Arts Management is a developing field established to meet the ever-growing demand for leadership and organizational expertise within arts and cultural organizations, both private and public. Arts managers bridge the worlds of performing and visual arts with applied managerial, financial, and programmatic skills.

The Arts Management program at George Mason University is excited to offer an online Master’s Degree in Arts Management. Providing a high-quality education is key to our mission at Mason.

All online courses are designed and taught by experienced faculty who also work in the field as managing directors, chief financial officers, arts lawyers, event planners, fundraisers, marketing professionals, cultural heritage facilitators, among others. They work at leading theaters, performing arts centers, museums, cultural heritage sites and as arts consultants.

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Program Summary

100% Percent Online

Program: Arts Management (Master of Arts)

Degree: MA

College/School: College of Visual and Performing Arts

Credits: 34 total

Who should apply?

Students in the synchronous online Master’s in Arts Management program come from many backgrounds, but all share a passion for the arts and a desire to work in an artistic setting. Diversity among applicants is anticipated and sought, and candidates are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Work experience is strongly preferred. Many students come from the arts, with experience and training in music, film, dance, theater, visual and technical arts. Professionals and non-traditional students looking to transition into the arts industry also make up a key component our program’s student body. In George Mason University’s Arts Management program, no matter your background, students will add practical skills of marketing, finance, strategy, fundraising, entrepreneurship, and management needed in today’s arts and non-profit sector.

Courses

Program requirements are subject to change; please refer to the Arts Management – Mason Course Catalog page for the most up-to-date requirements.

 

25 Core Credits

AMGT 601: Fundraising & Development (3 cr.)

AMGT 602: Seminar in Arts Management (3 cr.)

AMGT 603: The Arts in Society (3 cr.)

AMGT 604: PR & Marketing for the Arts (3 cr.)

AMGT 605: Finance & Budgeting for the Arts (3 cr.)

AMGT 606: Governance & Financial Management (3 cr.)

AMGT 710: Arts Policy (3 cr.)

AMGT 742: Internship (3 cr.)

AMGT 795: Capstone (1 cr.)

 

9 Elective Credits (Chosen from the below list)

AMGT 402/504: Professional Development (1 cr.)

AMGT 471/511: Intro to Grant Writing (1 cr.)

AMGT 472/513: Technology in the Arts (1 cr.)

AMGT 599: Special Topics in Arts Management / Study Abroad (1-3 cr.)

AMGT 609: Performing Arts Management (3 cr.)

AMGT 610: Visual Arts Management (3 cr.)

AMGT 620: Legal Aspects in Arts Management

AMGT 640: Programming & Project Management (3 cr.)

AMGT 706: Festivals & Special Events (3 cr.)

AMGT 711: Directed Readings & Projects (3 cr.)

AMGT 752: Arts Entrepreneurship (3 cr.)

AMGT 792: Internship II (3 cr.)

Tuition

  • Tuition is billed per credit hour with additional fees as appropriate. If a student is a resident of Virginia, in-state rates will apply. For all other students, out-of-state rates will apply. Rates and fees are subject to change.
  • Out-of-state students accepted into the Arts Management online Master’s program are eligible for a 40% tuition discount. Contact the Arts Management Program today at amgtgmu@gmu.edu to learn more about our out-of-state tuition discount.
  • Discount based on current out-of-state, in-person tuition rate (subject to change annually).
  • Offer exclusive to the Arts Management online Master’s program and does not apply to other programs at George Mason University or to any classes taken outside the program.
  • Discounts may not be combined with other tuition-specific discounts.

For more information on current tuition rates and fees, visit the Student Accounts website.

 

To apply for need-based federal assistance, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application. Learn more about applying for FAFSA.

Careers

Our graduates have impressive careers in the arts management field and beyond. You will, too. Alumni work as arts managers and leaders with the many arts organizations.

Click here to see a selection of alumni placements around different subject areas.

Contact

Program contact: Dr. Karalee Dawn MacKay, Program Director Program

website: Home | Arts Management (gmu.edu)

Email: amgtgmu@gmu.edu

 

Accepting applications for Fall admission and enrollment only.

Submit Supporting Materials

Upload all supporting materials with your online application; the Graduate Admissions website provides information about this process and FAQs.

Applicants must provide:

  • Undergraduate transcripts: Potential students must have completed an undergraduate degree and have held a GPA of 3.00 or higher.
  • Letters of recommendation: Provide two letters of recommendation from faculty members or individuals who have first-hand knowledge of your academic or professional capabilities.
  • Statement of purpose or goals statements: The Goals Statement should be 2-3 pages, single spaced, 12 size font, pdf format, and will be uploaded as part of your online application. Additional attention should be given to ensure the document is free of spelling errors when submitted. The Applicant’s Goals Statement should include and respond to each of the following points below:
    • Why are you interested in George Mason’s Arts Management Graduate Program?
    • Whether specific to visual arts, performing arts, or both, identify a current arts management challenge and assess its impact on the field. (For assistance, refer to Arts Management course listings or contact admissions)
    • What are your past arts and culture experiences and how has that influenced your current career goals?
  • Personal interview: Applicants will be asked to interview with at least one member of the program faculty or admissions committee. The Arts Management office will arrange for an interview, if applicable.
  • Résumé: 2 years of work experience is strongly preferred.
  • Additional criteria: This program does not require a GRE score for admission.

 

International Students

International students have additional requirements for admission. It is important that prospective applicants visit the Office of Graduate Admissions website to review those requirements. For questions about the application process, email CVPA Graduate Admissions.

Non-Degree Seeking

Mason does offer the option to pursue coursework as a non-degree seeking graduate student. A limited amount of non-degree coursework (12 credits) can be applied to your MA, if you’re accepted as a degree-seeking candidate later. For general questions about the program, contact Arts Management.