M.F.A. in Arts Leadership

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 75

1. Academic Qualifications: International students applying for postgraduate programs are required to have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution. The minimum academic requirement is often a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, which is equivalent to 60% or above.

2. English Language Proficiency: 

   • IELTS: An overall score of 6.5 or higher, with no individual band score below 6.
   • TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - Internet-Based Test): A minimum overall score of 80 with no band less than 17.

DePaul University is dedicated to supporting the academic aspirations of international students. The university offers various scholarships and financial aid opportunities to help make education more accessible. 

1. International Student Scholarships: DePaul University provides merit-based scholarships to international undergraduate and graduate students. These scholarships consider academic achievements, test scores, and other criteria.

2. Global Gateway Scholarships: These scholarships are designed for undergraduate international students who transfer from specific partner institutions to DePaul. They help facilitate a smooth transition.

3. Dean's Merit-Based Scholarships: DePaul's colleges and schools offer dean's merit-based scholarships to international students within their respective programs. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievements and contributions.

4. Graduate Assistantships: Graduate assistantships may be available to international students pursuing master's or doctoral degrees. These assistantships offer a stipend and sometimes a tuition waiver in exchange for research or teaching assistance.

5. International Experience Scholarship: This scholarship is for undergraduate students planning to participate in study abroad programs. It provides financial support to students seeking to gain global perspectives.

6. Vincent G. Rinn Family Endowed Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to international students with financial need. It helps cover tuition costs and promote diversity within the DePaul community.

7. Donor-Funded Scholarships: DePaul University administers a range of donor-funded scholarships, some of which are available to international students. These scholarships often have specific eligibility criteria and application requirements.

8. Athletic Scholarships: DePaul offers athletic scholarships for international student-athletes who excel in various sports. These scholarships may cover tuition and related expenses.

9. External Scholarships: DePaul encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities, both in their home countries and in the United States.

10. Fellowship Programs: Some academic departments and schools offer fellowship programs that provide financial support to international graduate students pursuing specific areas of study.

It's important to note that scholarship availability, criteria, and application deadlines can vary among programs and departments at DePaul University.

DePaul University is renowned for its M.F.A. in Arts Leadership program. This innovative and interdisciplinary program equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the dynamic and multifaceted world of arts management and leadership.  

1. Arts Manager or Director: Graduates of the M.F.A. in Arts Leadership program are well-prepared to take on leadership roles within arts organizations. This includes positions like Executive Director, Managing Director, or Director of Operations, where they oversee the day-to-day activities and long-term strategies of arts institutions.

2. Development Director: Fundraising is a crucial aspect of sustaining arts organizations. Arts leadership graduates often pursue careers as Development Directors, responsible for securing funding through grants, donations, and partnerships to support artistic initiatives.

3. Program Manager: Program Managers work on designing, planning, and executing artistic programs and events. They play a pivotal role in shaping an organization's creative offerings and ensuring they align with the institution's mission and goals.

4. Marketing and Public Relations Specialist: In a competitive arts landscape, effective marketing and public relations are essential. Arts leadership graduates can specialize in promoting arts events, managing public relations, and engaging with audiences to boost attendance and support.

5. Education and Outreach Coordinator: Many arts organizations prioritize educational and outreach initiatives. Graduates can work as Education Coordinators, developing educational programs, workshops, and community engagement activities to connect the arts with a wider audience.

6. Curator or Gallery Manager: For those interested in visual arts, careers as Curators or Gallery Managers are an option. They oversee exhibitions, collections, and gallery operations, curating experiences that resonate with art enthusiasts.

7. Arts Entrepreneur: Some graduates are drawn to entrepreneurship in the arts. They establish their ventures, such as art consultancies, event production companies, or arts-related businesses, fostering creativity and innovation.

8. Arts Policy Analyst: Arts leadership graduates can influence the cultural landscape by working as policy analysts. They assess the impact of arts policies, advocate for change, and provide data-driven insights to support the arts at local, state, or national levels.

9. Grant Writer: Arts organizations often rely on grants for financial support. Graduates can excel in grant writing, securing funds from government agencies, foundations, and private donors to sustain artistic projects.

10. Arts Consultant: Arts leadership graduates can become consultants, offering their expertise to various arts organizations to enhance their management practices, develop strategic plans, and optimize operations.

11. Cultural Event Planner: Event planning is a critical skill in the arts sector. Graduates can specialize in cultural event planning, orchestrating exhibitions, performances, and festivals to showcase artistic talents.

12. Arts Technology Specialist: With the growing importance of technology in the arts, some graduates explore careers as Arts Technology Specialists, focusing on the intersection of arts and digital innovation.

13. Arts Journalist or Critic: Those with a passion for writing can pursue careers in arts journalism or criticism, providing insightful commentary and analysis of artistic works in various media outlets.

14. Artistic Director: Graduates can aim for the role of Artistic Director, shaping an organization's artistic vision, curating performances or exhibitions, and working closely with artists to bring their creative visions to life.

15. Arts-Based Social Entrepreneur: Graduates can also use their arts leadership skills to drive social change by establishing arts-based organizations focused on addressing societal issues.