University of Kentucky

Arts Administration Program

111 Fine Arts Building
College of Fine Arts, University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY 40506-0022
United States
Main Phone: 606/257-4142
Main E-Mail: Michael.Braun@uky.edu

Degree/Credential: Undergraduate (BA in Arts Administration)
Web Site: http://www.uky.edu/FineArts/

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

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Program Goals and Objectives

Begun in 1988, the Arts Administration Program at the University of Kentucky offers one of the most comprehensive undergraduate curriculums in the country today. Over 170 students have graduated from the program since its founding. Developed to meet the growing demand for professionals with both sharp business skills and artistic sensibilities, this program prepares students for a future in the management of arts organizations and graduate study.

The Arts Administration program combines study in the arts and humanities with concentrations in business and communications. The program is designed to provide all students with a strong undergraduate liberal arts education, a basic understanding of the business world, and a comprehensive education in one of the three arts disciplines of art, music and theatre. The program also emphasizes applying information learned in the classroom to hands-on, relevant work experiences, including volunteer activities, internships and paid work both on and off-campus. Advisors and faculty within the Arts Administration Program are readily available and are committed to establishing a one-on-one relationship with each student.

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Administration of the Program

The Arts Administration Program is located in the College of Fine Arts, but maintains close ties with the Gatton College of Business and Economics, and the College of Communications and Information Studies. The Program has two full-time faculty members who teach arts administration courses exclusively. In addition, the Program hires at least one adjunct instructor to teach a special topics course each semester. All students are advised by full-time Arts Administration program faculty and staff.

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Curriculum

In addition to completing University Studies and College requirements, students choose a primary arts emphasis taking 32 - 35 credits in one of five areas: art studio, art history, music performance, music history, theatre. The following are the pre-major and major core courses in the Arts Administration Curriculum.

Arts Administration Professions
Arts Administration Communications
Arts Administration Technologies
Accounting I and II
Economics I and II
Public Speaking
Marketing the Arts
Fund Raising for the Arts
Arts Management Issues
Financial Management of Arts Organizations
Topics in Arts Administration
Arts Administration Practicum
Internship in Arts Administration

Students must complete 120 hours of course work or its equivalent with a grade point average of at least 2.0. Of these hours, 39 must be at or above the 300 level. A full-time student who successfully completes an average of 15 credit hours that fulfill both the University of Kentucky and Arts Administration Program requirements each semester will graduate in four years.

Successful completion of six internship credit hours is also a requirement of the program. Students may complete an internship with many on-campus and local arts organizations, but are encouraged to complete at least three credit hours with a nationally recognized arts organization outside the Lexington area. Internship experience is designed to prepare each student for professional employment; the experience provides valuable references and often leads to career opportunities. University of Kentucky Arts Administration students have completed internships at prestigious institutions like the Museum of Modern Art, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Smithsonian Institute, the Guggenheim Museum and Spoleto Festival USA.

Students are continually encouraged to participate in on-campus and local arts events. While earning their degree, students often take advantage of the many arts management related employment options available on campus and in the Lexington community. Students may also participate in productions and exhibitions produced by the Theatre Department, Art Department, School of Music and Dance Program.

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Admissions

To be admitted into the Arts Administration Program as a major, an applicant must first be enrolled in the University of Kentucky, submit an application to the Arts Administration Program, complete 45 semester hours, have a minimum overall grade point average of 2.8, and a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in five pre-major courses. Students who want to be a major, but have not met one or more of the above requirements, will be designated as "pre-majors. Applications and acceptance criteria are available by contacting:

Office of Admissions
100 W.D. Funhouser Building
Lexington, KY 40506-0054
Telephone: (606) 257-2000
Web Site: www.uky.edu/Admissions/