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Degrees & Majors

Philanthropic Studies

Doctor of Philosophy

About

Are you passionate about a cause in your community? Do you want to work to make a difference in the lives of others?

You probably have a strong passion for community, service, and giving back, and you don't want to be defined by any one title or be tied to working in one specific field. Our degree programs are a great fit for community-oriented students such as yourself.

A philanthropic studies degree will allow you to make a difference in your community on issues that include education, health, social services, the environment, animals, the arts, and religion.

Improving philanthropy to improve the world

The IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is globally recognized as the first of its kind. School faculty and staff train and empower students and practitioners to innovate, lead, and create positive and lasting change in the world.

We'll give you the knowledge and understanding you need to be innovators and leaders. You'll have opportunities to complete an internship or to study abroad. And you'll graduate prepared for a meaningful career in the nonprofit sector.

Take your academic career a step further

Interested in becoming a researcher or scholar? Or maybe you have your eye on a leadership role within philanthropy, higher education, or a nonprofit organization? A Ph.D. from the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy offers a rigorous, interdisciplinary training that will prepare you for a wide variety of professional and academic positions.

Our curriculum includes courses in:

  • Historical and cultural perspectives
  • Ethical, moral, and religious aspects
  • Philanthropy and nonprofit organizations in society
  • Qualitative and quantitative methods

You will work side by side with faculty that are leading experts in the field and join students from across the world who are preparing themselves to contribute to cutting-edge knowledge about the social sector.

This program is only available to students who have completed a master's degree. Students may transfer up to 30 credit hours of relevant coursework. The program is generally completed by full-time students.

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