Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership (NPL)
The Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership (NPL) Program prepares nonprofit leaders and social entrepreneurs to guide organizations tackling some of the world’s most complex social challenges. Learn to create social impact through thoughtful, inventive, and meaningful work in nonprofits, charitable foundations, international NGOs, and more.
Program Overview & Competencies
Program Overview
The NPL program offers flexible completion options: full-time (10 months) or part-time (2.5 years), on-campus or online. This means you can keep working while enrolled, and the program can be tailored to your interests.
Competencies
Students who complete this program will develop the ability to
-
Lead, manage, and implement strategies effectively across individual, team, and organizational settings
-
Apply conceptual and analytical frameworks to understand nonprofit organizations and voluntary action, including using data to assess program effectiveness
-
Measure, communicate, and evaluate impact in mission-driven organizations
-
Employ entrepreneurial thinking to design innovative social impact solutions
Curriculum & Program Tracks
NPL students will complete a total of 10 course units (CUs), including at least four NPLD Core CUs and up to two Penn elective courses. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, so there is no single course that all NPL students must take.
On-Campus Full-Time
The on-campus full-time NPL program encompasses two to three semesters of coursework and a nonprofit placement for professional development (the Leadership Practicum). You’ll take five graduate level course units (CUs) in both the fall and spring semesters for a total of 10 CUs, including at least four NPLD core CUs and up to two Penn elective courses. Alternatively, you may lower your Fall and/or Spring courseload and take up to 2 CUs in the Summer semester. Students can also take courses offered through the online program.
Most courses meet once a week on a weekday for three hours. Other courses may be offered in one-week or weekend intensive sessions.
The minimum course load for students is one CU, and the maximum is five CUs per fall or spring semester, or two CUs in the summer semester.
A number of NPLD courses are half CUs, and two are required to meet the one CU requirement.
The program also includes a required on-campus orientation and cohort building in late August, and graduates are encouraged to participate in Commencement in May.
The following schedule is an example of how students may plan their courses.
- 2 NPLD core CUs; and
- 1 or 2 NPLD electives CUs; and
- 1 Penn elective CU for a total of 4 or 5 CUs.
- 2 NPLD core CUs; and
- 1 or 2 NPLD elective CUs; and
- 1 Penn elective CU for a total of 4 or 5 CUs.
- Up to 2 CUs may be taken over the summer as part of the full-time program.
On-Campus Part-Time
In the on-campus part-time NPL Program, most students take two course units (CUs) each semester for five semesters for a total of 10 CUs over 2.5 academic years, in addition to completing a mentorship with a nonprofit leader (the Leadership Practicum). Your 10 CUs will include at least four NPLD core CUs and up to two Penn elective courses. You can complete the program in as little as four semesters, taking two and a half CUs each semester, or as long as three academic years. Students can also take courses offered through the online program.
Part-time students must adhere to all program requirements on a part time basis.
Most courses meet once a week on a weekday for three hours. Other courses may be offered in one-week or weekend intensive sessions.
The minimum course load for students is one CU per semester, and the maximum to maintain part-time status is two and a half CUs per fall or spring semester, or 2 CUs in the summer semester.
Although completion is recommended within three years, students must complete the degree within five years of the date when the student first registered for the degree.
With approval from their advisor, students can complete the requirements at an accelerated pace. This typically includes taking two or more CUs over the summer.
A number of NPLD courses are half CUs, and two are required to meet the one CU requirement.
The program also includes a required on-campus orientation and cohort building in late August, and graduates are encouraged to participate in Commencement in May.
The following schedule is an example of how students may plan their courses.
Year One
- 2 NPLD core CU for a total of 2 CUs.
- 1 or 2 NPLD core CUs; and/or
- 1 NPLD elective CU for a total of 2 CUs.
Up to two CUs may be taken over the summer.
Year Two
- 1 NPLD core CU; and
- 0.5 or 1 NPLD elective CU; and/or
- 1 Penn elective CU for a total of 2 or 2.5 CUs.
- 1 NPLD core CU; and
- 0.5 or 1 NPLD electives CU; or
- 1 Penn elective CU for a total of 2 or 2.5 CUs.
Up to two CUs may be taken over the summer.
Year Three
Any remaining NPLD CUs not taken or Penn elective CU.
Online Full-Time
The online full-time NPL program encompasses two to three semesters of coursework and a nonprofit placement for professional development (the Leadership Practicum). You’ll take five graduate level course units (CUs) in both the fall and spring semesters for a total of 10 CUs, including at least four NPLD core CUs and up to two Penn elective courses. Alternatively, you may lower your fall and/or spring courseload and take up to 2 CUs in the summer semester. Students can also take courses offered in the on-campus program.
Courses are a mix of live and recorded content with most live sessions meeting online once a week on a weekday evening Eastern Time for an hour and a half.
A number of NPLD courses are half CUs, and two are required to meet the one CU requirement.
