Master of Arts Program Pathways
The online Master of Arts in Social, Nonprofit and Public Leadership follows a trimester schedule. Evening classes accommodate working professionals, while two immersive experiences—on location with nonprofits and policy makers—provide invaluable hands-on learning and networking opportunities.
The MA is a 31-credit hour program, and courses include a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning. The degree is designed to be completed in one year of full-time study, but a part-time option is available.
CURRICULUM: Learn about our curriculum and read the course descriptions here.
Full-time pathway for the Social, Nonprofit and Public Leadership master's degree
Full-time students begin in the fall with a one-week intensive experience in Waco, Texas, and take three additional courses online for a total of 11 credit hours. The second trimester includes three online courses for a total of 9 credit hours, taken in the spring. The third trimester combines a one-week immersive experience in the summer, with three online courses for a total of 11 credit hours.
| FALL |
| Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SNPL 5201 | Faith and Social Change | 2 |
| SWO 5322 | Social Policy for Social Work Practice | 3 |
| SWO 5323 | Organizational Leadership & Management | 3 |
| SNPL 5305 | Data Analytics & Landscape Analysis | 3 |
| SPRING | ||
| SWO 5384 | Program Evaluation for Practice Improvement | 3 |
| SNPL 5324 | Fundraising for Social Change | 3 |
| SNPL 5352 | Understanding Poverty: Systems, Solutions, & Social Change | 3 |
| SUMMER | ||
| SNPL 5364 | Organizing Systems for Change | 3 |
| SNPL 5325 | Advanced Policy Application: Food Security & Poverty in the US | 3 |
| SNPL 5265 | Action for Social Change: An Immersive Experience | 2 |
| SNPL 5395 | Capstone | 3 |
Part-time pathway for the Social, Nonprofit and Public Leadership master's degree
The Garland School of Social Work understands the need for flexibility when it comes to educational and professional schedules, therefore a part-time option is provided. It offers students the opportunity to complete the degree across two years, split into six trimesters. Each trimester will include two courses totaling 5-6 credit hours.
Year 1, Term 1: Fall | Credits | |
| SNPL 5201 | Faith and Social Change | 2 |
| SWO 5322 | Social Policy for Social Work Practice | 3 |
Year 1, Term 2: Spring | ||
| SNPL 5352 | Understanding Poverty: Systems, Solutions, & Social Change | 3 |
| SWO 5323 | Organizational Leadership & Management | 3 |
Year 1, Term 3: Summer | ||
| SNPL 5364 | Organizing Systems for Change | 3 |
| SNPL 5325 | Advanced Policy Application: Food Security & Poverty in the US | 3 |
| Year 2, Term 1: Fall | ||
| SNPL 5305 | Data Analytics & Landscape Analysis | 3 |
| (SWO 5xxx) | (Optional elective choice) | (3) |
Year 2, Term 2: Spring | ||
| SWO 5384 | Program Evaluation for Practice Improvement | 3 |
| SNPL 5324 | Fundraising for Social Change | 3 |
Year 2, Term 3: Summer | ||
| SNPL 5365 | Action for Social Change: A Washington, D.C. Intensive | 2 |
| SNPL 5395 | Capstone | 3 |
Tell Me More about the Garland School
Fill out the form below to stay up to date about the application process and application deadlines for the master's degree in Social, Nonprofit & Public Leadership program as well as the professional certificates.
CERTIFICATES — Not ready for the full degree? Follow this link to more information about certificate options: Nonprofit Leadership and Public Policy.