Program Overview

Master of Arts in Arts Leadership and Nonprofit Management

The MA in Arts Leadership and Nonprofit Management is a 30 credit degree program available in an online asynchronous format that is designed to prepare students for engaging careers in arts and nonprofit administration by giving them an understanding of the foundational principles of leadership and management while applying that theory in practical situations with leading arts and nonprofit organizations.

Degree Overview

The program is well-suited for students who are already employed in the nonprofit arts organizations and students who aspire to professional careers in arts administration. The program will help students expand their skills and understanding of ethical, effective, and dynamic leadership and the application of those skills in professional arts organizations.

Program Details

• Total Degree Credit Hours: 30
• Program Length: As little as 1 year
• Cost Per Credit Hour: $515

Course Information

The Master of Arts Leadership and Nonprofit Management combines core courses in each of the highest impact areas of nonprofit organizations: governance, audience/artist engagement, donor development, operations, and venue management. Students will also be able to add electives in business administration and educational leadership to add valuable experience and specializations.

Core Courses

• ALNM 510: Leadership and Governance in the Arts
• ALNM 520: Nonprofit Organizations and Management
• ALNM 530: Fundraising and Donor Management
• ALNM 540: Contemporary Issues in Audience Development
• ALNM 550: Human Resources and Venue Management
• Electives:
  • MBE 500: Accounting Information and Management Decisions
  • MBE 520: Ethical Management in a Global Environment
  • MBE 530: Marketing Management
  • MBE 561: Applied Leadership Theory
  • MBE 570: Organizational Psychology and Behavior
  • MBE 581: Negotiations
  • EDUC 681: Professional Collaborations for Advanced Leadership
  • EDUC 682: Educational Leaders and Change Agents
• ALNM 660: Nonprofit Management Practicum

Career Outcomes

• Arts Administrator: Responsible for the day-to-day operations of cultural institutions, including budgeting, fundraising, program development, and staff management.
• Fundraising and Development Director: Responsible for securing funding for arts organizations through planning and executing fundraising campaigns, seeking grants, and cultivating donor relationships.
• Event Coordinator: Plans and executes arts-related events, handling logistics, marketing, and coordination.
• Grant Writer: Specializes in seeking and writing grant proposals for nonprofit organizations to secure funding from foundations, government agencies, and other grant-giving entities.
• Nonprofit Manager: Oversees the administration, fundraising, and strategic planning for nonprofit organizations.
• Marketing and Public Relations Manager: Creates and implements marketing strategies, manages social media, and coordinates public relations efforts.
• Education Program Manager: Designs and oversees education outreach programs, including workshops, classes, and outreach to schools and communities.
• Arts Consultant: Provides specialized advice and services to arts organizations on topics like strategic planning, audience development, or governance.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the online Master of Arts in Arts Leadership and Nonprofit Management program, students must:

1. Complete the online application.
2. Provide official academic transcripts from all regionally accredited colleges and universities previously attended, with a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher.
3. Have a bachelor's degree (or one anticipated before starting the program).