Degree in Philanthropic Studies a Good Idea?

The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University is offering the first Bachelor of Arts in Philanthropic Studies in the U.S. Now students have a place to go if they want to obtain the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to work in the philanthropy and non-profit sector. The courses will be available to undergraduate students this fall. The curriculum includes courses such as Philanthropy and the Humanities, Philanthropy and Civic Engagement, and Ethics and Values in Philanthropy.

Since this is the first degree of this kind, students registering for the program must wonder how much weight employers will put on a degree like this. While a college degree is no longer a guarantee of employment, it is a basic requirement these days. For young college graduates interested in joining the non-profit and philanthropy sector, the educational focus would be a competitive advantage. However, I am also reminded of Professor Phil Cubeta's observations about the benefits of a liberal arts education.

I was gratified by how many people, many of them in fundraising roles, with degrees in field like music, french, english, sociology, philosophy, mythology, history, dance, and other liberal arts caught the message - a vision of a better life in a better world should guide legacy planning. And, the liberal arts people, along with those from religious traditions, are the best trained to carry that conversation of purpose.

Would being too focused in a specific area actually hinder young people's development and skills? Should we encourage young people to explore and learn about other subjects before specializing in a field?

Photo courtesy of laffy4k's

Comments

[Dien Yuen]

Yes, I agree. The philanthropic field is changing and many non-profit positions now require business acumen, social enterprise knowledge, and general policy/issue expertise. Fundraising and the ability to converse well with donors and constituents are also key. Of course, the classroom is only one platform for exposure to these skill-sets. Hands-on experience and internships that are built into the program should complement the program. It is amazing that the field is finally formalizing itself after so many years!

[Collective Responsibility]

Interesting program, but my personal opinion is that for a program like this to truly succeed it would have to do a good job of instilling a wide range of skills sets that include business management (budgeting, HR, and marketing), public adminstration (issues face, policy research), and project/ program management.

essentially a hybrid between business degree and public administration degree.

r
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