Top 5 Masters to Create Social Impact

There are many programs that allow students to use their talents and skills to make a difference in the world. A Master’s degree in Social Impact is one such program. This type of degree allows students to work with communities and organizations to create social change. Students in this type of program learn about the root causes of social problems and how to develop solutions that address these issues. They also gain skills in communication, leadership, and project management. These skills are essential for anyone interested in working in the social impact field. Here are our top picks:

Swinburne University of Technology (Australia) – Social Impact

The Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, offers a master’s degree program in Social Impact. The 18-month program prepares students to work in management-level positions of philanthropic and not-for-profit organizations. In addition, the program can be beneficial for individuals who are interested in social entrepreneurship. All students in the program complete the following courses: Corporate Responsibility and Accountability; Social Impact: Entrepreneurs and Social Innovation; Social Investment and Philanthropy; Leadership for Social Impact; Evaluation and Impact Measurement; Strategic Philanthropy; and Social Venture Development. Full-time study is required and all courses are taught on campus in English. To be considered for admission, students must have either a bachelor’s degree in any field and three years of related work experience. Those who do not meet these requirements can still be considered for admission if they complete the university’s Graduate Certificate of Social Impact  program.

Eastern University (United States) – Social Impact

Eastern University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, offers a Master of Business Administration program in Social Impact. The program is taught entirely online, making it ideal for professionals who are working full time and wish to continue their educations. Graduates will be qualified to work in management roles at nonprofit organizations and non-governmental organizations. The program also prepares students to work in leadership roles in the public sector. Among the courses required for the degree are: Global Financial Management, Social Entrepreneurship and Managing for Optimal Performance. Students are free to complete the 36 credits required for the degree program on a full-time or part-time basis. For admission consideration, students must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5.

New York University (United States) – Social Impact 

New York University in New York City, New York, United States, offers a Master of Business Administration degree program in Social Impact, Innovation and Investment. The 45-credit program is offered on a full-time basis with on-campus learning. Individuals who aspire to work as policy leaders, social entrepreneurs, impact investors and nonprofit and for-profit managers can benefit from the program. To receive the degree, students must complete the following classes: Statistical Methods for Public, Nonprofit, and Health Management; Microeconomics for Public Management, Planning and Policy Analysis; Management and Leadership; Financial Management for Public, Nonprofit and Health Organizations; and Introduction to Public Policy. Most students complete all of the degree requirements with two years of study. A bachelor’s degree is required for admission. Students must also submit standardized test scores, essays and letters of recommendation.

University of Johannesburg (South Africa) – Social Impact Assessment

The University of Johannesburg in Johannesburg, South Africa, offers a Master of Arts degree program in Social Impact Assessment. Coursework for the program focuses on theory and methodology. A total of 180 credits is required for graduation, and all students must complete a dissertation. Most students finish all requirements within 24 months with full-time study. Prospective students who hold a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Industrial Sociology, Geography, Philosophy, Historical Studies, Development Studies, Psychology, Industrial Psychology, Politics, Public Governance, Social Work or Economics are invited to apply. Those with degrees in other fields may be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.

University of Technology Sydney (Australia) – Not-for-Profit and Social Enterprise Management

The University of Technology Sydney in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, offers a master’s degree in Not-for-Profit and Social Enterprise Management. The program is designed to prepare individuals to work in management fields at non-government and not-for-profit organizations as well as in the public sector. Those who are interested in pursuing careers in corporate social responsibility in the private sector can also benefit from the curriculum. All students in the program complete the following courses: Business Literacies and the Future; Problem Solving, Creativity and Solution Setting; Contemporary Contexts for Not-for-Profit and Social Enterprise; Fundraising and Revenue Streams for Events and Not-for-Profits; Measuring Social Impact; and Event Creation Workshop. In addition, students must participate in either an industry research capstone project or an internship. Australian students have the option to complete the program on a full-time basis over 24 months or a part-time basis over 48 months. All classes are taught in person on campus. Only the full-time option is available for international students. Admission requirements include either a bachelor’s degree or evidence of extensive work experience in a related field. As all courses are taught in English, international students must submit English proficiency test scores for admissions consideration.