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George Mason University
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2016-2017 University Catalog 
  
2016-2017 University Catalog

Arts Management, MA


Banner Code: AR-MA-AMGT
Web: artsmanagement.gmu.edu

College: College of Visual and Performing Arts  
Department: Arts Management  

The MA in arts management responds to a growing demand for graduates who can manage and coordinate the arts, bridging the worlds of performing and visual arts with applied managerial skills. The Washington, D.C., region is home to one of the nation’s largest concentrations of arts organizations. The demand for arts managers with skills in financial and budgetary management, strategic management and entrepreneurship, and public relations, including marketing and advertising, has arguably never been more acute. The need for arts managers with skills in philanthropy, fund raising, and ongoing relationship management in the private and public arts sectors also continues to grow at a fast pace.

The MA is a 36-credit program of study that provides a core curriculum in the fundamentals of arts management. Students complete a 24-credit core and then select 9 credits of approved elective courses.  Students also take an internship, which affords an in-depth opportunity to work with professionals in the field. The internship provides the opportunity to work at more than 60 different visual and performing arts venues in Washington, D.C., as well as national and international locations.

Accelerated master’s options are available to students who are pursuing a bachelor’s in Art or Theater. See the following programs for more information:

Admissions Requirements

The program is geared toward those with a passion for the arts. Diversity among applicants is anticipated and sought, and candidates are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Work experience is strongly preferred. It is anticipated that some students will come from the arts community, with experience and training in music, dance, theater, visual and technical arts and wish to add the skills of marketing, finance, strategy, fundraising, entrepreneurship, and management to their repertoire. It is also expected that some students will enter with more developed skills in business and wish to unite these skills with prior experiences in the arts. Completed applications must be received by February 15 for fall and October 1 for spring.

In addition to meeting general requirements for university admission for graduate study, applicants must submit the following items:

  • Official undergraduate transcripts listing a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.00
  • Resume
  • Two letters of recommendation from faculty members or individuals who have first-hand knowledge of the applicant’s academic or professional capabilities
  • A two-page (maximum) statement of intent and goals
  • Portfolio that demonstrates work experience (optional)
  • Applicants may be interviewed by at least one member of the program faculty or Admissions Committee

Academic Policies

Please see College of Visual and Performing Arts  for college academic policies.

Degree Requirements


Core Requirements (24 credits)


Elective courses at the 600 or higher course level may be taken only after a candidate has completed and/or registered for at least 12 core course credits.  Students are required to successfully complete AMGT 602 - Seminar in Arts Management  within their first 12 credits.

Internship (3 credits)


Total: 36 credits