Student using VR setup in a Kroc Peace room area.

MA in Social Innovation (MASI)

MASI Program

Catalyzing change for good

With small class sizes, a location at the world's busiest international border and seed funding opportunities, the interdisciplinary Master of Arts in Social Innovation (MASI) draws in purpose-driven social innovators from around the globe. With various undergraduate majors, MASI students learn the skills necessary to develop sustainable, scalable solutions to tackle humanity's urgent challenges, whether that leads to growing their own social impact startup or leading innovative programs in an established organization.

What is social innovation? Do you want to get a better understanding of what it means and how it affects society? Read our blog, What is Social Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation: Definition, Ideas, and Examples.

#1

nationally ranked social innovation master's program

15-24

months to complete (accelerated 9 month option available)

80%+

students receive scholarship or financial support

Courses that equip and empower

Housed within the Kroc School for Peace Studies, the MASI gives students the advantage of integrated expertise in social innovation, entrepreneurship, peacebuilding, business and leadership.

Through a curriculum that emphasizes experiential learning and human-centered design, students learn how to design, implement and manage innovations for social change. Students learn multiple approaches to effectively and sustainably design and implement solutions with a deep understanding of the historical, institutional and cultural factors that drive conflict, injustice, oppression and poverty.

Our Faculty

Learn from world-class social innovators

Access to seed funding

Through the Fowler Global Social Innovation Challenge, USD students generate ideas for innovative ventures that respond to a social, economic, environmental or justice issue, and compete with students from universities around the world for up to $50K in seed funding to launch or expand their ventures. Students also have access to myriad opportunities across campus including the Changemaker Challenge ($5K in awards), Fowler Business Concept Challenge (scholarship funding), and the V2 pitch competition (pitching to Angel Investors, $30K in awards).

Career Outcomes

Building careers to create social change

MASI graduates make global impact through careers leading entrepreneurial ventures, in the public and private sector as well as intergovernmental organizations and nonprofits. Graduates work within organizations focusing on social change, creating economic, social and environmental value, within corporate social responsibility departments, and local, state and national governments.

Explore our blog, Social Innovation in Action: Examples of Social Entrepreneurs in the Nonprofit, Business and Government Sectors, to learn more about how social entrepreneurship is at work across various professional environments.

*This is not an exhaustive list of all graduate employers and doesn't guarantee employment with listed employers.

Kroc School Alumni

Social Innovators making a impact

MASI alumni stand out for their capacity to analyze the roots of social problems, create inventive solutions in response, and bring their visions to life with sustainable business designs and the leadership skills to bring them to scale.

Momo Bertrand '19

Momo is committed to changing the way people think of his home continent of Africa.

Nico Darras '18

Nico is focused on sexual violence prevention and promoting positive masculinity.

Bianca Alvarado '18

Bianca runs a digital marketplace for socially conscious and multicultural illustrated books and media.

Kristania De Leon '18

Kristania works to address women’s rights, homelessness, education, and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.

Want to make a change but not sure which pathway is right for you? Take our quiz!