Earn an MS in Nonprofit Leadership

The world deserves better leadership. Why not start with you?

Advance your career and take charge as a leader in the nonprofit sector.

Get access to the power of an Ivy League education and a world-class network, from anywhere – with the online or on-campus Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership (NPL) at the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2).

  • Join a global Ivy League network.
  • Learn from top researchers & experienced practitioners.
  • Elevate your career through hands-on mentoring with sector leaders.

Program Overview

Full-time (10 months) or part-time (2.5 years)

Flexible online, on-campus, or hybrid modality

GRE not required

Scholarships available

Who should apply?

Nonprofit professionals preparing for leadership

Social entrepreneurs

Professionals looking to shift careers to the nonprofit sector

Dr. Chao Guo stands in a classroom holding a Penn mug.

World-Class Faculty

Our faculty are expert educators, researchers, and practitioners, drawing on decades of experience in areas such as philanthropy, the role and effects of new media on nonprofit organizations, ethical dilemmas that arise in nonprofits, and management and leadership challenges in social enterprises. 

On-Campus Full Time

On-Campus Full Time

Most courses meet once a week on a weekday for three hours. Other courses may be offered in one-week or weekend intensive sessions.

The minimum course load for students is one CU, and the maximum is five CUs per fall or spring semester, or two CUs in the summer semester.

A number of NPLD courses are half CUs, and two are required to meet the one CU requirement.

The program also includes a required on-campus orientation and cohort building in late August, and graduates are encouraged to participate in Commencement in May.

The following schedule is an example of how students may plan their courses.

On-Campus Part Time

On-Campus Part Time

Part time students must adhere to all program requirements on a part time basis.

Most courses meet once a week on a weekday for three hours. Other courses may be offered in one-week or weekend intensive sessions.

The minimum course load for students is one CU per semester, and the maximum to maintain part-time status is two and a half CUs per fall or spring semester, or 2 CUs in the summer semester.

Although completion is recommended within three years, students must complete the degree within five years of the date when the student first registered for the degree.

With approval from their advisor, students can complete the requirements at an accelerated pace. This typically includes taking two or more CUs over the summer. 

A number of NPLD courses are half CUs, and two are required to meet the one CU requirement.

The program also includes a required on-campus orientation and cohort building in late August, and graduates are encouraged to participate in Commencement in May.

The following schedule is an example of how students may plan their courses.

 

Online Full Time

Online Full Time

Online Part Time

Online Part Time

Part time students must adhere to all program requirements on a part time basis. 

The minimum course load for students is one CU per semester and the maximum to maintain part-time status is two and a half CUs per fall or spring semester, or 2 CUs in the summer semester.

Although completion is recommended within three years, students must complete the degree within five years of the date when the student first registered for the degree.

With approval from their advisor, students can complete the requirements at an accelerated pace. This typically includes taking two or more CUs over the summer.

Courses are a mix of live and recorded content with most live sessions meeting once a week 

A number of NPLD courses are half CUs, and two are required to meet the one CU requirement.

The program also includes a required online orientation in early August, an optional on-campus orientation and cohort building in late August, and graduates are encouraged to participate in Commencement in May.

The following schedule is an example of how students may plan their courses.

Leadership Practicum

The Leadership Practicum enhances your understanding of leadership in nonprofits and social enterprises and fosters a commitment by nonprofit leaders to cultivate the next generation of transformative leaders. You’ll witness leadership in action and benefit from individual mentoring and leadership development. 

Learn More & Get Updates

Want to learn more about the MS in Nonprofit Leadership program? Please access the form below to get email updates about application deadlines, info sessions, and other opportunities to help you decide if this program is right for you.