Overview

The Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership programme at Grand Valley State University provides a comprehensive educational framework designed to cultivate ethical and effective leaders within the third sector. Students engage with a curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with practical application to address the evolving challenges of global philanthropy.

This course is structured to accommodate diverse professional backgrounds, offering a dynamic learning environment where students can collaborate directly with expert faculty. The university provides extensive academic resources to support advanced study, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to manage complex organisations and drive meaningful social change through strategic leadership.

Why Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership at Grand Valley State University?

Students benefit from the university's exceptional facilities, including access to the Johnson Collection, which stands as one of the most extensive archives on the nonprofit sector in the United States. This resource provides an unparalleled foundation for research and evidence-based practice in the field of charitable management.

The institution emphasises a flexible approach to learning, offering various delivery methods such as evening classes and online modules to suit working professionals. This adaptability, combined with a focus on real-world application and innovative research projects, ensures that the educational experience remains relevant to current industry demands and global trends.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 826 per credit
National fee: USD 826 per credit
Local fee: USD 826 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to provide a robust understanding of organisational management and public service. Modules may include:

Philanthropy & the Nonprofit Sector
Research Methods
Human Resources in Organisations
Organisation Theory
Nonprofit Management Practice
Nonprofit Resource & Financial Management
Public Service Leadership Seminar
Internship

Careers with Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership

Graduates of this programme are equipped to pursue senior roles within a variety of charitable organisations, foundations, and social enterprises. The training provided prepares individuals for leadership positions focused on resource development, financial management, and strategic planning within the nonprofit landscape.

The course also supports those looking to transition into consultancy or policy-making roles, where an in-depth understanding of philanthropic structures is essential. By focusing on ethical leadership and community commitment, the programme ensures that alumni can effectively manage human resources and organisational growth in diverse public service environments.

Programme Structure

Courses Include:

Research Methods

Human Resources in Organizations

Organization Theory

Nonprofit Financial Management

Fund Development

Leadership Capstone

Nonprofit and Foundation Boards, Trustees, and Governance

Nonprofit Organizations, Advocacy and Public Policy

International NGO Management

Health Administration and Service

Marketing Health and Human Services

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-05-06 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.
Starting 2026-08-26 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.
Starting 2027-01-08 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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4.9/5 student rating

Credits

36 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Allendale, United States

Disciplines

Corporate Social Responsibility Leadership View 818 other Masters in Leadership in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

144 _(verbal)

138 _{(quantitative)}

3.5 _(analytical)

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A completed graduate application.

A $30 non-refundable 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.

Three reference from informed sources.

An essay on career and educational objectives and how attaining an MHA from GVSU will help achieve your objectives (250 to 750 words).

A resume

Submission of test scores from the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), or IELTS, or MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery) for applicants whose native language is not English. The following minimum scores are expected: TOEFL is 80, IELTS is 6.5, and MELAB is 77.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

29736 USD / year

≈ 29736 USD / year
Out-of-State

29736 USD / year

≈ 29736 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

29736 USD / year

≈ 29736 USD / year

Living costs

Allendale

United States

1000 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Allendale

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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