Apply to the Doctor of Nonprofit Administration Program
Ready to learn to shape the future of nonprofits? Start your application for Penn SP2’s innovative DNPA program.
Admissions Requirements
Ensure you meet the qualifications for admission to our Doctor of Nonprofit Administration Program.
Basic Requirements
Applicants for admission to the Doctor of Nonprofit Administration Program at the School of Social Policy & Practice must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a master’s degree in a related field with a GPA that reflects strong academic ability
- Have a minimum of 5 years of nonprofit experience
Students with a master’s degree from unrelated fields may be required to take additional courses prior to matriculation or may not be considered for admission.
Application Deadline
- February 15
- To be considered complete, your application and all required supporting materials – including letters of recommendation and, if applicable, official English language proficiency test scores and evaluated transcripts – must be submitted through the online application system by February 15.
Application Components
Complete guide to preparing your DNPA application
Online Application
Your admissions process begins with submitting your application online. After creating an account to start your application, you will be able to return to your application as many times as you wish before submitting. You can track the status of your application at any time by logging into your account.
Required Components:
- Resume: Submit a current resume as part of your online application
- Application Essay: Applicants are required to complete an application essay. Please respond to the questions listed in the application, adhering to the word limits provided
Transcripts
We do not require official transcript at time of application. However, transcript submission is mandatory upon acceptance and transcript evaluations are required, regardless of program length of study or if a degree was earned. Submit transcripts detailing all undergraduate and postgraduate study via the online application. This includes coursework conducted at your degree-granting institution(s) as well as study abroad programs and institutions you may have transferred from.
Upload copies of your official transcripts that clearly display your name, dates of enrollment, course names, and credits and grades for each class. Do not mail hard copies of transcripts to the School.
International Applicants:
Transcripts reflecting more than two semesters of study at institutions based outside the United States must be evaluated on a course-by-course basis by a third-party evaluation service such as WES(opens in a new tab) or Educational Perspectives(opens in a new tab). Allow sufficient processing time as evaluations are due by the application deadline. More information can be found on our International Students page.
Recommendations
Each application requires three letters of recommendation submitted directly to the online application. Letters must come directly from the letter writer’s email account and will be verified.
Required References:
- One academic reference
- One professional reference
- One academic or professional reference
Tip: It’s never too early to start preparing your application. Contact your recommenders early and provide them with adequate time to write thoughtful letters.
Test Scores
Standardized tests are not required for the DNPA program.
For international applicants whose first language is not English, information on examination requirements can be found on our International Applicants page.
Enrollment Deposit
Upon notification of acceptance, you are required to submit a nonrefundable $300 deposit to reserve your spot in the class. The deposit due date is provided with your offer of admission and will be credited to your account upon matriculation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about our DNPA program and application process.
The Doctor of Nonprofit Administration (DNPA) at Penn SP2 is the first practice-based doctoral program in the nation focused exclusively on nonprofit administration and leadership. Unlike research-focused PhD programs, the DNPA is designed for senior nonprofit leaders who want to develop the advanced strategic, organizational, and scholarly competencies needed to lead complex nonprofit and philanthropic institutions.
The DNPA is designed for experienced nonprofit leaders—executive directors, senior vice presidents, foundation officers, and other advanced practitioners—who are ready to develop doctoral-level expertise in organizational leadership, strategy, and applied scholarship. Most applicants bring 10 or more years of sector experience and hold a master’s degree.
The DNPA is a practice doctorate—not a research degree. While a PhD prepares students for academic scholarship, and an MBA focuses on for-profit business strategy, the DNPA bridges the gap between research and practice: it equips senior leaders to use and apply rigorous evidence to solve real organizational challenges. It is the only doctoral program in the U.S. designed exclusively around nonprofit administration leadership.
Yes. The DNPA is explicitly designed for working professionals. The program uses a hybrid cohort model with intensive on-campus sessions and online coursework, allowing students to remain in their leadership roles throughout the program. This structure ensures that students can immediately apply what they learn to their organizations.
The DNPA program is typically completed in three years. Students move through the program as a cohort, completing coursework and culminating in a Doctoral dissertation. The cohort model and structured timeline support timely completion for working professionals.
The DNPA program requires a research-based independent dissertation for completion of the degree. Academic mentoring is in the form of the dissertation team, involving at least two doctoral-level members, one of whom is associated with the University of Pennsylvania.
Begin Your Journey at SP2
Ready to make a difference? Explore our programs, connect with admissions, or schedule a visit to campus.
