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Master's in Philanthropy and Development
Advance your calling. Lead with purpose. Make an impact.
Join a global network of philanthropy leaders through Saint Mary’s M.A. in Philanthropy and Development – fully online beginning Fall of 2026. Learn from experts, connect with accomplished alumni, and grow your impact – wherever you are in the world. As advancement professionals, we strive to 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.
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Program Highlights
- With more than $1M in endowed scholarships from inspiring and committed benefactors, apply for scholarships exclusive to this program.
- Our program is CFRE approved, giving you a solid foundation to pursue CFRE certification. A high percentage of our graduates successfully pass the CFRE exam on their first attempt.
- Immerse yourself in an incredibly strong and supportive network of alumni, faculty, and peers, providing unique and inspirational mentorships and experiences for professional growth.
- Taught by practicing professionals who are experts in their fields, many of whom hold the ACFRE credential, the top credential in the fundraising profession.
- Discover scholarships available through our partnerships with several regional and national employers. See if your employer is part of our Trusted Partnership Program. Learn more.
What You'll Learn
- Philanthropic output and outcomes to meet financial acumen and goals
- Communications and donor stewardship within the nonprofit sector
- Legal requirements and regulations
- Donor identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship
- Ethical leadership skills and governance oversight
- Development plans, case for support documents, and donor acknowledgement charts
- Artificial Intelligence for social good, navigating the ethics and practical realities
A unique degree that equals credibility.
“When you are working in this industry, having a master’s degree in philanthropy and development gives one a certain credibility with your peers, with your board, and with donors. This degree is unique in this field,” said Dr. Anthony Leigh M’16.
Read about his career in Washington, D.C., to higher education and how the M.A. in Philanthropy and Development program at Saint Mary’s has transformed his work in fundraising, development, donor relations, and more.
Information Session
Admissions
Ready to apply? Learn about taking the next steps.
General Requirements
- Applicants may apply for admission to master’s degree and graduate certificate programs at any time during the year.
- 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 successful graduate coursework.
Prerequisite Coursework and Experience
Preferred applicants are practicing and emerging leaders in a relevant field within a nonprofit or grantmaking organization.
GMAT and GRE Exam Scores
GMAT and GRE scores are not required.
Transfer Credits
Students may transfer a maximum of six semester credits earned before admittance upon recommendation of the program director and with approval of the dean.
All transfer credits are also subject to both graduate school and programmatic criteria.
English Language Proficiency
Students with transcripts from universities located outside of the United States, unless from a waiver country listed here, are required to take and pass English Proficiency testing.
Saint Mary’s accepts:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 4 (formerly 72)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.0
- Duolingo with a minimum score of 105
- International Test of English Proficiency (ITEP) with a minimum score of 4.0
- Pearson Test of English with a score of 51
- EIKEN with a minimum of Pre-1
- Manchester Exam with a minimum score of 360
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following:
Completed application form.An official transcript(s) 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.)
Saint Mary’s can order and cover the cost of transcripts from institutions that allow third-party requests for eligible degree-seeking applicants. Contact your enrollment counselor for more information.
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, One Earth International Credential Evaluators or any approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES.org) and be deemed equivalent to accredited U.S. university standards.
Application Materials should be directed to the Office of Admission
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
2500 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Or electronically: tcadmission@smumn.edu
Application Deadlines
Fall Semester- August 1
Notice of Acceptance
You can expect to be notified about your acceptance approximately two weeks following your application completion date.
Explore options to finance your education.
At Saint Mary’s, we are committed to making your investment as accessible and affordable as possible. Learn more about tuition, fees, financial aid, and scholarships.
Course Catalog
You’ll take courses such as:
- Transformational Leadership
- Strategic Giving
- Board and Volunteer Management
- Donor Relations and Communications
The course catalog provides complete information about course requirements.
Career Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of fundraisers is expected to grow 16% through 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. There's no better time to jump-start or advance your career.
Fundraising Manager
$119,860 per year*Donor Relations Director
$96,910 per year*Discover articles on career outcomes and see how Saint Mary’s programs can help you reach your goals.
Visit the BlogRelated Programs
Advance your career with flexible programs designed for busy professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What support services are available? Writing Centers, libraries, career help?
At Saint Mary’s, we want you to succeed, and we help you do so, inside and outside of the classroom:
Student Central: Your one-stop for student services.
Library: Resources and services are available 24/7 to all students.
Writing Center: Offers virtual and face-to-face services to support students.
Career Services: Can help you develop your career-readiness skills at any point in your education.
What does online learning look like at Saint Mary’s?
The only thing virtual about your online experience is the classroom. Our flexible online programs offer the rigor and reputation you expect from Saint Mary’s.
What financial aid is available?
If you are in a degree-granting program and enrolled at least half time, you may be eligible for financial aid.
How can I go to school with a full-time job and busy home life?
Life gets busy. Whether you’re raising a family, pursuing your career, or playing an active role in your community, we know you want to keep up with what you love while you take the next step in your career. That’s why Saint Mary’s online programs are flexible and designed to fit your demanding life.
How do I apply for the program scholarships?
Saint Mary’s is pleased to offer four scholarship opportunities available only to students studying in the M.A. in Philanthropy and Development program:
- The Philanthropy and Development Alumni Scholarship
- Tim Burchill Scholarship
- F. Walter and Mary Ann Riebenack Scholarship
- Kristen A. Riebenack Memorial Scholarship
All scholarship applicants must complete the M.A. in Philanthropy and Development Common Scholarship Form to be considered for one of these scholarships. Scholarship applications are due May 15.
What can I expect from the Summer Residencies?
Two summer residencies are held on our Winona Campus during this 18-month program. This is an opportunity for you to engage and network with faculty and peers, creating a unique and inspirational experience for professional growth.
During the residencies, you’ll develop real-world experience by working with local nonprofits to help strengthen their development operations. These two-week residencies are a time for building community, growing professionally and personally, and an opportunity for reflection.
The residencies are what many graduates describe as a transformative — and memorable — experience. The two summer residencies are typically held from mid-July to the end of July with an estimated $2,000 fee for each session to cover lodging and meals.
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Sources and Disclaimer
- Donorbox, National Center for Charitable Statistics, Nonprofit Statistics 2023 – Financial, Giving, & Industry-Based Data at https://donorbox.org/nonprofit-blog/nonprofit-statistics (visited Aug. 1 2023).
- Center for Civil Society Studies Archive, The 2020 Nonprofit Employment Report: The 3rd Largest Employer Faces the COVID-19 Crisis at http://ccss.jhu.edu/2020-nonprofit-employment-report (visited Aug. 1 2023).
- Dickerson Bakker, Help Wanted: A National Study of Staffing in Nonprofit Fundraising at https://dickersonbakker.com/nonprofitstaffingstudy (visited Aug. 1 2023).
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Fundraisers at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/fundraisers.htm (visited Aug. 1 2023).