Master of Arts [M.A] [Arts Administration] From Winthrop University

The emphasis of the degree is on leadership in non profit arts organizations with special focus on the visual arts, dance, music, theatre, museum, cultural institution, and performing arts administration. The 36-hour degree program consists of 18 weekend sessions (18 credit hours), research and practicum work (12 credit hours), and two one week-long summer institutes (6 credit hours) that are spread out over two years of half-time enrollment in the fall, spring, and summer terms. Classes meet on three weekends in the fall, three weekends in the spring, and three weekends along with one full week in the summer.

Participants are admitted in cohorts beginning in the fall semester of each year. Cohort members develop strong bonds of camaraderie that transform into a vital network of professional peers after graduation. The program features visits to non-profit arts organization sites in the region. The faculty includes course instructors who are all working professionals in arts administration and guest lecturers with specialized expertise in marketing, law, grant-writing, advocacy, and leadership.?The individual academic and career consultation and guidance that faculty members provide remains a distinctive component of the program. Every month students meet in small groups and individually with their instructors to discuss their progress and set goals for the next phase of their learning. In the first year the instructors guide students in their reflections upon their field-based internship experience. Second-year students meet with an instructor to discuss the planning, research, and writing of their research projects. Faculty members serving on thesis committees continue to work with students beyond the second year until the thesis is complete. Students typically graduate a year after completing all the course work.