State University of New York College at Fredonia

Arts Administration Program

Room G-15 Rockefeller Arts Center
SUNY-Fredonia
Fredonia, NY 14063
United States
Main Phone: 716/673-3217
Main E-Mail: jefferson.westwood@fredonia.edu

Degree/Credential: Undergraduate (BA)
Web Site: http://ww3.fredonia.edu/academicaffairs/AcademicPrograms/ArtsAdministration/tabi...

Program Director: JWestwood [link available to AAAE members only]

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Program Goals and Objectives

The world of the performing and visual arts needs not only talented creative artists; it also needs skilled and perceptive administrators and managers. Seeking to fill this need, the major in Arts Administration prepares students for entry level work with organizations such as symphony orchestras, arts centers and museums as well as opera, theater and dance companies. The Bachelor of Arts program combines courses from a variety of departments and includes practica and internship experience that may range from six to 15 credits. In addition, to ensure an in-depth understanding of at least one arts discipline, each Arts Administration major is required to complete a minor in music, theater, art or dance.

The Arts Administration major is closely allied with the college's Michael C. Rockefeller Arts Center, a three-theater, two-gallery complex that offers extensive internship and employment opportunities for qualified students. It is the experiential learning opportunities offered by the program that are very frequently cited by graduates as the most valuable part of their undergraduate education. Through this combination of the academic coursework, internships and the extracurricular opportunities available on campus, students become qualified to work in such areas as marketing, fund raising, operations, and general arts management. A number of students have also gone on to successfully pursue graduate study in the field.

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Administration of the Program

SUNY Fredonia’s arts administration program is directed by Jefferson Westwood who also serves as Director of the Michael C. Rockefeller Arts Center and as a labor relations assistant to the college president. Mr. Westwood serves as academic advisor to all students. The program is one of over a dozen interdisciplinary programs under Special Studies that reports to the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. No formal, ongoing advisory group exists for the program. However, the chairs and directors of the college's programs in art, business, dance, English, music and theatre, are consulted concerning revisions to the curriculum.

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Curriculum

To qualify for the special studies bachelor’s degree in arts administration, students must complete all college graduation requirements, which include a total of 120 credits, including the 30-credit general college program. Arts Administration majors must also complete a minor (typically 18-24 credits) in art, dance, music, or theatre. A minimum of six credits in experiential learning (practica and/or internship) is required. Internship credit is typically earned off campus and may be completed during the academic year or in summer placements. The number of credits in the major ranges from 30 to 45 depending on the amount of practicum and internship credit. In the tradition of a liberal education, the program has been kept small to allow students to take general electives in additional areas of academic interest.

Business and Accounting
164 Introduction to Management Information Systems
Financial Accounting
Business Law (or Legal Environment of Business)

Statistics - Any ONE course in statistics from the following
Fundamentals of Statistics for Business and Economics
Statistics for Sociologists
Statistics

Communication/Psychology
Business Communication (or Business Communication)
Group Communication (or Group Dynamics)

English
Introduction to Print Media
Reporting & Newspaper Writing (or Introduction to Public Relations)

Philosophy
Administrative Ethics

Arts Administration
Arts Administration Practicum (or Gallery Practicum)
Arts Administration Internship

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Admissions

Students apply through the centralized Application Processing Center (APC) of the State University of New York (SUNY). Admission to SUNY Fredonia requires a high school diploma or a GED. Admitted students are typically in the upper half of their high school class, with grades of "B" or better and combined SATs of 1,000 (23 on the ACT). Applications are accepted online through admissions office links at www.fredonia.edu; however, the $30 application fee must be paid by check. More information is available from:

Office of Admissions
178 Central Avenue
SUNY Fredonia
Fredonia NY 14063
1-800-252-1212
or visit "admissions" at www.fredonia.edu