2026-2027 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog [In Progress]
Master of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership
Website: https://www.gvsu.edu/pnha/mpnl-master-of-philanthropy-nonprofit-leadership-171.htm
The Master of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership (M.P.N.L.) prepares students to become ethical, effective leaders in the nonprofit sector. Through a flexible and dynamic curriculum, students gain both the knowledge and practical skills needed to make a meaningful impact in philanthropy and nonprofit management. Students can tailor their degree to design a custom focus with faculty guidance. The program offers convenient evening courses, and students benefit from exclusive resources like the Johnson Collection, one of the nation's largest nonprofit sector collections. With 36 credit hours of coursework, the M.P.N.L. is ideal for working professionals with at least three years of experience in management or the nonprofit sector.
Accreditation
Nonprofit Academic Centers Council (NACC)
Admission
Admission to the Master of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership program is competitive. We intentionally maintain small class sizes to create a supportive and interactive learning environment, valuing applicants with diverse backgrounds, skills, cultures, and experiences. Although no specific undergraduate major is required for admission to the M.P.N.L. program, candidates must demonstrate a strong academic record and a clear commitment to public service.
The admissions policies of the school follow the mission by our commitment to attract and educate a diverse student population that is dedicated to public service as a career. We seek students from diverse backgrounds, with various baccalaureate educations and professional experience in diverse public service activities.
Application to the M.P.N.L. program requires the following:
- A completed graduate application
- A nonrefundable application fee, unless the applicant has previously applied to Grand Valley State University and has paid this fee
- An official transcript from each undergraduate and graduate institution
- An undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, calculated on the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate coursework,
- Three letters of reference from informed sources
- an essay on career and educational objectives (500-750 words) that demonstrates commitment to community and public service
- A detailed resume
- Submission of an official TOEFL or IELTS score report is required of applicants whose primary language is not English
Applications will not be reviewed until they are complete. The admissions committee may request additional information or a personal interview if it deems it appropriate and necessary.
Transfer Credit
A maximum of 12 semester hours of transfer credit will be given for appropriate graduate courses completed within the previous five-year period with a grade of B or better at another college or university. These transfer credits may be substituted for required courses or given general credit as determined by the faculty.
Degree Requirements
The M.P.N.L. degree consists of 36 credit hours for working professionals with at least three years of full-time experience in management or employment within the nonprofit sector.
Core Courses
The program core includes 21 credit hours, as follows:
- PNH 611 - Research Methods (3 credits)
- PNH 612 - Human Resources in Organizations (3 credits)
- PNH 614 - Organization Theory (3 credits)
- PNH 660 - Philanthropy and the Nonprofit Sector: History and Ethics (3 credits)
- PNH 661 - Nonprofit Management: Practices (3 credits)
- PNH 662 - Nonprofit Financial Management (3 credits)
- PNH 667 - Fund Development (3 credits)
Emphases
Students select one emphasis area of study of nine credit hours. The choices of emphases are as follows.
Community Impact
- PNH 666 - Foundations and Strategic Grantmaking (3 credits)
- PNH 664 - Program Evaluation (3 credits)
Mission Advancement
- PNH 643 - Strategic Management and Planning (3 credits)
- PNH 665 - Nonprofit and Foundation Boards, Trustees and Governance (3 credits)
- PNH 663 - Nonprofit Organizations, Advocacy and Public Policy (3 credits) OR PNH 670 - International NGO Management (3 credits)
Nonprofit Healthcare
- PNH 630 - Health Administration and Service (3 credits)
- PNH 639 - Community Benefits Assessment and Management (3 credits)
- PNH 640 - Marketing for Public, Nonprofit and Health Organizations (3 credits)
Custom Emphases
To meet specific learning and career goals, a student may create a custom emphasis area with the guidance and approval of their advisor.
Elective Courses
Students choose three one-credit courses from the philanthropy topics, trends, and thought leaders workshop series.
Capstone
As part of the core course requirements, students must take PNH 685 as their culminating experience. They must have completed 30 credit hours of coursework before registering for PNH 685. As an alternative to PNH 685, students may opt for a research project as their culminating experience. The graduate program director and advisor must approve the research project option.