Arts Management MA (Online)

Put Your Passion For Arts To Work

The Arts Management Program is a synchronous, online program that combines the best aspects of the traditional classroom and innovations in online education. This responds to the current trends and needs of a contemporary workforce in the arts and non-profit sector. 

Your experience in the Arts Management program will begin with Seminar in Arts Management. This core course will provide an overview of trends and contemporary issues in the field, as well as an orientation into arts management and academic resources to support your graduate work in this synchronous, online degree program!

Core Courses

Obtain the foundational knowledge in key arts management areas that you will oversee throughout your career, whether working for arts not for profits, art businesses, or as an entrepreneur. While some core courses focus on the key theories and history around the development of arts and management best practices, others delve into the technical and experiential elements  found in the arts management field and the skills needed such as:

• Fundraising and Development
• Public Relations and Marketing
• Finance and Budgeting for Arts
• Arts Policy
• Governance and Financial Management

All core courses are taught synchronously online. For a full listing of core courses see the program catalog.

Electives

Our mix of 3 and 1-credit elective courses offered each semester allow you to personalize your education and professional development around specific career interests in the arts. Examples of elective offerings include focuses in such areas as:

• Visual Arts Management
• Festivals and Specials Events
• Introduction to Grant Writing
• Technology in the Arts
• Arts Entrepreneurship
• Performing Arts Management
• Legal Aspects in the Arts

In addition to our rotating elective offerings, you can work individually with faculty in an independent study around your specific arts management interests. You can also select an additional 3-credit internship experience after completing the initial internship requirement.

For a full listing of courses see the program catalog.

Internship

Our 126-hour internship requirement transforms theory into practice, giving you the knowledge, skills, and judgment to advance in visual and performing arts organizations. Since the program is online, you can intern anywhere in world! You will work with an internship coordinator to ensure your selected internships, paid or unpaid, will be able to count for credit! 

Read the Internship Guide, MA in Arts Management.

Your experience will provide opportunities to network locally within your existing arts community or engage with a new arts community! In the wake of COVID-19, creative communities and centers are being created across urban, suburban, and rural communities. International internship opportunities are also an option and encouraged. Many of our students have gone on to work with the arts organizations with whom they interned. 

Capstone

You'll complete your program with a capstone project, in which you'll demonstrate expertise in a specific area of arts management. Faculty will provide guidance and feedback on your topic.  

Students will have the option to complete a Research Capstone or Portfolio Capstone, depending on their interests and careers goal. Both capstone projects will culminate in a final paper and public presentation to Arts Management Program faculty, instructors, alumni, current students, and the arts community.