Toward Doctoral Education in Nonprofit and Philanthropic Studies

Abstract

This article provides an overview of the current nature and state of doctoral education in nonprofit and philanthropic studies. Data regarding student interests and demand for courses was gathered using surveys of faculty members and PhD students. A systematic journal database search was conducted to better understand what disciplines engage in research on nonprofit organizations and voluntary action. Arguing that theory-based, doctoral-level education in the field of nonprofit and philanthropic studies is needed by academia and sought after by doctoral students, a framework for meeting the educational needs of the field's future scholars is proposed.

Checking in on the State of Nonprofit Scholarship: A Review of Recent Research

“…For doctoral students just entering the field, Allison et al (2007) noted that major conceptual and paradigmatic arenas may seem untouched and the conceptual knowledge may appear incomplete. Allison and colleagues (2007) further noted that although a high demand may exist for nonprofit-related doctoral education, appropriate courses for future nonprofit scholars are often few.…”

The State of Nonprofit and Philanthropic Studies Doctoral Education

“…Dolch, Ernst, McClusky, Mirabella, & Sadow, 2007) and 1 University at Albany, NY, USA 2 Binghamton University, NY, USA continued to focus attention on the master's level (cf. Denhardt, 2001), the current state of doctoral-level nonprofit education in the United States has received limited attention (Allison et al, 2007). Allison et al (2007) began a conversation about the nature and state of doctoral education in nonprofit and philanthropic studies highlighting the "near absence" of studies on the subject.…”

“…Denhardt, 2001), the current state of doctoral-level nonprofit education in the United States has received limited attention (Allison et al, 2007). Allison et al (2007) began a conversation about the nature and state of doctoral education in nonprofit and philanthropic studies highlighting the "near absence" of studies on the subject. Based on their findings, they argued for (a) annual core doctoral-level courses on nonprofit and philanthropic studies, (b) periodic courses on nonprofit and philanthropic studies, (c) seminars or consortiums at the national and regional levels for intellectual sharing among doctoral students, (d) the establishment of web-based forums, and (e) the formation of student collaborativeswith faculty guidance-to discuss foundational nonprofit and philanthropic theories and concepts.…”

“…Anecdotal evidence suggests that some advances have been made in this direction. For instance, just 5 years after the first assessment by Allison et al (2007), a number of seminars and consortiums that cater to doctoral studies in the nonprofit field had emerged. 1 However, the extent to which these new opportunities are only isolated changes or part of a more comprehensive trend toward better preparing PhD students interested in nonprofit studies is not clear.…”

“…1 However, the extent to which these new opportunities are only isolated changes or part of a more comprehensive trend toward better preparing PhD students interested in nonprofit studies is not clear. It is a fitting time to return to the ideas and recommendations of Allison et al (2007) to understand which recommendations have been embraced and examine recent trends in nonprofit doctoral education. Using several sources of data, this article examines the state of nonprofit and philanthropic studies doctoral education.…”