The orientation overviews the program delivery and content, and introduces the program communications format and writing style. A community of learners is established and introductions to other students and faculty are provided.

This course examines two areas key to the work of today’s development professional. The first is an understanding of the historical contexts, the theological and philosophical traditions, and the roles of philanthropy and development that continue to shape the field. The second is an exploration of critical thinking: raising vital questions, gathering and assessing relevant information in an open minded manner, and creating well-reasoned solutions.

This course provides an overview of qualitative and quantitative research models, but focuses on recognizing, designing, and conducting valid, reliable, and ethical Action Research. Published studies are critiqued by identifying strengths and limitations of the methodology and evaluating potential impact on practice. Action Research design, evaluation of literature and published studies, decision analysis, and methods for communicating and implementing results are practiced. 

In this Action Research Project section the details and stages of a completed paper are outlined. Paper requirements, methodologies, and standards are discussed. The initial aspects of the paper are designed.

This course examines several ways of understanding the role of ethics and values in the lives of philanthropic professionals and leaders. The Code of Ethical Principles and Standards and the Donor Bill of Rights are used to explore a values-based approach to leadership and management of philanthropic and fund development programs.

This course explores relevant legal issues for development professionals working in non-profit organizations.  The forcus of the course is the regulation of nonprofit organizations by national, state, provincial, and local governments, tax exempt status, reporting requirements and strategies to adhere to the principles of accountability legislation.

This course examines how philanthropy is defined and practiced in other cultures and the implications of communication and information technology on the way grantmakers and individuals practice philanthropy.

This course focuses on leadership needs in the nonprofit sector and explores how it shapes an organization's philanthropic culture.  The course also covers styles of leadership and the ways in which outcomes are influenced through increased awareness of personal approach, values, and skills.

The focus of this course, which is divided into two parts, is on written and oral communications in professional and academic settings. Theories of interpersonal and organizational communication, appropriate writing style based on audience, academic voice and style, literature searches, writing that incorporates sources materials, ethical use of source materials, APA style and effective presentations are examined.

In this Action Research Project section a review of the literature relevant to the proposed action research is completed. 

This course focuses on the complexities of board governance and the scope of board participation in fund development. The course explores the board’s legal and fiduciary responsibilities, and recruiting, motivating, and developing an effective board.

This course covers the basic components of a fund development program, provides the framework for developing an integrated development program, and examines the infrastructure necessary to support development efforts.

This course focuses on understanding the distinctive dimensions of giving and volunteering within the diverse cultural groups that increasingly define philanthropic markets. Specific attention is given to the development of cross-cultural competence and its application to philanthropy and development.

This course prepares development professionals to manage and integrate financial, human, and technology resources. The course covers budgeting and financial management, development and management of personnel, and alignment of technology with the needs of the organization.

In this Action Research Project section the action research is conducted, the research analyzed, and the paper is completed.

This course explores trends in philanthropy and the field of development, especially as identified in the professional literature. The emphasis is on analyzing and evaluating trends to maximize donor-organization relationships, improve professional efficiency and effectiveness, and advance the field.

This course provides an overview of major and capital gift fund development, including the design, planning, and implementation of a major gifts program for nonprofit institutions. The course focuses on developing an effective case for support, establishing the major gifts program, developing a donor stewardship program, and making the ask for donations. 

This course explores organizational planning with an emphasis on strategic planning. The course defines the appropriate use of strategic planning and outlines each step. Also included in the course is the development professional’s role in strategic planning and the impact of strategic planning on the development process.

This course focuses on applying organization development, systems thinking, framing, and organization leadership to the practice of development. This course stresses the interdependence of organizational expertise and effective leadership and the specialized skills and methodologies of development for successful fund development.