BACHELOR OF ARTSMS in Nonprofit Leadership
The Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership (NPL) at the School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) is an innovative degree option available to students in Penn’s College of Arts and Sciences who embrace the challenge of transforming and leading in the nonprofit sector. Highly qualified students complete this accelerated program in one semester beyond their BA Degree. This accelerated program is designed to attract academically talented undergraduates with defined career goals in the areas of nonprofit leadership, nonprofit management, and social impact.
Requirements for submatriculating into the NPL program include:
- application for submatriculation
- application for the NPL Program
- being in good academic standing throughout time at the College with a declared major (GPA of at least a 3.33 or higher);
- three letters of recommendation; and
- work/volunteer experience in either the nonprofit sector or recent exposure to social impact or entrepreneurial ventures.
Also note the following:
- Attainment of the bachelor’s degree is necessary before continuing to the final semester of the NPL Program. The MS degree will be completed in the semester after the BA is awarded. A total of ten (10) graduate courses must be completed to confer the MS.
- The College requires their students to complete and submit a submatriculation application form along with consultation from the College advising office. This form must also be submitted to the SP2 Admissions Office before the application review process can begin. The form can be emailed to apply@sp2.upenn.edu.
Application Information
Students should apply for submatriculation by February 1st of their sophomore or junior year.
Submatriculants remain eligible for undergraduate financial aid for the normal eight (8) semesters of the BA program. Submatriculants are not eligible to receive scholarships from SP2. They may, however, apply for federal student financial aid.
Course of Study
An individual plan of study will be prepared and agreed upon by the appropriate College advisor and SP2 to assure the integrity of both degree programs. The summer after graduation from the College, each student must complete a full-time practicum before they start their final fall semester of study.
Typical Education Plan for the Submatric Option for Sophomores
Sophomore Year: Make formal application to the NPL submatriculation program.
Junior Year: Take one NPLD class for each fall and spring semester.
Senior Year: Take a combined two to three NPLD classes in the fall and spring semesters in consultation with the NPL academic advisor.
Summer: After senior year, take one graduate level summer class and complete a practicum with a nonprofit organization.
Fall Semester after BA: Take remaining NPLD classes required to complete the degree in December.
Typical Education Plan for the Submatric Option for Juniors
Junior Year: Make formal application to the NPL submatriculation program.
Senior Year: Take two NPLD classes for each fall and spring semester in consultation with the NPL academic advisor.
Summer: After senior year, take one graduate level summer class and complete a practicum with a nonprofit organization.
Fall Semester after BA: Take remaining NPLD classes required to complete degree in December.
The College allows up to four (4) courses from outside the School of Arts & Sciences to count toward the undergraduate degree. Thus, four (4) courses from SP2 can be used in this way and be “double counted” toward the course requirements in the NPL.
Contact Us
Adam Roth-Saks, MSEd
Administrative Director, MS in Nonprofit Leadership
215 573 2390