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 most established and highly regarded programs in the world.  This innovative program, in the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, is now available online and provides a high quality education by integrating management practice, theory, and practicum into the curriculum.

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

Career Preparation

The MS in Arts Administration provides strong emphasis in the management areas specific to the nonprofit arts community, such as marketing and policy development.  This unique degree will give you the tools you need to strategically plan the future of your organization and to advance your career.

Program Structure

As a student, you’ll have the opportunity to design your individual program of study.  With the help of an advisor, you can tailor your learning experience to your specific interests and career goals. The M.S. in Arts Administration degree requires that you complete 45 credits, including courses in cultural policy, strategic management, and fund development.  The program structure is as follows:

Fall Term Begins 

• Orientation to Drexel Online:  August 2010
  
  Two-hour self-paced online orientation to the Blackboard 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:  early September 2010
  (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 roles and responsibilities of boards of directors. Students will continue the work of Overview online into the fall term.

The remainder of your classes will be taken online.

On-Campus Residency

During your first term, you’ll come to Drexel’s campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for 5 days.  You’ll have the opportunity to meet your faculty and classmates face-to-face, interface with the city of Philadelphia’s rich arts community during local area site visits, as well as network with classmates and program alumni. During the residency, students will plan out a course of study with their advisor.

Internships and Theses

Upon completion of your core studies, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in an internship within the arts and cultural community. You’ll conclude the program with the presentation of your graduate thesis in either a research topic of choice or a case study related to your internship experience.

Program Alliances

The Drexel Arts Administration Graduate Program is a proud member of various organizations, including the Association of Arts Administration Educators and the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance. 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: You’ll 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 – take classes when you want, where you want.
• Career-focused: A rigorous curriculum and carefully selected course structure prepare you 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 the local and national arts and cultural organizations in research and consulting opportunities

Interested in learning more?

View the curriculum for our Master’s in Arts Administration.

If you have questions, please call 877-215-0009.

Availability is limited.  Click here to apply.