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 semesters full-time (in-person) or 5 semesters part-time (online)
  • 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

Apply Now

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

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

Upcoming MSIL Events

October 6, 2026

MSIL Campus Information Session

Please join us for an in-person information session about the new Master of Arts in Social Impact Leadership Program (MSIL) at the School of Social Work. Hear from Faculty Director, Dr. Daphne Watkins, and Social Impact Leadership Program Manager and Academic Advisor, Megan O'Neal, about the curriculum, signature projects course, forecasted career outcomes, and application & admissions process. Free MSIL Program swag will be available! Please remember that you will need your UM ID to get into the building. If you do not have a UM ID please contact Megan O'Neal, [email protected], to arrange to be let into the building.

Click here to register

October 7, 2026

Master of Arts in Social Impact Leadership Virtual Info Session

Please join us for a virtual information session about the new Master of Arts in Social Impact Leadership Program (MSIL) at the School of Social Work. Hear from Social Impact Leadership Program Manager and Academic Advisor, Megan O'Neal, about the curriculum, signature projects course, forecasted career outcomes, and application & admissions process. A Zoom link and calendar invitation will be sent to registered attendees closer to the event date.

Click here to register

Interested? 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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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.