Master of Arts in Social Impact Leadership

People in an office space looking at a dry erase board with a woman in the foreground reading a report.

The Master of Arts in Social Impact Leadership is designed for changemakers ready to drive meaningful transformation across public, nonprofit, and private sectors.

  • 30-credit: 2-semester full-time or 5-semester part time program
  • Community-based projects with industry mentorship
  • Grounded in social justice values
  • No GRE or GMAT required for application
  • Learn in the way that is best for you. Your program, your way: online or in person

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Curriculum & Courses

The program prepares graduates to work effectively across diverse industries and organizational contexts. Students develop expertise in skills essential for today's complex social challenges. Courses include:

  • Foundations and Frameworks for Social Impact
  • People Leadership for Social Impact
  • Technology for Social Good
  • Financial Management for Social Impact
  • Impact Measurement

Course Descriptions

Signature Project Courses

A signature component of the program will engage students in year-long community-based problem-solving projects while receiving mentorship from industry leaders, jumpstarting their professional growth through real-world application.

  • Social Impact Leadership Integration 1: “Understanding Context, Building Community”
  • Social Impact Leadership Integration 2: “Leading Change, Learning from Experience

Questions?

We want to hear from you! For questions, please contact [email protected].

Interested? Sign up to Connect with Us

Complete the interest form below, and we will reach out to you.

Are you a current U-M student or alum?
Are you interested in full-time, part-time, or online programs?
An online option will be offered in 2027.
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Where did you hear about this program

Career Outcomes & Opportunities

Graduates of the MA in Social Impact Leadership program will be prepared for a variety of impactful roles across diverse sectors.

Nonprofit Sector

  • Executive Director / CEO
  • Program Director / Manager
  • Advocacy / Policy Director

Private Sector / Corporate Social Responsibility

  • CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Manager
  • ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Analyst
  • Strategic Partnerships Manager

Public Sector / Government

  • Public Affairs or Outreach Manager
  • Community Impact Manager
  • Program Evaluator

Social Enterprise / Consulting / Foundations

  • Social Entrepreneur / Startup Founder
  • Impact Consultant (e.g., with B Corps or NGOs)
  • Grantmaker / Program Officer (at foundations)

Watch the Informational Video

This video introduces the University of Michigan’s new Master of Arts in Social Impact Leadership, a 30-credit program designed for aspiring changemakers across nonprofit, public, and private sectors. It provides information about the curriculum, hands-on Leadership Project, small cohort experience, and mentorship opportunities that prepare students to lead with impact. The session also outlines admissions details, financial aid options, and the career paths available to graduates.