A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required with a minimum 3.0 overall grade point average (on a scale of 4.0), and a minimum 3.0 average in your major field. Applicants with a grade point average below 3.0 may still be considered for admission based on the strength of the other portions of the application.

Applicants with less than five years of work experience in the field of philanthropy are expected to demonstrate an appropriate level of proficiency on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or a comparable proficiency test (i.e, GMAT, LSAT). Results from the graduate record examination taken within the past five years are required. Our minimum criteria for GRE are scores greater than 153 verbal and 144 quantitative.

Three letters of recommendation to the admissions committee are required. Preference will be given to those candidates who can demonstrate the ability to successfully perform academic work. In selecting your recommenders, try to select those people who can best speak to indications of your ability to successfully do academic work. If a recommender is not in an academic environment, encourage him/her to assess your knowledge, skills, and abilities as they relate to your ability to do academic work.

Please answer one of these questions in approximately 500 words or two pages double-spaced:

1. The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is dedicated to understanding philanthropy and improving its practice. Describe how you expect your education with the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy to further your professional and personal goals.

2. Describe your research and/or professional goals. Why is the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy the best fit to help you achieve your goals?

3. What is a significant challenge in philanthropy today that interests you? How do you see yourself addressing this challenge and how will your education with the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy benefit you in doing so?

Those interested should apply online.

We accept applications for our graduate certificate and master’s degree at any time. New students can begin classes in August (fall), January (spring), and May (summer).

We recommend applying by April 1 for the summer or fall semesters and November 1 for the spring semester. We will accommodate late applications as space permits.

Please send your updated résumé to apsop@iupui.edu or upload it with the application.

We welcome students from around the world to study with us. If you are an international student, your application begins at the IUPUI Office of International Affairs.