Curriculum
The master's degree requires satisfactory completion of 36 points (12 3-point courses) with an overall grade point average of 3.0 (B) or better, including:
- six fundraising management foundation courses (18 points)
- four nonprofit administration courses (12 points)
- two-course capstone sequence (6 points)
The six fundraising foundation courses provide an overview of the industry and a thorough analysis of the three essential elements of fundraising: major gift solicitation, the annual campaign, and planned giving. The grants course integrates grant-seeking within the context of an overarching fundraising strategy, while the research course enhances and augments students’ abilities to successfully engage each of these fundraising techniques.
The nonprofit administration sequence requires completion of four courses, including two in business. These courses are designed to help students enhance their management skills and develop facility and comfort with the financial considerations that are an integral part of effective fundraising. The final capstone sequence consists of two courses: a seminar in fundraising, designed to address high-level considerations within the field, and a supervised project which permits students to apply the knowledge gained in the program in a meaningful, substantive way.
Each course consists of theoretical and practical approaches to its subject matter. In-class exercises (such as formal presentations and role play) and real institution-based assignments provide students with applied, tangible skills that readily transfer into the workplace, while homework (including readings, research, and report writing) keeps students up to date on the latest trends, techniques, and strategies in nonprofit administration. The program thus imparts both the requisite subject matter necessary for mastery of the field, as well as the techniques and tools essential for individual confidence and success.
The University reserves the right to withdraw or modify the courses of instruction or to change the instructors as may become necessary.
