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Penn Law establishes joint-degree program in nonprofit leadership

November 28, 2016

Penn Law offers more than 35 joint-degree and certificate programs.
Penn Law offers more than 35 joint-degree and certificate programs.
The University of Pennsylvania Law School and School of Social Policy & Practice are pleased to announce a new joint JD/Master’s degree program in Nonprofit Leadership.

The University of Pennsylvania Law School and School of Social Policy & Practice are pleased to announce a new joint JD/Master’s degree program in Nonprofit Leadership.

The JD/MS in Nonprofit Leadership (NPL) prepares students who aspire to lead impactful social change by helping them develop the skills to assume positions of leadership in law and nonprofits. Students leave the program with a deeper understanding of how to manage and grow nonprofits, social enterprises, and international NGOs.

Additionally, the program’s graduates learn how to harness creativity and innovative approaches to address long-term challenges across the social impact sector. These methods allow them to be change-makers in their organizations and to spur progress in their communities and around the world.

“We are excited to offer the joint-degree program in Nonprofit Leadership, which builds on the success of our Nonprofit Leadership certificate program,” said Amanda Aronoff, Associate Director of Cross-Disciplinary Programs. “The JD/MS will provide students with the rigorous legal education of Penn Law combined with the social impact of the School of Social Policy & Practice.”

“In nonprofit organizations devoted to underserved communities, lawyers need to be effective leaders and stewards of their organizations,” said Arlene Rivera Finkelstein, Associate Dean for Public Interest Programming and Executive Director of the Toll Public Interest Center. “Leadership in this context requires a deep understanding of client needs, as well as an appreciation for the challenge of trying to meet great need with limited resources. This new degree program will give Penn Law students important context as they envision new solutions for longstanding societal problems, and will help them contribute to the long-term viability of the nonprofit sector.”

The MS in Nonprofit Leadership is a ten-credit course of study, and students can earn both the MS and JD in three years. Joint-degree students may apply up to four courses from the Law Program towards the MS and up to four approved courses from the MS program towards the JD.

The JD/MS in Nonprofit Leadership is one of four cross-disciplinary programs offered in partnership with the School of Social Policy & Practice. Penn Law students can also pursue a joint JD/Master of Social Work, a JD/Master of Science in Social Policy, or a Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership.

With more than 35 joint-degree and certificate programs, Penn Law is a leader in cross-disciplinary legal education. Penn Law’s academic programs are fully integrated with the professional and graduate schools on campus, providing students with an unparalleled opportunity to prepare for careers that engage virtually every major issue facing our society.