Master’s in Social Impact Online Degree

ONLINE master of Arts in

Social impact

ONLINE

MSI

The Master of Arts in Social Impact program is designed for aspiring founders, social entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and mission-driven changemakers who want to turn their passion for changing the world into a concrete plan of action. This dynamic program teaches you about grant writing, board development, program evaluation, proven marketing strategies, business models, and revenue streams that can diversify funding for worthy programs, nonprofits and social-impact businesses in your community and around the world.

program Overview
a laptop to state the Online Master of Arts in Social Impact can be taken entirely online
100% Online
Program Length
TUITION

  • Asynchronous format

  • Interactive learning platforms
  • Discussion forums facilitated by world class faculty

Full-time: 13 months*
Part-time: 22 months

*Full-time status (2 courses per term) must be maintained to complete your master’s degree in 13 months.

$550 per credit hour
All courses are 3 credit hours
Funding options are available

Tuition & Funding Options>

Admissions Requirements

MA in Social Impact admissions requirements:

  • A completed bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution

  • Submission of university transcripts

  • Current resume or CV
  • No GRE or GMAT Required
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA (provisions acceptance may be granted for GPAs under 2.5)
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COURSES

Online Master of Arts in Social Impact Courses include:

  • Nonprofit and Social Sector Leadership
  • Foundations of Social Impact
  • Grant Writing, Development, and Sustainable Fundraising
  • Social Impact Measurement
  • Business Models and Marketing for Social Change
  • Finance & Accounting for Managers
  • Project Management
  • Invitation to Inquiry: Foundations of the Claremont Core®
  • Strategic Communication: Building Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  • Activating the Core: Research Methods
  • Applying the Core: CLU Capstone

2024-2025 Student Catalog>

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of your Master of Arts in Social Impact program, you will be able to:

  • Function as mindful humanistic change agents and empathetic leaders skilled and knowledgeable about how to catalyze and sustain changes in social systems.

  • Synthesize the history, heritage, and context of social change and innovation for application to current world problems.

  • Develop resourcing strategies built on current market principles and procedures.

  • Research, analyze, and determine appropriate methods and contemporary strategies for designing and implementing initiatives that generate positive social impact.

  • Develop and employ evaluation and learning approaches to gain visibility on and adapt efforts for systems change and social innovation.

  • Develop and demonstrate the interpersonal and engagement skills necessary for effective leaders in a global community or organization.

Find Out What Our Master’s in Social Impact Alumni Have to Say

Joseph Williams, graduate of the Master of Arts in Social Impact, shares his thoughts why an education from CLU is valuable for leaders in social impact. Learn more about why he says that this type of education can help social impact leaders “start working together in different ways and envisioning different solutions to some of the problems that folks are trying to solve.”

Faculty

A team of professional educators with a wide range of experience in social impact endeavors contribute to your learning environment at Claremont Lincoln University. Here are just a few you may meet:

Audrey Jordan, PhD, Jerry D. Campbell Professor and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist

Oluwunmi Ariyo, EdD, Teaching Faculty

Shanelle Benson Reid, PhD, Teaching Faculty

Casey Reason, PhD, Teaching Faculty

Stephanie Varnon-Hughes, PhD, Dean of Teaching, Learning & Leadership

Career Paths

As a graduate of the MA in Social Impact program, you will be prepared to approach your career from a new perspective. The skills and competencies this degree offers you can apply to roles in a variety of capacities including:

  • Social Entrepreneur
  • Director Community Impact and Engagement
  • Director Impact Investments
  • Nonprofit Program Director
  • Director of Planned Giving
  • Philanthropy Development Coordinator
2016 MA Social Impact student Ely Flores

Student SPOTLIGHT

Many of our graduates have gone on to pursue rewarding careers. Explore their stories of success.

“I’ve learned to be a mindful leader, one who invites dialogue. I use the Core in both my personal and professional life.”
Ely Flores, MA Social Impact, '16

Student Spotlight>