The Arts Administration Program

Arts and cultural institutions need leaders as dedicated, talented and passionate as the artists and audiences they support. These organizations face unique challenges. KU’s Master of Arts Administration program will prepare you to confront those challenges with a unique synthesis of arts knowledge, business acumen and leadership abilities.

The nonprofit arts sector generates $166.2 billion in economic activity each year according to the Americans for the Arts economic impact study. Because of this economic and political impact, public sector, arts and cultural organizations are increasingly seeking trained professionals to provide vision and leadership.

Unique to the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, the KU M.A. degree in Arts Administration is an inter-departmental program between the Department of Art Education and the College of Business that will build your skills in leadership, marketing, fundraising, civic management, applied research, and ethical / legal compliance. Our graduates are prime candidates for fulfilling careers in nonprofits and social enterprise, public agencies and foundations, festival organizations and museums.

Core courses are taught online, with electives offering the opportunity to study on campus, in a blended learning format, or online. You’ll also have opportunities for internships, professional career advisement, and community outreach engagement. Full time enrollment allows for program completion (30 credits) within four semesters.

EXPERTISE

Engage with faculty and peers in real-time to develop your decision making ability through a deeper understanding of policy issues, organizational dynamics, and environmental factors. Above all, prepare yourself to become a strong advocate for the arts and uncover new ways to lead arts organizations into the future.  

EXPERIENCE

Students will have the opportunity to connect with leaders in the field. Kutztown University is uniquely positioned in close proximity to cities with vibrant arts legacies, including Philadelphia, New York and Washington D.C. as well as Allentown, Lancaster and Reading—regional leaders in Pennsylvania. Students are supported in their effort to establish professional relationships through internships, research projects, independent study, and career development interactions.  

FLEXIBILITY

All core courses are taught online while electives can be taken on campus, in a blended format, or fully online. Coursework is designed to align with your specific interests, offering opportunities for independent studies and internships.

Sample Career Options

Student Learning Outcomes