MA in Social Impact

Students in the MSIL will be able to use their electives to take classes in other schools such as the Ross School of Business, the Ford School of Public Policy, the School of Environment and Sustainability, and the School of Information, among others. 

Our signature Social Impact Leadership Project pairs students with real organizations and communities seeking innovative solutions to pressing challenges. Over the course of two semesters, you will identify problems, build authentic relationships, and design and implement solutions—all while developing the leadership skills that will define your career.

Students will also have the opportunity to shape their own experience by working on projects and issues of personal interest, including with communities or organizations they already have connections to. The program team will collaborate with

The MSIL courses will be taught by faculty and industry leaders with substantial experience in a variety of social impact settings.  

The MA requires coursework in: Foundations and Frameworks for Social Impact, Technology for Social Good, People Leadership for Social Impact, Financial Management for Social Impact, and Impact Measurement.

All students complete a two-semester signature social impact leadership project.

Students have additional credits that they can use for electives within the School of Social Work as well as from other graduate program courses within the University of Michigan.

Yes, the first online cohort for the MSIL Program will start in Fall 2027. Applications to join the 2027 online cohort will open on July 16, 2026.

The MSIL is a 30-credit program. The MSIL is launching as an in-person, full-time residential/on-campus program in Fall 2026. The residential program is designed as a 2-semester program with students starting in the Fall term and completing the degree at the end of the Winter term. An online version of the program will be available starting in Fall 2027 and will appear as an option on the 27/28 application cycle opening in July 2026.

The MSIL program is built on the premise that impactful leadership is rooted in a deep understanding of social justice, ethical decision-making, and collaborative action. We believe that social impact leaders must be equipped not only with technical skills but also with the values and vision to drive equitable change.

The curriculum integrates cutting-edge leadership theories with real-world challenges, fostering critical thinking and systems-level analysis. Students will learn to navigate complex social issues, build effective partnerships, mobilize resources, and measure the impact of their

Students in the MSIL will develop a blend of practical, analytical, and leadership skills that prepare them to create measurable impact across sectors. Core competencies include:

• Strategic Leadership and Management – the ability to lead teams, design initiatives, and make decisions grounded in equity and social justice.
• Financial and Resource Stewardship – practical skills in budgeting, fundraising, and mobilizing resources for sustainable social impact.
• Impact Measurement and Evaluation – tools to identify metrics, assess outcomes, and communicate results to stakeholders.
  Technology and

Social impact refers to the effect an organization’s or an individual’s actions have on the well-being of the community and the world at large. In the context of social work, social impact is the positive and measurable change a social worker's actions have on individuals, groups, or communities. It's about moving beyond providing a service to creating a lasting, transformative, and systemic positive change that improves people's well-being by addressing a pressing social issue. This can include anything from local improvements to major global shifts.

The Master of Arts in Social Impact Leadership is designed for forward-thinking, solution-seeking, and aspiring leaders committed to driving meaningful, measurable change in organizations, communities, and systems. The MSIL seeks students who aim to work with other like-minded students to build practical skills and leadership capacities in the social impact sector.

If you are looking to expand your skills or translate the experience you already have into a more impactful career, this could align really well. The MSIL will give you skills that will allow you to work in a variety of settings