Online education is rapidly growing, and you can now earn a graduate certificate or master’s degree in philanthropic studies online.
But why do so? We asked some of our graduate students and alumni to share their thoughts about why they enrolled in an online program, and how it’s benefited them.
A flexible schedule makes online learning possible while building a career
“For a working professional, completing courses online gives you the flexibility to pursue the degree and to have access to great research.” –Niamani Mutima, M.A.’16, executive director, Africa Grantmaker’s Affinity Group
“The remote coursework has meshed especially well with my schedule, and made it possible to enroll.” –Jenny Convey, current student, senior associate consultant, Giving Tree Associates
Getting a degree can help you advance to the next step
“The value of the degree and the value of the perspective that the school gave me really helped me advance to a C-Suite level position.” –Shelley Hunter, M.A.’12, CEO, College Mentors for Kids
“Learning the perspectives of different students and working professionals has changed the course of what I’ve been able to do in my career.” –Eric Richards, M.A.’05, president & CEO, Cancer Support Community of Central Indiana
Tips and advice
“Find a set time to do your work. Once you find that time to work, it really is quite doable.” –Bryan Fegley, current student, director of advancement, St. Patrick’s Seminary
“When you find the career that you want to be in, invest in classes that will help you get better at it. Not only is it helpful for your career, but it’s helpful for your personal growth as well. –Casey Ruschman, graduate certificate ’19, manager of community giving, Scripps Howard Foundation
Benefits of the program
“With Indiana University’s program, I didn’t have to choose between my purpose and making a great living. It was more than fundraising. The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy brought to life a multifaceted vision that would serve the nonprofit sector and create a new academic field of study while examining philanthropy through teaching, research, and service.” –Joshua Humbert, M.A.’15, managing director, The Humbert Group
“Academically, it has been both rigorous and rewarding. But in addition to challenging me intellectually, something surprising happened along the way: I found myself on a deeper, philosophical journey.” –Carol Anne Baker Lajoie, current student, director of development, Richmond SPCA
Why enroll?
“It was this thirst to dive deeper and continue to educate myself in the most important topics in the world of philanthropy—both in my professional life and in my capacity as a board member with my family’s foundation—that drove my interest in the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.” –Jenny Convey
“I was going to need to understand philanthropy in its entire scope and history versus my previous knowledge, but still limited capacity of fundraising. I would need to understand more than just how to raise a dollar, but know more importantly how philanthropy plays a role in the public sector, business, and within the everyday lives of people I may never meet.” –Joshua Humbert
For more information about the school’s online graduate program, contact Luke Bickel at lbickel@iupui.edu.
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