Philanthropy and Nonprofit Development (MA)
Master of Arts
Develop and enhance your skills and knowledge in the philanthropy and nonprofit sectors.
- Delivered entirely online
- Begin coursework in Fall 2025
- Priority Application Deadline: March 15 with full consideration through June 1 -- Apply now!
You may be eligible to receive a $2,000 Online & Distance Education Scholarship -- complete the application today!
Features
Entirely Online | 30 Credits | 2 Years
- Designed for professionals currently employed in philanthropy and nonprofit settings with 3-5 years of experience (preferred, but not required)
- Earn your Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential, nationally recognized and designed specifically to prepare students for nonprofit leadership
- Further your understanding of ethical policy and legal issues as they relate to philanthropy and nonprofit development
As an Online & Distance Education student, you’ll have a dedicated Enrollment Contact and Program Coordinator to assist you with registering for classes, navigating the course sequence and billing process, preparing for graduation and much more.
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Julianne Gassman Program Coordinator Associate Professor, Health, Recreation & Community Services |
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Janelle Finke Enrollment Contact janelle.finke@uni.edu |
Request Information
Courses are offered entirely online using dynamic platforms including Zoom video conferencing and Blackboard. Fall and spring courses are taught in eight-week modules, with some courses meeting Monday evenings via Zoom, allowing students to interact in real-time. Summer courses will be four weeks in length and may include video conferencing sessions on Monday evenings.
Our graduates are prepared to:
- Advance their career; certified nonprofit professionals are seven times more likely to rise to a senior leadership position
- Articulate their skills and abilities in the fundraising and nonprofit sectors
- Join a network of professionals – ACNPs
- Become Executive Director; Director of Fund Development
Individualized Support Services
Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:
- Personalized academic advising
- Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
- Academic support and tutoring opportunities from the Learning Center
- Access to student accessibility services and staff
- Technical support assistance
Courses are offered entirely online using dynamic platforms including Zoom video conferencing and Blackboard. Fall and spring courses are taught in eight-week modules, with some courses meeting Monday evenings via Zoom, allowing students to interact in real-time. Summer courses will be four weeks in length and may include video conferencing sessions on Monday evenings.
Our graduates are prepared to:
- Advance their career; certified nonprofit professionals are seven times more likely to rise to a senior leadership position
- Articulate their skills and abilities in the fundraising and nonprofit sectors
- Join a network of professionals – ACNPs
- Become Executive Director; Director of Fund Development
Individualized Support Services
Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:
- Personalized academic advising
- Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
- Academic support and tutoring opportunities from the Learning Center
- Access to student accessibility services and staff
- Technical support assistance
To be admitted, students must submit:
- minimum GPA of 2.75 (GPAs of less than 2.75 may be considered for provisional admission)
- An applicant statement responding to three questions within the application for admission
- Resume
- Official transcripts, sent directly to the Office of Admissions
GPA Guidelines
| Undergraduate GPA | Admission Consideration |
|---|---|
| 3.0 and above | May be considered for full admission |
| 2.75-2.99 | May be considered for provisional admission |
| Less than 2.75 | May be denied admission |
Next Steps
Express Interest
Complete our online information request form. We'll send program updates, important information, and application deadlines directly to your inbox!
Apply
Along with the application, students must submit the required additional application materials listed above.
Apply for Scholarships
Online & Distance Education offers scholarships for qualified students. Learn more and apply for the scholarship today.
Delivery of this program is contingent on a sufficient number of students being accepted into the program.
Brittany Appleton
"This program has helped me evaluate my strengths as a nonprofit professional and identify areas of improvement. I'm excited to use my new knowledge and experiences to advance my career and move toward my goal of holding a leadership position within a nonprofit."
Class of 2021, Philanthropy and Nonprofit Development MA
Elizabeth Hackbarth
"As a young nonprofit professional, the program gives credibility to my resume and offered me an opportunity to network with other nonprofit professionals. In fact, I was introduced to my first employer post-graduation who was a guest speaker in a first semester course! I recommend this program to anyone who is looking to further their career in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Development. The curriculum is a broad overview of all aspects of the nonprofit sector, and the research paper allowed me to dive deeper into a relevant and timely topic that fit my career path and interests."
Class of 2011, Philanthropy and Nonprofit Development MA
Theresa Price
"The Philanthropy and Nonprofit Development MA program at UNI has met and exceeded my expectations. Since joining the program, I have increased my knowledge and have been able to apply newly acquired skills to my current position and promotional opportunities throughout my career."
Class of 2021, Philanthropy and Nonprofit Development MA