The program also includes a required online orientation in early August, an optional on-campus orientation and cohort building in late August, and graduates are encouraged to participate in Commencement in May.
The following schedule is an example of how students may plan their courses.
- 2 NPLD core CUs; and
- 1 or 2 NPLD electives CUs; and
- 1 Penn elective CU for a total of 4 or 5 CUs.
- 2 NPLD core CUs; and
- 1 or 2 NPLD elective CUs; and
- 1 Penn elective CU for a total of 4 or 5 CUs.
- Up to 2 CUs may be taken over the summer as part of the full-time program.
Online Part-Time
In the online part-time NPL Program, most students take two course units (CUs) each semester for five semesters for a total of 10 CUs over 2.5 academic years, in addition to completing a nonprofit leader (the Leadership Practicum). You can complete the program in as little as four semesters, taking two and a half CUs each semester, or as long as three academic years. Students can also take courses in the on-campus program.
Part-time students must adhere to all program requirements on a part time basis.
The minimum course load for students is one CU per semester and the maximum to maintain part-time status is two and a half CUs per fall or spring semester, or 2 CUs in the summer semester.
Although completion is recommended within three years, students must complete the degree within five years of the date when the student first registered for the degree.
With approval from their advisor, students can complete the requirements at an accelerated pace. This typically includes taking two or more CUs 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 one CU requirement.
The program also includes a required online orientation in early August, an optional on-campus orientation and cohort building in late August, and graduates are encouraged to participate in Commencement in May.
The following schedule is an example of how students may plan their courses.
Year One
- 2 NPLD core CU for a total of 2 CUs.
- 1 or 2 NPLD core CUs; and/or
- 1 NPLD elective CU for a total of 2 CUs.
Up to two CUs may be taken over the summer.
Year Two
- 1 NPLD core CU; and
- 0.5 or 1 NPLD elective CU; and/or
- 1 Penn elective CU for a total of 2 or 2.5 CUs.
- 1 NPLD core CU; and
- 0.5 or 1 NPLD electives CU; and/or
- 1 Penn elective CU for a total of 2 or 2.5 CUs.
Up to two CUs may be taken over the summer.
Year Three
Any remaining NPLD CUs not taken or Penn elective CU.
Accelerated Track
Students who have completed the CSIS or XSD executive certificate programs may complete the NPL degree at an accelerated pace.
Graduates of the CSIS Executive Program(opens in a new tab) must complete six NPL CUs, at least three of which must be from the core offering.
Graduates of the Executive Program in Social Innovation Design (XSD(opens in a new tab)) program must complete seven NPL CUs, at least four of which must be from the core offering.
The minimum course load for students is one CU, and the maximum is five CUs per fall or spring semester, or two CUs in the summer semester. 3 or more CUs per term is considered full-time status, while 2.5 or fewer CUs per term is considered part-time status. Below is a sample of our course offerings. You can see our full course list here.
- NPLD 5870 Empowering Nonprofit Leaders to Thrive
- NPLD 5890 Ethics and The Pursuit of Social Impact
- NPLD 7200 Introduction to Data Analysis for Social Impact
- NPLD 7500 Corporate Social Responsibility: Partnerships and Practices
- NPLD 7620 Nonprofit Law
- NPLD 7860 Strategic Management and Leadership of Nonprofits
- NPLD 7900 Social Finance
- NPLD 7940 Philanthropy and Fundraising: The Donor Journey
Insights from NPL Faculty & Alumni
Elective Course Examples
NPLD 5870 is designed for interdisciplinary students interested in cultivating flourishing organizations, engaged stakeholders, and inspiring leaders across sectors and especially within nonprofits. NPLD 5870 focuses on both theoretical and practical insights that can be gained from cutting-edge research on how and when people thrive at work. This research can be applied to help practitioners enrich people’s experiences at work, in collaboration with various stakeholders, and beyond.
In today’s fast-paced world, practitioners, leaders, and researchers must stay connected with the latest cutting-edge research in their field. This course is your gateway to understanding the quantitative methods that drive social impact research. Through hands-on, lab-based activities, you’ll gain both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to analyze real-world data. We’ll explore the dynamics of individual participation in the nonprofit sector, focusing on activities like charitable giving and volunteering.
NPLD 7500 explores the relationship between business and society through the lens of corporate social responsibility (CSR), with a particular emphasis on corporate philanthropy. The central question we investigate is: What is the responsibility of business to society, if any? We examine how CSR is conceptualized, how it is practiced, the nature of partnerships formed with society, and its broader impact.
This is a travel course to the Netherlands, where we examine CSR in the European context and compare it with practices in the United States and India. The course includes site visits and lectures by Dutch academics at Erasmus University, as well as insights from local corporate and nonprofit practitioners.
