Arts Administration is a field of study in which students learn how to manage, promote, organize, and lead an arts organization. Arts administrators are working professionals in the arts industry who use the arts as a medium to bring communities together.  

This is a complicated question as it relates to variables such as the overall economy and specific geographic locations. Nonetheless, it is clear from our alumni placements that graduates from this program have had good success at finding positions in the non-profit sector as well as developing successful careers.

UA's arts administration students acquire skills in financial management, marketing, non-profit management, grant writing, fundraising, and artistic programming. In addition, students develop professional leadership skills through public speaking, presentations, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, written and oral communication skills, and an ability to collaborate within a team environment. 

Arnold Tunstall is the program coordinator and adviser for all Arts Administration students.

In some cases, up to six credits of appropriate graduate course work may be transferred from an accredited institution.

The University of Akron Arts Administration program offers seven core courses taught by renowned faculty members, including Frank Lee Merwin, Executive Director of the Joffrey Ballet, and Broadway producer Leah Michalos. Additional electives offered through UA’s College of Business allow students to select courses in finance, management, and marketing to supplement their artistic backgrounds. 

All required courses for the MA in Arts Administration are offered after 5:40 p.m.

The Arts Administration program enables students to complete an internship as part of their required credits and includes a course designed for students to develop their master's thesis, which can be a traditional written thesis or a master's capstone project. The capstone project, a recent addition to UA’s Arts Administration program, is a portfolio-based option for students who wish to develop creative or applied arts administration research. This option, which requires a significant written component, allows students more freedom in using their skills and interests to produce a meaningful culmination of their academic and professional experiences while contributing to a greater body of knowledge within the field. 

Students are required to complete an internship for 3-6 credits to apply skills learned through the program to real-world experiences in the arts. Internships are selected by the students who must submit an Internship Request Form for faculty approval and complete a reflection paper following the internship. In addition, students must have an evaluation form filled out by their supervisor at the conclusion of the internship. 

Internships may be taken for three or six credits. Three credit internships normally last six weeks. Six credit internships normally last three months.

Lincoln Center 
The Smithsonian Institution 
Cleveland Museum of Art 
The Joffrey Ballet School 
Cleveland Orchestra 
Warhol Museum 
Sante Fe Opera 
Museum of Contemporary Art 
GroundWorks DanceTheatre 
Summit Artspace 
Akron Civic Theatre 
National Youth Orchestra 
Neos Dance Theatre 
Ballet in the City 
Canton Symphony Orchestra 
Canton and Massillon Museums 
Stagecrafters Youth Theatre 
Porthouse Theatre 
Colorado Music Festival 

A graduate assistantship is a paid student position that allows individuals to work alongside professionals, getting hands-on experience. As a graduate assistant, students work 20 hours a week and receive a stipend to cover partial tuition costs. Assistantships may take place on or off-campus. Those interested in applying for an assistantship must complete an essay outlining their qualifications and submit 3 letters of recommendation from reputable sources by March 1st. 

The University allows full-time Graduate Assistants to work a maximum of eight hours a week at another job.

Visit our Arts Administration Financial Aid page for more information. 

Arnold Tunstall

tarnold@uakron.edu

Applications to the master's degree program in Arts Administration are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants who wish to be considered for a graduate assistantship must meet the following application deadlines: March 1.

No. 

Yes.

A personal or phone interview is strongly suggested.

In special cases, a student may receive Provisional Admission with the possibility of full admission after the successful completion of 12 hours of graduate work. These twelve hours may be counted towards the degree requirement.

Absolutely yes!
Contact Arnold Tunstall at tarnold@uakron.edu. He will put you in contact with a student or recent graduate.

Part-time students are welcome; however, it is important to note that required classes are offered once each year. The degree must be completed in 6 years from the first enrollment.