Curriculum
Courses
Requirements for Admission
Expected Costs
Financial Aid
Application Deadlines
Graduate Record Examination
Application Information
IU Master Student Checklist
Spring 2012 Course Schedule
The Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies at Indiana University is the first masters degree program in the United States to focus on the history, culture, and values of philanthropy. While other programs focus on the "how" of nonprofit management, this program focuses on the "why" - the social, cultural, political, and economic roles played by philanthropy and nonprofit organizations in both contemporary and historical settings.
Our program enables you to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue further graduate study in relevant fields or to enter the field as a nonprofit professional. Investigate the broader theoretical issues of philanthropy and your area of specialization from a variety of disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives.
Curriculum
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, 6 hours of elective courses and six hours of thesis work or courses in lieu of thesis. The Philanthropic Studies Program is part of the IUPUI School of Liberal Arts.
Courses
Required core courses (18 credits)
The 18 credits of core courses will normally include those listed below:
- The Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector
PHST P521, 3 credits
- Civil Society and Philanthropy
PHST P523, 3 credits
- History of Philanthropy in the West
HIST H509, 3 credits
OR
History of American Philanthropy
HIST H516, 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 – take one (3 Credits)
- Fund Development for Nonprofit Org
PHST P555/SPEA V558, 3 credits
- Human Resource Mgmt in Nonprofit Org
SPEA V522, 3 credits
- Financial Mgmt for Nonprofit Organizations
SPEA V526, 3 credits
- Social Entrepreneurship
SPEA V559, 3 credits
Comparative course - take one (3 credits)
- Cross-Cultural Dimensions of Philanthropy
PHST P530, 3 credits
- Civil Society in Comparative Perspective
SPEA V524/P530, 3 credits
- Religion and Philanthropy
REL R539,3 credits
Policy course - take one (3 credits)
- The Nonprofit Economy and Public Policy
ECON E514, 3 credits
- Law of Nonprofit Organizations
PHST P535, 3 credits
Electives (6 credits)
Thesis or two additional approved graduate courses (6 credits) in lieu of thesis.
Requirements for Admission
The Philanthropic Studies Program is part of the School of Liberal Arts at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis; 21 of the 36 credit hours required for the MA degree must be Liberal Arts courses. If you do not meet all of the requirements listed below, you may be admitted to the program on a conditional basis and will be reviewed after a fixed period of time to determine whether you may continue in the program.
- Prior Academic Work
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required with a minimum of a 3.0 overall grade point average (on a scale of 4.0), and a minimum of a 3.0 average in your major field. Applicants with a grade point average below 3.0 may be considered for conditional admission.
- Results of the Graduate Record Examination General Test
Applicants are expected to demonstrate an appropriate level of proficiency on the GRE or a comparable proficiency test (i.e., GMAT, LSAT). Results from the Graduate Record Examination taken within the past five years are required. The Graduate School of Indiana University has established the minimum criteria for GRE scores to be greater than 1000 (Verbal and Math combined).
Note: Applicants whose academic records fail to satisfy the GRE standards may be admitted to the program on a conditional basis, in which case their status will be reviewed after a fixed period of time to determine whether they may continue in the program.
- Recommendations
Three letters of recommendation to the Admissions Committee are required. Preference will be given to those candidates who can demonstrate ability to successfully perform academic work. In selecting your recommenders, try to select those people who can best speak to indications of your ability to successfully do academic work. If a recommender is not in an academic environment, encourage him/her to assess your knowledge, skills, and abilities as they relate to your ability to do academic work.
- Statement of Purpose
Preference will be given to those candidates whose goals and interests, broadly speaking, match those of the Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies and its curriculum.
- Resume
Please send updated resume to Peggy Smith, Student Services Coordinator.
Expected Costs
Fees for the 2011-2012 academic year are $912.10 per credit hour for out-of-state students and $303.00 per credit hour for Indiana residents. Rates are subject to change by the Indiana University Board of Trustees.
Financial Aid
A number of fellowships, assistantships, and scholarships are available to graduate students in Philanthropic Studies. Complete applications must be submitted by February 1 for scholarship consideration.
Application Deadlines
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 15, 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. Please note: Spring admission is only recommended for applicants who have completed SPEA V521/PHST P521, "The Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector" course OR any equivalent graduate level introductory course in Nonprofit Management or Philanthropic studies from another university. If you have any questions about this policy, please contact Student Services, pessmith@iupui.edu
Graduate Record Examination
Applicants should demonstrate an appropriate level of proficiency on the GRE. An official report of the results is required for admission. Computer-Based Testing is conducted year-round by appointment through designated test centers. Information on the GRE is generally available at a local college or university, or by calling Educational Testing Service at (800) GRE-CALL.
Application Information
See our Glossary of U.S. Higher Education Terms
For more information, please visit http://international.iupui.edu
Questions about the Center on Philanthropy and its other academic programs can be directed to:
The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University
550 West North Street, Suite 301
Indianapolis, IN 46202-3162
Telephone: 317-274-4200
Fax: 317-684-8900
Email: maphil@iupui.edu
For International Students and Scholars
Whether you want to pursue a degree in Philanthropic Studies or lend your expertise to the Center on Philanthropy's academic and research programs, the Center's International Community Development office can help. Read more about services for students and scholars, or email Assistant Director or call her at (317) 261-3008.
Apply online now!
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.
