The Nonprofit Leadership on-campus program consists of a total of ten (10) graduate level course units (CUs). Each student takes eight (8) NPLD CUs (of which four [4] are required NPLD core CUs) and two (2) Penn elective CUs.

The full-time on-campus Nonprofit Leadership Program consists of two (2) semesters of course work plus a nonprofit placement for professional development (the Leadership Practicum). Students take five (5) CUs in the fall and spring semesters for a total of ten (10) CUs. Students in the NPL Program take eight (8) NPLD CUs (of which at least four [4] are NPLD core CUs), and two (2) Penn elective CUs. Students may select to take all ten (10) of their CUs within the NPLD course offerings.

The part-time Nonprofit Leadership Program typically includes at least four (4) semesters of course work. The majority of part-time students take two (2) course units (CUs) each semester for five (5) semesters for a total of ten (10) CUs over 2½ academic years. Students enrolled in the part-time option can complete the program in as short as three (3) semesters (taking 2-3 CUs over the summer) or as long as six (6) semesters (or three [3] academic years).

The Nonprofit Leadership online program consists of a total of ten (10) graduate level course units (CUs). Student takes ten (10) NPL CUs from a menu of core and elective credits. Students can also elect to include on-campus classes in their course of study if they are able. The one year program includes an optional on-campus orientation and cohort building in August and graduates are encouraged to participate in Commencement in May.