Professionals, students everywhere can now study with world’s first school of philanthropy
Professionals and students with a serious interest in philanthropy who are located anywhere in the world can now earn a master’s degree from the world’s first school of philanthropy without leaving home.
For the first time, the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is making its Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies degree program available online, starting with the fall 2017 semester. Applications are being accepted now. The school is headquartered at IU Indianapolis.
“The prospect of beginning a master’s degree program can sometimes seem daunting, but completing classes online makes it manageable for those who work full time or don’t live near our campus,” said Amir Pasic, Ph.D., the Eugene R. Tempel Dean of the school.
“This new format offers our students convenience while maintaining the high quality that has always been a hallmark of our master’s degree. Online students will learn from the same expert faculty and study the same curriculum as students who are in on-campus classrooms, but with more flexibility,” Pasic said.
Indiana University pioneered Philanthropic Studies and offered the first master’s degree in that field. Based in the liberal arts, it focuses on the history, culture and values of philanthropy. It explores the “why” of philanthropy as well as the “how to.”
Students in the M.A. program learn to identify and anticipate social, cultural, political and economic factors that affect and are affected by philanthropy and nonprofit organizations. They gain a deeper understanding of the field to further their career goals and their organization's mission.
“Our goal is to help students earn their master’s degree through the option that works best for them personally,” said Patrick M. Rooney, Ph.D., associate dean for academic affairs and research. “Whether they prefer to learn online, on campus, or a combination of the two, we want to ensure that they can find an approach that meets their needs.”
Students can choose from a variety of options for pursuing the master’s degree. They can complete the degree entirely online. They can attend classes full time on campus. Conversely, working professionals have the option to take most classes online but come to campus in the summer for some courses so they can interact in person with faculty and peers.
The various options also can be combined to fit the student’s preferences. For example, students can choose the online degree program but also elect to take some courses on campus or in the summer.
“The master’s degree attracts people at all stages of their career. Students who are in the early part of their career are seeking a degree program that will help them build their foundation of knowledge about philanthropy in a systematic way. The M.A. degree also benefits seasoned professionals, some of whom already have a master's in another field, by helping them gain a deeper understanding and complementing their practical knowledge of philanthropy,” said Kathi Badertscher, Ph.D., director of master’s programs.
Learn more about our master’s degree programLearn how to apply
| Virtual Information Session A free, virtual information session about the online master’s degree option will be held on March 24 at Noon EDT. Dr. Kathi Badertscher, director of master’s programs, Pamela Clark, director of student services and admissions, and Katie Hunt, a current online student, will share details of the program. The public is invited to participate:
Dial: +1 646 558 8656 (US Toll) or +1 408 638 0968 (US Toll) |
Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is dedicated to improving philanthropy to improve the world by training and empowering students and professionals to be innovators and leaders who create positive and lasting change. The school offers a comprehensive approach to philanthropy through its academic, research and international programs and through The Fund Raising School, Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, and the Women’s Philanthropy Institute. Follow us on Twitter.