Philanthropy and Nonprofit Development (MA)
Develop and enhance your skills and knowledge in the philanthropy and nonprofit sectors.
- Delivered entirely online
- Next cohort begins: August 2023
- Apply by May 1 for full consideration

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
Here to Help
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.
![]() | Julianne Gassman Program Coordinator Associate Professor, Health, Recreation & Community Services |
![]() | Janelle Finke Enrollment Contact janelle.finke@uni.edu |
Delivered Entirely Online
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:
- 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 Now
To be admitted, students must have:
- An applicant statement responding to three questions within the application for admission
- Resume
Along with the application, students should have their official transcripts sent directly to the Office of Admissions
Scholarships Available
Online & Distance Education offers scholarships to qualified degree-seeking graduate students in select programs.
Delivery of this program is contingent on a sufficient number of students being accepted into the program.