The Master of Science in Strategic Fundraising and Philanthropy is designed to prepare individuals to move into the field of fundraising or to advance to middle and senior management fundraising positions in not-for-profit organizations. The degree provides critical management skills and knowledge to prepare ethical, skilled, and knowledgeable leaders in the field of fundraising.

The Strategic Fundraising and Philanthropy program is a highly focused, rigorous course of study designed to educate students about how to be more strategic and intentional in leveraging philanthropic resources on behalf of the nonprofit organization and its mission and cause. The Master of Science in Strategic Fundraising and Philanthropy requires the completion of twelve, three-credit courses (36 total hours) of graduate coursework and a final portfolio which documents students’ completion of the program goals. Students must select one of the following concentrations:

• Higher Education Fundraising
• Nonprofit Fundraising

Program Requirements

To earn a M.S. in Strategic Fundraising and Philanthropy, all students must complete 36 credit hours of graduate coursework and a portfolio of graduate work.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the M.S. in Strategic Fundraising and Philanthropy program are expected to demonstrate achievement in all areas of the program. Specifically, graduates of the M.S. in Strategic Fundraising and Philanthropy program are expected to:

• Articulate an understanding of the history, theory, scope, and significance of philanthropy in the nonprofit organizational setting within the North American context and throughout the world;
• Demonstrate knowledge and awareness of the standards and codes of conduct that are appropriate to professionals and volunteers in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector;
• Develop a thorough understanding of the various technical, functional, and operational areas of fundraising management and be able to apply this knowledge to organizational practice and planning;
• Describe the history and role of the fundraising function in achieving the mission and vision of nonprofit organizations;
• Understand and adhere to the appropriate legal, financial, and ethical frameworks under which fundraisers operate and are regulated;
• Apply appropriate research methods to fundraising management problems in a nonprofit organizational context and design solutions to problems;
• Analyze, design, implement, maintain, and evaluate problems/solutions in the management of the fundraising function within a nonprofit organization; and
• Demonstrate knowledge of the role and function of financial literacy and stewardship in the effective oversight and management of nonprofit organization resources.