Master's Concentration

Philanthropy, Fundraising, and Resource Development: Master's Degree

Changes in philanthropy, resource development, and fundraising are shaping the giving environment that influences how nonprofit and/or nongovernmental organizations plan their funding strategies. From crowdsourcing campaigns to capital fundraising and legacy giving, nonprofits must cultivate and retain donors from diverse contexts, devise new fundraising strategies, and demonstrate impact. Learn to navigate these changing trends through the master's degree concentration in Philanthropy and Resource Development. You'll increase impact and your nonprofit’s mission through diverse fundraising approaches.

This program follows the graduate guidelines of the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council (NACC).

Global Community Engagement
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At a Glance

Classes Begin
January 8
Format
Evening or Online
Term Length
10 Weeks
Admission
No GRE or GMAT
Master's Degree
Tuition
$38,688
Time
As few as 18 months
U.S. News Best Colleges
Top-Ranked University

U.S. News & World Report Rankings
Tracy Joosten
Talk to an Enrollment Manager

Tracy Joosten

Free Application


University College is committed to educational access, and given the difficult circumstances currently impacting millions of people, we are waiving application fees.

Skills You'll Learn


Assess development approaches while considering scale and mission


Demonstrate financial literacy and employ structured fundraising tools and techniques


Demonstrate cultural competence and understanding of how fundraising strategies may work across diverse global contexts

Curriculum

Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership with a concentration in Philanthropy and Resource Development requires completion of 48 credit hours (12 courses).

All students are required to complete a zero-credit Student Success Course.

5
Core Courses
4
Concentration Courses
3
Elective Courses

Sample Schedule

Plan out your schedule and determine your preferred timeline for completing your master's degree—finish in as few as 18 months or take up to five years.

Time to Completion
Year 1 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Classes 2 2 2 2
Year 2 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Classes 2 2 0 0
Year 1 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Classes 1 2 1 2
Year 2 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Classes 1 2 1 2

Interested in a graduate certificate?


Explore our four and six course graduate certificates in Philanthropy and Resource Development.

Take a Course Before You Apply


We know how important it is to get started when you're ready and that's why you can enroll in a course before you officially apply.

Career Outcomes

Predicted outcomes for graduates of Philanthropy and Resource Development


A report done by the Philanthropy Outlook projects charity giving will grow 3.8% over the next year. This increase of funds will help community service agencies to create new positions.


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.


Technological innovations such as social media have expanded the donor-nonprofit relationship which provides opportunities and challenges for nonprofits.

Job Titles

Development Officer
Director of Development
Fundraiser
Program Manager
Public Relations Managers
Development Events Manager

Fundraiser Salary Salary: National Average

$55,640
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Get Ahead with Career Services


One-on-one career coaching and mock interviews


Job database dedicated to DU students and alumni


Résumé and cover letter guidance

Hear from Our Students

Theme: Job Satisfaction
Flexible Online Classes

Flexible Online Classes

We understand the demands of balancing work, friends and family, and school can be challenging. That's why at University College, you can complete your program entirely online. Our online learning platform makes it easy to work anywhere at any time.

Featured Instructors

Accreditation & Associations

Higher Learning Commission logo
Higher Learning Commission

University College programs maintain the highest level of accreditation offered by The Higher Learning Commission, one of the regional accrediting bodies recognized by the federal government. The University of Denver and all of its academic programs are regionally accredited by this commission, and regional accreditation is the highest standard for universities in the United States.

Colorado Nonprofit Association
Colorado Nonprofit Association

The University of Denver's Nonprofit Leadership program through University College is proud to be a sponsor of the Colorado Nonprofit Association, a valued community partnership for more than a decade.

Nonprofit Academic Centers Council
Nonprofit Academic Centers Council

The Nonprofit Leadership program at DU's University College is a proud member of several leading nonprofit associations, including the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council (NACC).

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