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Dec 06, 2025
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2025-2026 SGPP Catalog and Student Handbook
Philanthropy and Development, M.A.
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 Return to: Programs of Study
Program Description
The Philanthropy and Development Program curriculum focuses on the transformational role a philanthropy professional plays in today’s society by utilizing innovative and ethical fundraising strategies. Saint Mary’s is one of the only programs in North America to focus curriculum on donor-centered communication as it relates to stewardship and donor engagement. The program remains one of the most unique and innovative master’s programs in the country.
The program is designed for experienced philanthropy professionals who, shaped by their ethical values, embrace the opportunity to become agents of change in the community through the stewardship of philanthropic resources.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, graduates are expected to be able to do the following:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the significance of philanthropy within a global society.
- Exhibit the leadership skills and governance oversight necessary to achieve the mission and vision of nonprofit organizations.
- Incorporate an ethical perspective and knowledge of legal requirements and regulations into all leadership, development, and philanthropic activities.
- Employ critical components of a development operation to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors.
- Evaluate nonprofit performance and outcomes in order to meet financial goals of the organization.
- Develop a nuanced understanding of communications within the nonprofit sector.
Program Structure and Delivery
The program consists of 30 semester credits, completed over four semesters in 13 months. The program includes two summer residencies consisting of 12 days on campus.
- 18 credits of hybrid coursework during two summer session residencies of two weeks each.
- 12 credits of online coursework with required synchronous meetings completed between summer session residencies.
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Degree Requirements
Required courses: 30 cr. Summer Term 2 - Residency
Faculty
The faculty includes some of the top U.S. and international practitioners and leading consultants. Faculty are selected for their combination of educational and professional expertise. Employing adult learning theories and techniques, the program faculty fosters dialogue and sharing of experience among all in the learning community. Students have opportunities to interact with faculty in the formal context of a class, online, and in informal settings during the residency. Admission Requirements
Applicants may apply for admission to master degree programs at any time during the year; however, the Philanthropy and Development program course cycle starts in summer only. Preferred applicants are practicing and emerging leaders in a relevant field within a nonprofit or grantmaking organization. Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution and maintained an overall grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale. Applicants must demonstrate the language proficiency necessary for graduate work. Application Process
Applicants must submit: - Completed application form and,
- An official transcript issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from the institution posting the applicant’s completed bachelor’s degree and other relevant transcripts documenting program prerequisites and potential transfer credits. (An official transcript is one that is sent to the university by the credit-granting institution. Transcripts from countries other than the U.S. must be evaluated on a course by course basis by a university accepted evaluation service, such as World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, Educational Perspectives, or One Earth International Credential Evaluators and be deemed equivalent to accredited U.S. university standards). Evaluations from an approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES.org) will also be accepted.
Students with transcripts issued in the U.S. may be admitted without an official transcript. Students must provide an official transcript by the last day to add/drop classes in their first term of attendance. In cases where students are completing coursework while simultaneously applying for admission, students may be admitted with an in-progress transcript, and an official transcript posting final grades and, when appropriate, degree attainment, must be submitted before students are allowed to register for subsequent semesters. See individual programs for additional application requirements. Please Note: Application materials should be sent to the attention of the Office of Admission on the Minneapolis Campus. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Office of Admission
2500 Park Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55404 |
Return to: Programs of Study
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