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

Courses may be offered all day Friday or Saturday, over one or two entire weekends, or in one-week intensive sessions. 

A number of NPLD courses are half CUs, and two are required to meet the 1 CU requirement.

On-Campus Part Time

On-Campus Part Time

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

The minimum course load for students is one course unit per semester and the maximum is three course units per semester. 

Although completion is recommended within three years, part-time students must complete the degree within five years from the date of acceptance into the program. 

With approval from the Program Director, students can complete the requirements at an accelerated pace. This typically includes taking two or more credits over the summer. 

Students enrolled in the part-time NPL Program must attend classes held during the day (typically in the afternoon) and/or evenings. Some courses are offered all day Friday and Saturday, over an entire weekend or two, or in one-week intensives. 

A number of NPLD courses are half CUs, and two are required to meet the 1 CU requirement. 

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 course unit per semester and the maximum is three course units per semester. 

Although completion is recommended within three years, part-time students must complete the degree within five years from the date of acceptance into the program. 

With approval from the Program Director, students can complete the requirements at an accelerated pace. This typically includes taking two or more credits 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 1 CU requirement. 

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 form below to get email updates about application deadlines, online info sessions, and other opportunities to help you decide if this program is right for you.