Program Overview
The MBA in Business: Arts Administration program equips high-potential arts and cultural managers with intensive business training, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of nonprofit cultural management. Graduates develop skills in strategic planning, resource management, stakeholder engagement, and leadership, preparing them to lead and transform arts organizations. The program emphasizes evidence-based analysis, cultural sensitivity, and artistic integrity, fostering a lifelong commitment to thought leadership and industry insight.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
For more than four decades, the MBA in Business: Arts Administration has been the graduate degree program of choice for high-potential arts and cultural managers seeking intensive training in business, an immersion in strategic and innovative thinking, and a broad and dynamic knowledge of nonprofit cultural management. The degree has delivered on that promise through its world-class business curriculum, continual interaction with leading practitioners, and hands-on work experiences for every student.
Objectives:
- Apply foundational knowledge in arts and core business topics to arts and/or nonprofit contexts that include evidence-based analysis, cultural sensitivity, artistic integrity, and appreciation for the research foundations of their work.
- Create, communicate, and execute a strategic plan with mission-based outcomes that relies on research-based evidence, a historical context to forecast future trends, and stakeholder engagement.
- Adaptively develop and manage the necessary resources in a mission-based organizational context to create sustainable systems that meet the needs of diverse stakeholders and honors the culture of the communities served.
- Successfully articulate their ideas to a diverse set of constituents and stakeholders via multiple methods so as to be informative, persuasive, and inspiring.
- Make significant contributions to the thought leadership and industry insight that strengthens and provides service to the field, lifelong learning, and career development.
- Develop self-awareness and leadership skills necessary to:
- Utilize creativity and art to articulate a clear vision.
- Engage/inspire a diverse group of colleagues.
- Evaluate the immediate and long-term ethical impacts of one's actions on stakeholders.
- Influence and promote progress in a variety of professional roles and contexts.
- Engage and sustain a strong cross-functional network of professionals.
Outline:
Year One
Fall Semester
- M H R 706 Leading and Working in Teams
- MARKETNG 700 Marketing Management
- M H R 773 Seminar-Arts Administration
Spring Semester
- M H R 723 Business Strategy
- OTM 700 Operations Management
- OTM 732 Economics for Managers
- M H R 774 Seminar-Arts Administration
- M H R 799 Reading and Research-Management
Summer Semester
- GEN BUS 750 Professional Experience in Business
Year Two
Fall Semester
- GEN BUS 710 Ethics, Integrity, and Society
- M H R 765 Contemporary Topics (Topic: Strategic Consulting Project/Capstone)
- M H R 728 Bargaining, Negotiating, and Dispute Settlement for Managers
- M H R 765 Contemporary Topics (Topic: Nonprofit Board Leadership)
- M H R 799 Reading and Research-Management (Applied Learning)
- Elective/Topic Specialization
Spring Semester
- M H R 765 Contemporary Topics (Topic: Strategic Consulting Project/Capstone)
- M H R 765 Contemporary Topics (Topic: Nonprofit Board Leadership)
- Elective/Topic Specialization
- Elective/Topic Specialization
Careers:
Graduates of the Business: Arts Administration MBA program are prepared to lead their organizations to success and transform the world of business. They are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage arts and cultural organizations, develop and implement strategic plans, and secure funding. Graduates of the program have gone on to work in a variety of roles, including:
- Executive Director
- Artistic Director
- Development Director
- Marketing Director
- Program Manager
- Consultant
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Overview:
University of Wisconsin–Madison is a public research university located in Madison, Wisconsin. It is known for its strong academic programs, extensive research enterprise, and vibrant campus life. The university is guided by the Wisconsin Idea, a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of using knowledge to improve the lives of people beyond the campus.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to students, including:
Academic Support:
Academic advising, tutoring, writing centers, and career services.Student Life:
Student organizations, recreational facilities, cultural events, and health services.Technology:
Access to computer labs, online resources, and software.Housing:
On-campus residence halls and off-campus housing options.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at UW–Madison can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university boasts a diverse student body, a wide range of student organizations, and a lively social scene. The city of Madison offers a variety of cultural attractions, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Strong Academic Programs:
UW–Madison is home to a wide range of academic programs, including highly ranked programs in engineering, business, medicine, and the humanities.Research Opportunities:
The university is a leading research institution, offering students opportunities to participate in groundbreaking research projects.Wisconsin Idea:
The university's commitment to public service provides students with opportunities to make a positive impact on the world.Vibrant Campus Life:
UW–Madison offers a lively and engaging campus experience with a diverse student body, a wide range of student organizations, and a variety of cultural events.Location:
Madison is a beautiful and vibrant city with a strong sense of community.Academic Programs:
UW–Madison offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Engineering:
The College of Engineering is highly ranked and offers programs in areas such as computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.Business:
The Wisconsin School of Business is known for its strong programs in finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship.Medicine:
The School of Medicine and Public Health is a leading institution in medical research and education.Humanities:
The university offers a wide range of programs in the humanities, including English, history, philosophy, and art history.Other:
Athletics:
UW–Madison is a member of the Big Ten Conference and has a strong athletic tradition.Alumni Network:
The university has a large and active alumni network, providing students with valuable connections after graduation.Sustainability:
UW–Madison is committed to sustainability and has a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.Entry Requirements:
Admission consideration for the MBA program requires a four-year undergraduate degree or the equivalent, in any discipline, from an accredited institution. The School of Business seeks a minimum of two years of full-time work experience along with a strong undergraduate performance. In addition to academic credentials, GMAT scores, and work experience, personal achievements, motivation, communication skills (written and oral), international exposure, and recommendation letters are considered in the admission process at both the master's and doctoral levels.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
All applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the Pearson Test of English (PTE), Intensive English as a Second Language (IELTS) or show the completion of an Interlink program. A minimum iBT TOEFL score of 100 or equivalent, obtained within two years of the intended start term, is required. International applicants who have completed a degree at an institution whose primary language of instruction was English may request a waiver of this requirement on the application.
