& Student Handbook - Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Master of Arts in Philanthropy
and Development
Master Degree Programs 215
The Master of Arts in Philanthropy and Development is for emerging and
practicing development and philanthropy leaders. The program fosters
critical thinking, organizational leadership, relationship building, ethical
practice, financial stewardship, donor-focused strategies and skills
needed to advance professionals and the field.
An emphasis is placed on the exploration and analysis of philanthropic
and development perspectives and cooperative work required to meet
the challenges of nonprofit organizations today and into the future.
Program Overview
The program consists of 30 semester credit hours:
• 21 hours of face-to-face classroom work during three (2 week)
summer session residencies.
• 9 hours of online/independent study coursework completed between
summer session residencies.
The academic content of the program extends beyond courses and
summer sessions. An applied Action Research Project serves as the
final integrating element of the curriculum. This project is grounded in
a review of relevant professional literature and then shaped by the
specific interests and needs of the student.
Program Outcomes
Evaluate the history and trends in philanthropy and development.
1. Apply a comprehensive set of development strategies, techniques,
and vehicles.
2. Develop and apply procedures for the sound stewardship of
contributed resources.
3. Build and enhance relationships with constituencies.
4. Evaluate and develop the human, financial, and technology
resources of a nonprofit organization.
5. Lead with an understanding of organizational dynamics and systems.
6. Apply and adapt theory to new and changing contexts by critically
analyzing information and situations.
7. Develop listening, speaking, and written communication skills.
8. Incorporate an ethical perspective and legal considerations into all
leadership, development, and philanthropic activities.
Course of Study
YEAR ONE
Summer Learning Section (7 cr.)
PHDE607 History of Philanthropy and Development ..........................2 cr.
PHDE616 Leadership Skills ................................................................2 cr.
PHDE617 Communication Skills I .......................................................1 cr.
PHDE608 Research Methods .............................................................2 cr.
Plus 2-hour Action Research Introductory Seminar
Fall On-line Learning Section (2 cr.) September 1 to December 31
PHDE 618 Communication Skills II .....................................................1 cr.
PHDE 610 Action Research Project I..................................................1 cr.
Winter/Spring On-line Learning Section (2 cr.) January 1 to April 30
PHDE619 Action Research Project II..................................................1 cr.
PHDE612 Legal Issues in Philanthropy and Development..................1 cr.
YEAR TWO
Summer Learning Section (7 cr.) May 1 to August 31
PHDE613 Globalization of Philanthropy..............................................2 cr.
PHDE622 Fund Development Frameworks.........................................2 cr.
PHDE624 Board Governance .............................................................2 cr.
PHDE611 Ethics in Philanthropy and Development ............................1 cr.
Plus individual Action Research meetings with Program Director
Fall On-line Learning Section (2 cr.) September 1 to December 3
PHDE628 Resource Management ......................................................2 cr.
Winter/Spring On-line Learning Section (2 cr.) January 1 to April 30
PHDE630 Action Research Project III.................................................1 cr.
YEAR THREE
Summer Learning Section (7 cr.)
PHDE638 Organization Development .................................................2 cr.
PHDE634 Major Giving .......................................................................2 cr.
PHDE627 Cross-Cultural Philanthropy................................................2 cr.
PHDE631 Trends in Philanthropy and Development ...........................1 cr.
Plus Action Research Presentations
Fall On-line Learning Section (2 cr.)
PHDE635 Strategic Planning ..............................................................2 cr.