Furman University Graduate Studies

"What the world needs is people who can think innovatively, think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to problems. Not just keep trying the same thing."—Janna Pennington, Director of Furman's MSIL program

Most people assume innovation belongs to someone else: a genius, a founder, someone with a singular big idea. Furman's Master of Science in Innovation and Leadership is built on a different belief. Innovation is a skill anyone can learn, and it starts with sitting in the discomfort of a problem before rushing to solve it.

Read more about how the program is changing how students think, lead and bring ideas to life.

🔗 https://www.furman.edu/graduate-studies/innovation-is-a-skill-not-a-lightning-bolt/

Have you applied yet? You only have two weeks left to apply for the Fall 2026 semester for our M.S. in Innovation and Leadership and our M.A. in Advocacy and Social Policy programs.

Both programs are great for professionals who want to strengthen their ability to lead, collaborate and create meaningful change in their organizations and communities.

Apply before July 1: https://www.furman.edu/graduate-studies/apply/

“The question isn’t whether these systems need to change. The question is what we’re going to do when we’re the ones inside systems.”—Kate Harrington, MAP ’26

One week from today, explore how Furman University’s M.A. in Advocacy and Social Policy can prepare you to work across advocacy, policy and community-driven change.

During this virtual information session, you’ll learn about the MAP program’s curriculum, outcomes and hands-on experiences, followed by a live Q&A.

- Tuesday, June 23
- 12:00–1:00 p.m. EDT
- Virtual

Register today: https://ow.ly/XREy50ZbXih

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Congratulations to the 13th M.S. in Community Engaged Medicine (MS-CEM) cohort for finishing their first week of summer classes. We look forward to seeing how you grow over the next 12 months of your program!

Learn how you could be a part of the next MS-CEM Cohort: furman.edu/mscem

This week the Summer term for M.A. in Strategic Design (MASD) kicked off with a bang! We’re excited to watch our students continue refining their portfolios and expand their creative skills to tackle real-world design challenges.

Explore all the programs Furman Graduate Studies has to offer: https://www.furman.edu/graduate-studies/

Strategic Design at Furman University

What if sports could do more than entertain?

Furman’s Sports Development and Community Partnerships Graduate Certificate includes five courses in community action, sports management and marketing, professional coaching, nonprofit leadership or fundraising and a community-based practicum.

Complete the 15-credit graduate certificate in three to four terms, with fall, spring or summer starts.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/JImH50Zab6T

How can fiction inspire deeper inquiry across the curriculum? Join educational consultant and author Lester Laminack for a free webinar exploring how stories can build vocabulary, spark questions and lead students toward nonfiction reading and research.

Register for “Fiction as a Gateway to Nonfiction Inquiry” on Monday, August 3, from 4:00–5:00 p.m.

https://furman.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mt7TvKMfTmWu1RHTzVKEGg #/registration

Furman University Graduate Studies in Education

How can fiction spark deeper thinking, stronger vocabulary and meaningful inquiry?

Join educational consultant and author Lester Laminack for “Fiction as a Gateway to Nonfiction Inquiry,” a free webinar exploring how a well-chosen story can introduce new ideas, prompt questions and open the door to further reading and research.

- Monday, August 3
- 4:00–5:00 p.m.
- Free webinar

Register here: https://furman.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mt7TvKMfTmWu1RHTzVKEGg #/registration

“Advocacy has always been part of me because I want people to have the information, and I want it to be an environment where people can thrive.”

For Dr. Shaniece Criss, public service has been shaped by advocacy, access and community voice. Her experience spans the Peace Corps, public health organizations and Travelers Rest City Council.

As director of Furman University’s M.A. in Advocacy and Social Policy program, she brings that experience into the classroom, preparing students to work at both the grassroots and “grasstops” levels of change.

Continue reading about her path as a public servant, educator and strategic optimist: https://ow.ly/ix4850Z9Fvl

Learn more about Furman’s M.A. in Advocacy and Social Policy: https://ow.ly/vxUa50Z9Fvn

Turn your interest in advocacy into the knowledge and experience to lead community-driven change.

Join us for a virtual information session on Furman University’s M.A. in Advocacy and Social Policy (MAP). Learn how the program combines core courses, electives and hands-on experiences to prepare graduates for work across communities, nonprofits, government and other policy-making arenas.

Program overview & Q&A session
Tuesday, June 23
12:00–1:00 p.m. EDT
Virtual

Register now: https://ow.ly/Ws3b50Z8Wm9

Where can a Master of Science in Innovation and Leadership take you?

MSIL strengthens the credentials of professionals working across a range of roles, including team leadership, strategic communication, innovation management, entrepreneurship, operations, project and product management, business development and consulting.

Learn how Furman’s MSIL program can support your next career step: https://ow.ly/ZtVe50Z8YMZ