Academic Programs Catalog

College of Communication Arts and Sciences

Department of Communication

Graduate Study
Graduate Specialization in Nonprofit Fundraising

The Graduate Specialization in Nonprofit Fundraising, which is administered by the Department of Communication in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, is designed for students with interests in fundraising and development work in nonprofit organizations.

The graduate specialization is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in master’s degree programs in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences at Michigan State University.  With the approval of the department and college that administer the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the specialization may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the master’s degree.

The Specialization in Nonprofit Fundraising provides students with: (1) an understanding of a variety of fundraising strategies, the role of fundraising within nonprofit organizations, and the role and responsibilities of the development professional in the fundraising process; (2) an understanding of theory and research on social influence and how to employ this knowledge to promote the fundraising activities of a nonprofit organization; and (3) practice in assisting the fundraising activities of a nonprofit organization.

Students who plan to complete the requirements for the graduate specialization must consult the graduate advisor for the specialization in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences.

Requirements for the Graduate Specialization in Nonprofit Fundraising

Students must complete the following courses (9 credits):
1. Complete the following course (3 credits): 3
ADV 816 Fundraising and Philanthropy in Nonprofit Organizations
2. One of the following courses (3 credits):
ADV 800 Advertising and Public Relations Theory 3
COM 860 Persuasion 3
3. One of the following courses (3 credits):
ADV 893 Practicum 3
COM 893 Practicum 3