (including tuition, books and materials, travel, and paid time off).

3) Any other information about nonacademic achievements, including meritorious service, awards, and achievements in your community, governmental, or nonprofit endeavors.

Work Experience

A minimum of three to five years of work experience in the nonprofit sector prior to application is preferred.

Deadline for Application

Those students who are not U.S. citizens must submit their application materials no later than January 1. Students seeking financial aid must apply by February 1. The priority deadline for all others is April 1, but the Center will accept applications until July 15 if space is available.

The deadline for Spring admission is November 15. International applicants must apply by October 15.

Student Reflections

"These courses will take you beyond the ordinary to find meaning and depth in fund raising that you may not have recognized before. I can't say enough positive things about this program!"

Bridget Brewster
Director of Development and Communication
Sisters of Saint Joseph

"I entered this program at mid-career to gain a richer perspective on the motivations of both benefactors and beneficiaries... I have already developed a great appreciation for traditions that have endured."

Dan C. Mohn
Assistant Vice President for Program Development
Presbyterian Church (USA) Foundation

"This degree in Philanthropic Studies at IUPUI is a serious interest that I believe will be vital for tomorrow's corporate profile - I'd like to be in a position of helping to shape that profile."

Ann Secrest
Associate Director of Development and Assistant to the Chancellor
University of Alaska

"One of the strengths of the Executive Master's program is the students' diversity: professional experiences, employers, geographical and cultural origins, and career goals."

Connie Baker, Ph.D.
Professor, School of Nursing
Indiana University

Application Information

To discuss the Executive M.A. in Philanthropic Studies and/or to receive an application packet, please contact the Assistant Director of Academic Programs at the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University.

The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University
550 West North Street, Suite 301
Indianapolis, IN 46202-3162
800-854-1612
317-274-4200
317-684-8900 fax
Email: maphil@iupui.edu

Apply online now!

Instructions for applying online.

Apply online at the Indiana University Graduate School.

Philanthropic Studies Program

There has never been a more dynamic time in the history of philanthropy, and the "third sector" is playing a greater role in society than ever before. Indiana University's philanthropic studies program will develop a new generation of informed and committed leaders who will truly impact social action in the 21st century.

Established in 1987, the Indiana University Center on Philanthropy is the nation's most comprehensive academic resource dedicated to education, research and public service in philanthropy. We promote the study of philanthropy and the philanthropic tradition across academic discipline lines in both liberal arts and professional education. Our priority is to understand the role of philanthropy in society and to contribute to the knowledge base of the field.