The MA in Social Innovation (MASI) is a 30-unit, flexible, part-time program designed for completion within 15-24 months, with an accelerated 9-month option available. The curriculum is structured around five core learning goals: understanding complex social issues, design experimentation, implementation and impact assessment, design thinking, and problem-solving.
Through hands-on opportunities like the Social Innovation Practicum—where students work as consultants for organizations addressing critical social issues such as homelessness and food insecurity—students gain practical experience and valuable insights that equip them to advance their careers in social innovation.
Curriculum
- Requirements
- Courses
- Full-Time Pathway
- Part-Time Pathway
- Learning Outcomes
Degree Requirements
Full-time or part-time status as a graduate student
Approval of courses by faculty advisor
Mandatory KROC 501 self-paced orientation and in-person orientation
30 units of graduate work with a cumulative 3.0 grade point average or higher
KROC 500 Foundations: Peace, Justice & Social Change (3 units)
KROC 502: Pursuing Purpose: Building Professional Pathways (0 units)
Core courses (9 units)
Skills and Methods courses (6 units)
Electives (at least 12 units)
Electives are chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor. No more than 6 units of coursework may be taken outside of the Kroc School. Of these 6 units, no more than 3 units of coursework at the 300 or 400 level can be counted towards the 30 units. A maximum of 3 different 1-unit pass/fail electives can be taken unless a faculty advisor approves otherwise.
KROC 596 Professional portfolio P/F (0 units)
Foundations: Peace, Justice & Social Change (3 units) | ||
KROC 500 | Foundations: Peace, Justice & Social Change | 3 |
Pursuing Purpose (0 units) | ||
KROC 502 | Pursuing Purpose: Building Professional Pathways | 0 |
Core Courses (9 units) | ||
KROC 510 | Leadership and Organizations | 3 |
KROC 521 | Social Innovation | 3 |
KROC 523 | Social Entrepreneurship | 3 |
Skills and Methods (6 units) | ||
KROC 522 | Impact Evaluation | 3 |
KROC 524 | Social Innovation Practicum (Students with at least 3 years of relevant work experience may petition to waive this requirement.) | 3 |
Electives (12 units) | 9 | |
•Electives are chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor. No more than 6 units of coursework may be taken outside of the Kroc School. Of these 6 units, no more than 3 units of coursework at the 300 or 400 level can be counted towards the 30 units. A maximum of 3 different 1-unit pass/fail electives can be taken, unless a faculty advisor approves otherwise. | ||
Professional Portfolio (0 units) | ||
KROC 596 | Professional Portfolio | 0 |
Students who began their program before Fall 2025 may choose to complete the Professional Portfolio – KROC 597 (1 unit) or follow the Fall 2025 catalog requirements and take KROC 596 (0 units). The course description and requirements of KROC 597 and KROC 596 are the same.
Note: Electives are chosen in consultation with faculty advisors. The pathways above are samples and are subject to change. Courses listed may not be offered every year.
The Office of Graduate Admission can assist, and information for international applicants is also available.