Master of Business Administration - Arts Administration

Program Overview

The MBA with an Arts Administration emphasis at Southern Utah University is offered in both online and campus/hybrid formats, providing flexibility for working professionals, continuing undergraduates, and international students. The program is structured with 7-week classes, allowing students to progress efficiently. It is designed to provide in-depth knowledge of business skills crucial for supporting the arts, including organizational leadership, financial management, marketing, fundraising, and strategic planning within the arts context. A key objective is to empower graduates to effectively advocate for government and private funding for arts organizations and the arts as a whole.

AACSB Accredited: The Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business at Southern Utah University, which houses the MBA program with all its emphases, holds the prestigious accreditation from AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide, attained by a small percentage of business programs globally. AACSB accreditation signifies that SUU's business programs, including the MBA with an Arts Administration emphasis, meet rigorous standards for quality in curriculum, faculty qualifications, research, and student outcomes. This ensures that graduates receive a globally recognized and highly respected degree, enhancing their credibility and competitiveness in the arts and business sectors.

Curriculum: The MBA curriculum for the Arts Administration emphasis typically requires 33 credit hours, consisting of 24 credit hours of core MBA courses and 9 credit hours of specialized arts administration emphasis courses. Core courses cover essential business principles such as Managing People & Organizations, Operations & Supply Chain Management, Leadership, Advanced Managerial Accounting, Managerial Economics, Managerial Finance, Marketing, and Strategy. The Arts Administration emphasis courses delve into topics like "Principles of Arts Administration," "Arts Advocacy and Cultural Policy," "Grant Writing," and "Board Relations and Planning." This blended curriculum ensures students gain a solid foundation in general business management while also developing specialized expertise in the unique operational and strategic aspects of arts and cultural organizations.

Research Focus: While the MBA in Arts Administration is a professional degree focused on practical application, the curriculum at Southern Utah University is informed by scholarly theory and critical analysis. Courses like "Arts Advocacy and Cultural Policy" encourage students to engage in critical analysis of national and international cultural policy. The program aims for students to "apply scholarly theory directly into professional practice" and "cultivate practical and creative approaches to problem-solving." Faculty members, many with experience in both academia and the arts industry, bring current research and best practices into the classroom, preparing students to be thoughtful, evidence-based decision-makers in arts management. Students are expected to understand the impact of various business disciplines on arts operations and strategy.

Industry Engagement: Southern Utah University places a strong emphasis on industry engagement within its MBA programs, including Arts Administration. The program is designed to provide students with "practical skills and insights directly applicable to the art management field." SUU's location in Cedar City, home to the Utah Shakespeare Festival, and its strong College of Performing and Visual Arts likely provide ample opportunities for students to gain real-world experience and network with professionals in the arts sector. The curriculum focuses on developing skills like fundraising and board relations, directly relevant to the operational needs of arts organizations. The program's learning outcomes include developing well-rounded professionals employable in any arts discipline, indicating a strong connection to industry needs.

Global Perspective: Southern Utah University's MBA program, including the Arts Administration emphasis, generally fosters a global perspective through its core business curriculum, which aims for graduates to "understand the global, ethical and sociopolitical context of business." While the Arts Administration specialization itself may focus primarily on the U.S. context of arts management and policy, courses like "Arts Advocacy and Cultural Policy" may incorporate discussions of international cultural policies and global trends in arts funding and management. The broader MBA framework prepares students to apply their business and arts administration skills in an interconnected world, recognizing diverse cultural contexts and international collaborations within the arts. The university's general openness to international students also contributes to a diverse classroom environment.