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May 29, 2026
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2026-2027 SGPP Catalog and Student Handbook
Philanthropy and Development, M.A.
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 Return to: Programs of Study
Program Description
The Master of Arts in Philanthropy and Development prepares students as advancement professionals who lead with integrity, strategic vision, and relational excellence in today’s global philanthropic landscape. Designed for current and rising leaders across a variety of industry sectors, the program moves beyond transactional fundraising to focus on stewardship, trust-building, and long-term donor partnership.
The program’s distinctive emphasis on donor-centered communication and ethical leadership equips professionals to align organizational mission with philanthropic investment. Through applied learning and reflective practice, students strengthen their capabilities in campaign strategy, governance engagement, advancement operations, and culture-building within mission-driven organizations. Graduates emerge prepared to help organizations steward philanthropic resources responsibly and inspire generosity that advances institutional sustainability and the common good worldwide.
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 both for-profit and 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. Courses are delivered online and comprise a combination of asynchronous and synchronous sessions.
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Degree Requirements
Required courses: 30 cr. 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 fall 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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