Program Overview

Arts Administration Program

The Arts Administration program provides academic preparation for leadership positions with creative enterprises, museums, foundations, corporations, and government agencies involved in the arts and culture sector. Students interested in the management of arts and cultural organizations, including museums of all types, will find a curriculum that provides them with a broad foundation of understanding the history and current trends of the sector, as well as opportunities to explore specific areas of practice in more depth.

Program Structure

Students may enroll in the program on a full- or part-time basis. The program is designed to accommodate working students, so all classes are offered in the evening or online. Students must matriculate in either the campus or online program, but students in either program may take some courses in the other program.

Enrollment and Completion

Students should plan to enter the program at the start of either the fall or spring term. Full-time students may complete the degree in five consecutive terms when beginning in the fall term, and part-time students typically take seven to eight terms to complete the degree.

Goals and Objectives

Drexel's Arts Administration program will prepare the cultural workforce of the future to fulfill their missions of stewardship and education. These leaders will develop a knowledge and skill base to steer tomorrow's museums, cultural organizations, and cultural enterprises.

Graduates of the program will:

• Demonstrate awareness of the changing environment of the sector and use critical thinking skills to identify issues and broad-based policy solutions.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the administrative theories and practices of arts and cultural organizations, including corporate structures, business models, governance, leadership, management, planning, capitalization, evaluation, marketing, audience and community engagement, legal issues, and fund development.
• Understand the particular requirements of managing artistic and cultural disciplines and distinguish among the needs and requirements embedded in the management and leadership of various disciplines in the profession.
• Demonstrate capacity for leadership in the cultural community, having an awareness of their own leadership strengths, ethical standards, and ability to motivate and engage others.
• Identify strategies to implement the mission and vision of an organization.
• Work effectively in teams, demonstrating competence in interpersonal communication and collaboration that can be applied in a leadership role or from any position within a team or an organization.

Degrees Offered

• MS: Full-Time, Part-Time, available in Philadelphia and Online.

Application Requirements

On-Campus Program

Deadlines

• U.S. Applicants: Priority - January 15, Regular - September 1
• International Applicants: Priority - January 15, Regular - June 1

Requirements

• Graduate Admission Application: $65 U.S. application fee
• Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Standardized Test Scores: GRE test scores are not required
• Test of English as a Foreign Language: Required for international applicants
• Essay: Approximately 500 words explaining reasons for pursuing a degree from Drexel
• Résumé: Upload as part of the admission application
• Letters of Recommendation: Two letters from former professors or professional contacts
• Interview: Virtual, in-person, or telephone interview required for qualified applicants
• Academic Experience: Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0

Online Program

Please refer to the university's online program information for application requirements and deadlines.

Academic Experience

A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is required, but special consideration will be given if the applicant has relevant work experience.