Master’s in Social Sector Leadership and Nonprofit Management (SSL)

Lead with Purpose. Drive Social Change.

The UChicago Crown Family School’s 12-course AM in Social Sector Leadership and Nonprofit Management (SSL) is designed to equip you with the skills to lead and transform organizations across the social sector. Whether you're advancing your career, making a professional shift, or newly graduated and just beginning your career, this program empowers you to create real-world impact in nonprofits, foundations, government agencies, corporate social responsibility, and international NGOs—helping build a more just and humane society.


 

Unlock the Benefits of the SSL Program

Choose from full-time or part-time options.

 

Gain both the conceptual foundation and practical skills you need to drive social impact and lead change.

Learn from world-class faculty conducting cutting-edge research and working at the forefront of social sector issues.

 

Learn to lead with a social justice lens, building more equitable organizations while driving effective solutions to social challenges.

Build lifelong relationships with a diverse cohort, Chicago’s vibrant social sector, and UChicago alumni

Learn From Expert Instructors, Empowered to Lead Change and Impact
Image
Nicole Marwell, a female-presenting person, smiles towards the camera in a library.
Nicole P. Marwell
Professor and Faculty Director, SSL Program

Marwell's research examines a range of questions about urban governance, with a focus on the diverse intersections between nonprofit organizations, government bureaucracies, communities, and politics. 

Curriculum Overview: Building Essential Skills
Conceptual Courses
(3 courses)

Build foundational knowledge on social sector governance, organizational theory, and policy formulation for social sector leaders with these three required conceptual courses.

Management Courses
(5 courses)

Develop expertise in leadership, strategy, finance, and operations. There are two required coursesInclusive Leadership and Social Sector Strategy—and you can choose three additional management courses to customize your learning.

Elective Courses
(4 courses)

Customize your learning with electives from the Crown Family School and across the University.