Masters of Athletic Training
The Master of Athletic Training at Southern Utah University is a full-time, intensive p...
M.F.A. in Arts Administration
Cedar City, Utah
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The M.F.A. in Arts Administration at SUU is a 60-credit-hour program that emphasizes a "theory directly into professional practice" approach. It is structured as a two-year academic and experiential learning residency, commencing each fall with an intensive three-day conference that includes orientation, master classes, and workshops. This foundational event introduces students to the field, faculty, and their cohort. The program is designed for individuals passionate about the arts who seek to lead and manage arts organizations. Assistantships, which are integral to the M.F.A. experience, require students to work 20 hours per week at one of SUU's affiliate organizations, providing invaluable real-world experience. The program aims to develop adaptable professionals with critical thinking skills, capable of persuasive communication and creative problem-solving in the arts sector.
Curriculum: The 60-semester-hour curriculum for the M.F.A. in Arts Administration at SUU is comprehensive and interdisciplinary, covering the essential business skills necessary for managing arts organizations. Core courses delve into "Principles of Arts Administration," "Arts Advocacy & Cultural Policy," "Managing the Finances of Arts Organizations," "Fund Development for Arts Administrators," "Leadership Development in the Arts," "Marketing the Arts I & II," "Legal Issues in the Arts," "Grant Writing," and "Board Relations & Planning." Additionally, the curriculum includes "Visual & Performing Arts Studies" to provide a broad understanding of artistic disciplines. A significant portion of the program is dedicated to "Professional Development & Projects" and culminates in a "Professional Arts Internship" and a "Capstone: Master of Fine Arts" experience, followed by a "Degree Defense," ensuring a robust blend of academic rigor and practical application.
Research Focus: The M.F.A. in Arts Administration at Southern Utah University focuses on applying scholarly theory directly into professional practice, rather than traditional academic research leading to a thesis. While students engage in critical analysis of cultural policy and develop strategies based on theoretical frameworks, the emphasis is on practical, real-world application and problem-solving within arts organizations. The "Professional Development & Projects" course and the "Professional Arts Internship" are key components where students apply theoretical knowledge to solve administrative challenges, manage projects, and contribute to the strategic goals of arts organizations. The Capstone experience involves linking theory with practice through a 10-week residency internship, requiring students to demonstrate their practical knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program. This practical application of knowledge can be seen as a form of applied research, where students analyze organizational needs and develop solutions.
Industry Engagement: Southern Utah University's M.F.A. in Arts Administration boasts exceptional industry engagement, largely due to its mandatory assistantship and internship components. All M.F.A. students are automatically granted an assistantship at one of SUU's professional affiliates, including the Southern Utah Museum of Art, the College of Performing and Visual Arts, and the Tony Award-winning Utah Shakespeare Festival. These assistantships involve 20 hours of work per week, integrating students directly into the operations of leading arts organizations as professional staff members. The Capstone experience further solidifies this engagement through a 10-week, 40-hour per week residency internship at a non-profit arts organization. Faculty members often have extensive professional contributions to the field, further bridging academic learning with current industry practices. SUU is also a proud member of the Association of Arts Administration Educators, enhancing professional networking and staying abreast of industry trends.
Global Perspective: Southern Utah University's M.F.A. in Arts Administration implicitly incorporates a global perspective through its curriculum's focus on cultural policy, arts advocacy, and the economic, political, and social environments for the arts. While specific dedicated courses on international arts administration are not explicitly detailed, the program's "Arts Advocacy & Cultural Policy" course includes a critical analysis of both national and international cultural policy, broadening students' understanding of the global landscape of the arts. Furthermore, the College of Performing and Visual Arts, under which the Arts Administration program operates, explicitly aims to contribute to the "cultural enrichment of a global society." The program's goal to develop professionals employable in "any arts discipline" suggests an adaptability to diverse cultural contexts, and the potential presence of international students within the program further enriches discussions with varied global perspectives on arts management and cultural exchange.
Location
Cedar City, Utah
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 16552
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Southern Utah University (SUU) offers a range of scholarships designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals while making education in the United States more affordable. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership, and unique talents, helping to reduce the financial burden for students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students who demonstrate strong academic performance are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships during the admission process. These awards are based on high school GPA, standardized test scores, and other academic achievements. Merit scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are often renewable each year as long as students maintain the required GPA.
International Student Scholarships: SUU provides dedicated scholarships specifically for international students, including the International Student Achievement Award and other competitive scholarships that encourage diversity and academic excellence. These awards aim to attract talented students globally and foster a vibrant international community on campus.
Departmental and Program-Specific Scholarships: Many academic departments at SUU offer scholarships tailored to students pursuing particular fields of study. These scholarships reward outstanding performance, research potential, or involvement in departmental activities and can supplement other financial aid.
Athletic Scholarships: For international students who excel in sports, Southern Utah University offers athletic scholarships across various NCAA Division I sports programs. These scholarships are awarded based on athletic ability and academic standing.
Graduates of Southern Utah University's M.F.A. in Arts Administration program are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between artistic vision and organizational sustainability. Their comprehensive training in finance, marketing, fundraising, and leadership, combined with extensive practical experience, makes them highly adaptable and valuable assets in the dynamic world of arts and culture.
Executive Director / Managing Director (Arts Organization): This top leadership role involves overseeing all aspects of an arts organization, including strategic planning, financial management, fundraising, marketing, operations, and board relations for theaters, museums, symphonies, or dance companies.
Development Director / Fundraising Manager: Graduates specialize in securing financial support for arts organizations. This includes grant writing, cultivating individual donors, managing corporate sponsorships, and overseeing fundraising campaigns and events.
Marketing Director / Communications Manager: These professionals are responsible for promoting an arts organization's programs, performances, or exhibitions. They develop marketing strategies, manage public relations, oversee digital content, and build audience engagement.
Education Director / Arts Education Program Manager: Graduates can lead the educational initiatives of arts organizations, designing and implementing programs for diverse audiences, developing curricula, and fostering community engagement through arts learning.
General Manager / Company Manager (Performing Arts): In theater, dance, or opera companies, these roles involve managing daily operations, personnel, budgets, contracting, and logistics for productions, often serving as the primary liaison between artistic and administrative functions.
Events Manager / Special Projects Coordinator: Graduates can plan and execute a wide range of events, from galas and fundraisers to public programs and festivals, handling logistics, budgeting, vendor relations, and promotion for arts and cultural institutions.
Museum Educator / Public Programs Coordinator: Within museums and galleries, these roles focus on developing and delivering engaging educational content and public programs, such as tours, workshops, lectures, and community outreach initiatives.
Arts Advocate / Cultural Policy Analyst: Graduates can work for arts councils, government agencies, or advocacy groups, researching and promoting policies that support the arts, securing public funding, and raising awareness about the value of cultural institutions.
Board Relations Manager / Governance Specialist: These professionals work closely with an organization's board of directors, facilitating communication, supporting strategic planning, assisting with board recruitment, and ensuring effective governance.
Arts Consultant: Leveraging their comprehensive knowledge of arts administration, graduates can work independently or for consulting firms, advising arts organizations on strategic planning, financial management, marketing, fundraising, or organizational development.
