Master of Science in Arts Administration

Become a Leader in the Arts Community

Drexel’s Master of Science in Arts Administration is one of the longest-running and most highly-regarded programs of its kind in the world.  This innovative graduate degree is run by the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design and is designed specifically for working professionals.

Drexel Online’s MS in Arts Administration program integrates innovative management practice, arts administration theory, and practicum into this internationally-recognized curriculum.

As a student, you’ll benefit from Drexel’s multi-disciplinary approach through a class structure that incorporates three integral branches of the arts: commerce, research, and technology.

Career Preparation

Drexel's MS in Arts Administration provides strong emphasis in management practice with a specific focus on the non-profit arts community. Marketing and policy development are explored in-depth as students prepare to solve the challenges facing the art community today and tomorrow.  This unique degree will gives students the necessary tools to strategically plan the future of their organization, while advancing their career.

Program Structure

The program is designed around the working professional. All students begin the program with a brief required on-campus residency before completing the remainder of the coursework online. The MS in Arts Administration degree requires that students complete 45 total credits, including courses in cultural policy, strategic planning and fund development.  The program is organized as follows:

Fall Term Begins  

• Orientation to Drexel Online:  September 2013
  
  Two-hour self-paced online orientation to the Blackboard Learn online learning system.  This free orientation experience may be completed at the student’s convenience prior to the on-campus residency.
• On-Campus Residency / Beginning of AADM 505:  September 18-21, 2013 (see detailed explanation in next section)
  
  AADM 505 - Overview of Arts Administration (3 credits)
  This intensive arts administration overview provides a survey of the field of arts administration and introduces nonprofit governance, including incorporation, mission development, and the responsibilities of boards of directors. Students will continue the work of the overview course online during the fall term.

All remaining curricula will be completed online.  

On-Campus Residency

Students come to Drexel’s campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for 3-4 days at the beginning of their first term in the program.  At Drexel, students will have the opportunity to meet program faculty and classmates face-to-face, experience the city of Philadelphia’s rich arts community during local area site visits, and network with classmates and program alumni. During the residency, students will plan out a course of study with their advisor.

Internships and Theses

Students will have the opportunity to participate in an on-site internship within the arts and cultural community. Students with extensive experience in arts administration may request a waiver of the internship requirement.  The MS in Arts Administration is concluded with the presentation of a graduate thesis in either a research topic of the student’s choice or a case study related to their internship experience.

Program Alliances

The Drexel Arts Administration Graduate Program is a proud member of various organizations, including the Association of Arts Administration Educators, the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, and Americans for the Arts. The program regularly participates in national research projects, including the National and Local Profiles of Cultural Support project administered by Americans for the Arts and funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts.

Arts Administration key program features and benefits:

• Quality: Online Arts Administration students enjoy the same academic excellence, world-class faculty and well-respected degree as our on-campus program – with 24/7 online convenience.
• Flexibility: Online access lets you earn your degree while continuing with your career. Students have the exceptional opportunity to take classes when and where they want.
• Career-focused: A rigorous curriculum and carefully selected course structure prepares program graduates for a successful management career in an increasingly complex arts world.
• Innovative: This program serves as a link between the arts and the community, working closely with local and national arts and cultural organizations in research and consulting opportunities.

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