Wheaton College to Offer Master’s in Nonprofit Leadership

Beginning in August 2026, the Wheaton College Graduate School of Social Sciences will offer a Master of Arts in Nonprofit Leadership. This unique degree will prepare Christ-centered leaders for a wide range of nonprofit, NGO, and ministry roles—both in the U.S. and globally. The program is now accepting applications. 

The program is designed for students launching or advancing their careers in nonprofit leadership or preparing for doctoral study. The curriculum integrates faith, best practices, and experience-based learning to equip leaders for ethical, effective impact in areas such as project management, community development, fundraising and grant writing, monitoring and evaluation, strategic planning and governance, and organizational leadership and ethics.

Students will learn from the real-world expertise of Wheaton faculty, who bring academic rigor and extensive field experience to the classroom. These scholars actively consult with major NGOs and nonprofits, publish, and present at leading nonprofit research associations. 

“Our faculty team is thrilled by this new opportunity to serve students,” said Kent Annan and Jamie Aten, Program Co-Directors. “We care deeply about the individuals who lead and serve within the nonprofit sector. Through continuous learning, research, innovation, and faith formation, we strive to support them as they grow in making a difference for others. The faculty offer both academic expertise and practical field experience. This program creates a community where students learn from one another and are supported throughout their professional journey.”

This 36-credit program can be completed in two to three years, with eight online courses and two one-week intensive courses on campus. Students can incorporate work from their current jobs into their coursework, delivering real-time impact to their leadership and their organizations.

The program experience will be based in a cohort model, which will include connecting with a vocational mentor leader and purposeful integration into Wheaton’s robust alumni network that serves with organizations such as World Relief, Compassion International, A Rocha, The American Medical Association, The Art Institute of Chicago, and many other domestic and international organizations.

“After years of dedicated planning and prayer, we are thrilled to launch this program to share the Graduate School’s vibrant expertise in Christ-centered leadership education. It demonstrates our commitment to forming leaders who seek to grow in Christian character and professional capacity,” said Dr. Karen An-Hwei Lee, Provost.

Learn more here about the Master’s in Nonprofit Leadership or call Graduate Admissions Counselor Kim Matsumoto at 630.752.5142.

For media inquiries, please contact Joe Moore at 630.991.5729 or joseph.moore@wheaton.edu.