Practicum Education
Through the Leadership Practicum, SP2 students in the MS in Nonprofit Leadership Program experience strong direction and stewardship in action while benefiting from individual mentoring and leadership development. The practicum also fosters a commitment by local nonprofit leaders to cultivate the next generation of transformative leaders.
Students may choose to participate in a mutual matching process the summer prior to the start of the academic year or they may identify their own mentor/placement organization. Practicum experiences can be in-person, hybrid, or virtual.
Eligibility & Admissions
SP2 seeks students from diverse backgrounds who demonstrate a commitment to social good and are prepared for graduate-level study. Review the eligibility requirements to determine which program track is right for you.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
Our career services team supports job placement and professional development.
Sample Career Outcomes
- Chief Executive Officer
- Chief Development Officer
- Major Gifts Officer
- Director of Corporate Social Responsibility
- Grants & Foundation Relations Director
- Philanthropy Consultant
- Director of Community Impact
Where Our Graduates Make an Impact
- Social Impact Organizations: Leadership, development, advocacy, programs, and community impact
- International NGOs: Global development, humanitarian programs, and international philanthropy
- Philanthropic Foundations: Grantmaking, donor strategy, and philanthropic leadership
- Higher Education: Advancement, alumni relations, administration, teaching, and mentoring
- Consulting Firms: Nonprofit strategy, fundraising, organizational development, and social impact
- Corporate Social Responsibility: Corporate philanthropy, community investment, and social impact
- Social Enterprises: Social entrepreneurship, innovation, impact strategy, and mission-driven leadership
“SP2 is leading positive change in society precisely by empowering and entrusting its students to be bold, be imaginative. I feel that I’m not only prepared to meet the future, but the present moment because of the education I received at SP2. As a student here, I have continually been empowered to take my own journey and my own pivots.”
Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership Program FAQs
The Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership (NPL) at Penn SP2 prepares current and aspiring leaders to advance social impact through mission-driven organizations, social enterprises, and philanthropic initiatives.
The NPL program equips students to effectively lead and manage mission-based programs and organizations, understand the social impact sector within a changing global context and in relation to the for-profit and governmental sectors, and develop an appreciation for the strategic, political, economic, and operational factors that enable and constrain social impact efforts. Through an interdisciplinary, evidence-informed curriculum, students build expertise in leadership, strategic management, fundraising and philanthropy, nonprofit governance, financial management, social entrepreneurship, and impact measurement, graduating prepared to lead meaningful and sustainable change.
NPL is designed for both early-career and mid-career professionals who are leading or aspiring to lead nonprofits, foundations, social enterprises, or community organizations. Students come from a range of professional backgrounds and experience levels, from emerging leaders seeking to build management and strategic skills to seasoned practitioners looking to advance into executive leadership roles Many students bring 5–15 years of sector experience and are seeking the strategic frameworks and credentials to accelerate their impact and career growth.
The NPL program is designed with flexibility in mind, making it a strong fit for working professionals as well as individuals balancing family responsibilities, community involvement, or other commitments. Courses are offered at a variety of times, including weekdays, evenings, and weekends, and are available in online, in-person, hybrid, and travel-based formats. This flexibility allows students to pursue their degree while maintaining their work and personal responsibilities.
The program can be completed full-time (1 academic year) or part-time (2-3 years). All degree requirements must be completed within five years of matriculation. For current scheduling and enrollment options, please contact the NPL program at infonpl@sp2.upenn.edu
This is a travel course to the Netherlands, where we examine CSR in the European context and compare it with practices in the United States and India. The course includes site visits and lectures by Dutch academics at Erasmus University, as well as insights from local corporate and nonprofit practitioners.
Students develop leadership, management, and strategic planning skills needed to lead mission-driven organizations effectively. The NPL program provides a strong foundation in theoretical frameworks, financial management, fundraising, impact measurement, and organizational leadership. Students also build analytical and entrepreneurial skills to assess program outcomes, communicate impact, and create innovative solutions to social challenges through applied learning and engagement within the social impact sector.
Unlike an MBA—which focuses primarily on for-profit business strategy—or an MPA—which centers on public administration and government systems—the NPL program at SP2 is purpose-built for the nonprofit and social sector. Students gain specialized knowledge of the unique governance, funding, and accountability structures of mission-driven organizations, while also examining social policy contexts that shape the sector.
Graduates go on to serve as Executive Directors, Chief Operating Officers, Development Directors, Program Officers, Foundation Leaders, Social Impact Consultants, Foundation Leaders, and Directors of Community Engagement across nonprofit, philanthropic, and social impact organizations.
Alumni lead organizations across human services, education, health equity, arts and culture, environmental advocacy, and international development.
The Leadership Practicum provides hands-on experience in the social impact sector, helping students apply classroom learning to real-world challenges. Based on their professional experience and career goals, students complete either a partnership with a social impact organization or an individual mentorship with an experienced nonprofit leader. Practicum experiences may be completed in person, online, or in a hybrid format.
