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M.A. in Arts Administration

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Program at a glance

Arts Administration Program Overview
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Offered through the University's world-class College of Performing Arts, Rowan University's Master of Arts (M.A.) in Arts Administration program welcomes recent graduates, working professionals, and professionals seeking a career change.

The curriculum is practically-driven through an applied approach and supported with a theoretical and leadership foundation. You will learn to have an impact on your organization through creative practice and transformative leadership.

Our goal is for you to thrive in your organizations and communities, apply what you are learning in the curriculum, and have the ability to contribute positively as a purpose driven manager in our arts communities.

Our program's success is acknowledged by our accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST).

What is a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Arts Administration? 

As a practitioner of the arts, you have the creative talent, background, and passion but may need the business and administration skills to take on leadership roles or start your own arts or non-profit organization. Rowan University's Master of Arts (M.A.) in Arts Administration is designed to prepare you to take the next step in your career. The program creates a meaningful pathway to become a leader and drive change in your organization. You will gain the skills needed to become an executive-level decision maker as an administrative professional in the arts. Courses include topics such as budgeting, forecasting, managing marketing campaigns, entrepreneurship, development, and team management. Our program is experience driven with a curriculum that is applied in nature, and infused with real-world challenges, led by faculty who are practitioners. 

What is the difference between a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Arts Administration and a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)? 

A Master of Arts (M.A.) in Arts Administration and the Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) are similar in nature; both are graduate degrees that are designed for those interested in becoming leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs. What's exciting about Rowan University's M.A. in Arts Administration is that it is focused on your passion; the arts. In our program you will gain the skillsets necessary to lead specific to the arts or non-profit organizations, while the M.B.A. is focused on leadership in business, finance, and industry. Both degrees will give you exposure to strategic planning, budgeting, entrepreneurship, leading teams, and executive decision making. Our M.A. in Arts Administration also provides knowledge particular to the arts and non-profits such as fundraising, production management, audience building, and community outreach. 

Curriculum
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The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Arts Administration is a part-time program offered in an accelerated online format. It requires the completion of 30 graduate semester hours (10 courses), which are possible to complete in only 6 consecutive semesters.

The following courses make up the M.A. in Arts Administration program. Each course is scheduled in eight-week modules with each week of work starting every Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. and ending every Monday at 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time).

  • 10 Courses / 30 Semester Hours
  • Foundation Courses: No
  • Graduation / Exit / Thesis Requirements: No
Course Number Title S.H. (Credits)
Required Courses: 30 S.H.
THD 07530 Arts Administration Leadership 3
THD 07532 Arts Planning: An Elegant Process 3
THD 07533 Audience Development 3
THD 07531 Producing and the Arts 3
THD 07534 Education and Outreach Programs in the Arts 3
THD 07535 Curatorial Practice in the Arts 3
THD 07511 Production/Performance/Arts Administration Project 3
THD 07505 Independent Study in Graduate Theatre and Arts Administration 3
THD 07515 Internship in the Arts 3
THD 07536 Fundraising and Development for the Arts 3
THD 07537 Arts Advocacy and Policy 3

* THD 07505 OR THD 07515

Note: The courses listed above are not official and are subject to change. For an official list of available courses please visit the Rowan Global section tally.

Admission Requirements
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The following is a list of items required to begin the application process for the program. There may be additional actions or materials required for admission to the program. Upon receipt of the materials below, a representative from the Rowan Global Admissions Processing Office will contact you with confirmation or will indicate any missing items.

  • Completed Application Form
  • Bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher learning
  • $65 (U.S.) non-refundable application fee
  • Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of number of credits earned)
  • Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Current professional resume
  • Typewritten statement of professional objectives
  • Two letters of recommendation
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Career Outlook

Jobs in Arts Administration

As a graduate with a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Arts Administration from Rowan University, you are equipped with the tools to help you shape the direction and vision for the future of the arts. Your knowledge will provide you with the skills needed to pursue a variety of occupations, including: art gallery owner, arts foundation program director, community theatre founder & director, dance studio owner, educational outreach coordinator, high school visual or performing arts department head, museum curator, music school executive director, non-profit entrepreneur, performing arts center managing director, and symphony director.

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