Program Overview

Online MS in Arts Administration

The Online MS in Arts Administration at Drexel University is a fully online program that combines business knowledge and an entrepreneurial spirit with art administration. The program is designed to make students career-ready and give them an edge in a competitive job market.

Program Overview

The program is ideal for those looking to stand out in the job market and advance to the next stage of their career. It equips students with the management practices, theory, and hands-on experience essential for leadership positions in the arts and culture sector.

What is a Master's in Arts Administration?

A Master's in Arts Administration prepares students for roles in marketing, collections, and general management, development, community outreach, board relations, education, and more. The program explores all aspects of arts administration, preparing students for careers in the field.

Careers in Arts Administration

Graduates of the program have gone on to work in roles such as:

• President and CEO of the American Theatre Wing
• Artistic Director and CEO of Ballet Vero Beach
• Senior Director of Cultural Affairs at Montgomery County Community College
• Program Director at the NJ State Council of the Arts
• Development Coordinator for Donor Relations at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
• Executive Assistant at Grounds for Sculpture
• Director of Production at Philadelphia Ballet

Program Details

• Average duration: 2 years
• Format: Fully online
• Quarter credits: 45
• Tuition: $1,190 per credit

Courses

The program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.

Major Requirements

• AADM 500: Foundations of Cultural Practice (3.0 credits)
• AADM 600: Community Cultural Engagement (3.0 credits)
• AADM 698: Capstone Development (6.0 credits)
• AADM 785: Research Design in the Arts (3.0 credits)
• AAML 525: Legal and Ethical Issues in Arts and Culture (3.0 credits)
• AAML 550: Management Techniques in Arts and Cultural Organizations (3.0 credits)
• AAML 560: Marketing & Engagement in Arts and Cultural Orgs. (3.0 credits)
• AAML 575: Revenue Development in Arts and Cultural Orgs. (3.0 credits)
• AAML 610: Financial Accounting in Arts and Cultural Orgs. (3.0 credits)
• AAML 680: Leadership, Strategy & Planning in Arts and Cult. (3.0 credits)

Electives

Select four of the following:

• AADM 660: Advancing Cultural Policy
• AADM 690: Equitable Cultural Practices
• AADM 741: Arts Entrepreneurship
• AADM 752: Performing Arts Management
• AADM 757: Political Activism in the Arts
• AADM T580: Special Topics in Arts Administration
• AADM T680: Special Topics in Arts Administration
• MUSL 500: Museum History and Theory
• MUSL 530: Museum Practice
• MUSL 630: Exhibitions and Programming
• MUSL 690: Culturally Responsive Organizations
• MUSL 710: Bricks and Mortar

Admissions Criteria

• A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Preparation must include at least one undergraduate level course in financial accounting, two courses in any field related to arts and culture or museum practice, and/or two years' professional or board level experience with an arts and cultural enterprise.

Required Documents

• A completed application
• Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions attended
• Two professional letters of recommendation
• Essay (minimum 500 words) that will give the admissions committee a better understanding of the applicant's background and goals
• Resume demonstrating a strong affinity for the arts, cultural and creative sector through work, volunteer experiences, education, or special training

Tuition

The tuition rate for the academic year is $1,190 per credit. A graduate online program fee of $125 per year applies to students enrolled in an online graduate academic program.

Program Director

Pamela Yau is the Program Director of the MS in Arts Administration program. She is an arts administration educator, producer, and publicist with extensive experience in the field.

Academic Calendar

The academic calendar includes four terms: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. Each term has specific start and end dates, as well as exam periods.

Quarter to Semester Converter

A quarter to semester converter is available to help students calculate the difference between quarter and semester credits. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.