Overview of the Online Master of Arts in Arts Management

The OU Online Master of Arts in Arts Management is a 30-credit-hour program designed to build the leadership, strategic thinking, and business acumen needed to thrive in today’s dynamic arts landscape. Whether you’re pursuing a career in art business, education, management, contract negotiation, for-profit or nonprofit leadership, financial planning, marketing, or project and organizational management, this program equips you with the tools to lead with confidence and creativity.

Program Details

Time to Complete: 15+ months
Credit Hours: 30
Time Commitment: 10 to 20 hours weekly
Start Dates: Fall, Spring
Cost: Tuition and fees total $30,450 ($1,015 per credit hour), excluding books, additional materials, or participation in the Arts Incubation Lab intensive.

About the Program

The program transforms creative professionals into confident, purpose-driven leaders who make an impact in galleries, theaters, nonprofits, and cultural organizations across the country. Through a curriculum grounded in real-world application, students sharpen their problem-solving and research skills while gaining hands-on experience through an internship, a personalized specialization, or the immersive Arts Incubation Lab intensive.

What Can I Do with an MA in Arts Management?

You’ll gain the creative, innovative, entrepreneurial skills and business acumen to boost your career and become a leader in arts and culture organizations. Accelerate your career in these areas:

Promoting Own Career and Company
Stage Production and Management
Recording Industry
Bookings and Event Promotion
Broadcasting
Blogging and Music/Arts Journalism

Industry Insights

Median Pay: $84,400
Job Outlook: Research indicates that job postings that preferred or required a master’s degree advertised a median salary $36,800 higher than the total field of postings
Job Openings: In 2020, there were 42,365 total postings for art management professionals

Program Outcomes: What You’ll Learn

The MA in Arts Management is ideal for students from artistic backgrounds who want to build business expertise, as well as professionals with business experience who are passionate about supporting artists and working in creative organizations. Whether your goal is to lead in operations, production, education, or outreach, this program equips you with the tools to thrive.

Build artistic sustainability, entrepreneurial success, and the ability to drive creative and social change in business
Gain the knowledge and leadership skills to advance your career in arts and culture organizations
Stay relevant and impactful in a rapidly evolving field that values innovative, forward-thinking leaders
Engage in ethical decision-making that is sensitive to issues of access and belonging to inform leadership practices in arts management
Apply critical thinking, evidence-based strategies, and creative problem-solving to real-world challenges

Course Details

Courses blend applied knowledge in finance, marketing, and negotiation with hands-on, arts-focused projects that emphasize ideation, action, pitching, planning, and strategic execution. Students complete credit hours of practicum through a customized mix of internships, independent study, and the Arts Incubation Lab (additional cost), gaining real-world experience that directly supports their career goals.

Course Structure: You’ll earn 30 credit hours across 10 courses – six core courses, two elective courses, and two practicum courses. Most courses are eight weeks long, and you’ll take two 8-week courses during a semester.
Practicum Courses:
- Internship and Independent Study courses are 14 or 16 weeks
- The Arts Incubation Lab is about two weeks of total intensive work and experiences

Overview of Arts Management and Entrepreneurship

This class will present an overview and historical perspective of the field of arts entrepreneurship and management. Readings will be supplemented by guest speakers and visits to professional organizations, enhancing the student's understanding of the diversity of the professional opportunities in arts administration and arts management.

Marketing in the Arts

This course will examine the challenges of audience development and discussion of the role of art in contemporary society. This course will explore the basics of negotiations (distributive and integrative bargaining) before delving into current examples in the arts industry and explores the basics of marketing (planning, implementation, analysis) as well as how these principles relate to social media.

Fundraising and Development in the Arts

This course explores approaches to the development of capital for projects, whether for artists or arts organizations, including techniques for facilitation of individual donations, corporate/foundation contributions, and government grants. Students will learn important frameworks and tools for organizing avenues of financial support, including workback and follow-up schedules, drafting appeal letters, managing deadlines, cultivating requests, and writing with key governing values.

Fine Arts Electives

Artist Management: This course explores the role, importance, and function of artist managers and artistic teams, and how they impact the career of the artist and their brand.
Innovative Approaches to Museum Leadership: This course prepares students to lead effectively in the constantly evolving museum landscape.
The Global Arts Market: This course offers an in-depth exploration of the art business world.

Practicum Electives

Internship I in The Arts: Students arrange for and work in a focused professional work experience.
Arts Incubation Lab: This course is based on experiential learning and runs concurrently with an external competitive program for entrepreneurial projects in the professional arts marketplace.
Independent Practicum: The Independent Practicum in Arts Management allows students to work independently on a project of their choice under the guidance of a faculty advisor.

Why Choose OU Online for an MA in Arts Management

OU Online delivers high-quality, affordable undergraduate and graduate programs in a flexible, fully online format—backed by the reputation of a top-tier public institution. The Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts upholds a legacy of excellence in the arts, with faculty, staff, and students dedicated to advancing the arts in Oklahoma, across the nation, and around the world.

Faculty Expertise

The MA in Arts Management curriculum is designed and taught by industry leaders and expert faculty who bring real-world experience and insight into every course.

Robust Student Support

OU Online provides comprehensive student support services, including academic advising, online tutoring, mental health counseling, and career development resources.

Global Alumni Network

With a global network of more than 250,000 alumni, becoming a Sooner connects you to a powerful community of arts leaders.

Flexible Format

The MA in Arts Management is delivered 100% online, allowing students to apply their learnings directly and immediately to their career while continuing to work full-time.

Cost & Financial Aid

An online Master of Arts in Arts Management is a powerful investment in your future. With 78% of OU Online graduates reporting that the skills they gained made them more competitive in their careers, this program delivers real value and long-term impact.

Tuition and Fees: $30,450 ($1,015 per credit hour)
Optional Arts Incubation Lab: $2,940 program fee
Deposit: A nonrefundable deposit of $350 is required upon admission to secure your place in the program.

Application Process

To apply to the online Arts Management degree, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university (or the international equivalent).

Application Timeline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Admission Requirements:
- Complete the online application
- Submit a current resume
- Submit transcripts
- 300-500-word personal statement describing your career goals and how the MA AM program aligns with those goals
- How will you get to your goals? Address any educational history, including any GPA disparity in undergrad GPA

Transfer Credit

You can transfer up to 12 credit hours of graduate-level coursework per Graduate College policy and with approval of the department.

Online MA in Arts Management

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