University of Akron

School of Dance, Theatre and Arts Administration

Arts Administration
Guzzetta Hall
Akron, OH 44325-1005
United States
Main Phone: 330/972-7890
Main E-Mail: dpope@uakron.edu

Degree/Credential: Graduate (MA)
Web Site: http://www.uakron.edu/dtaa

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

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Program Goals and Objectives

Since 1980, the graduate program in Arts Administration has been a strong and dynamic interdisciplinary program in the College of Fine and Applied Arts at The University of Akron. The program is designed to address the changing dimensions of the professional not-for-profit arts in this country—changes that include funding, demographics, technology, and policy that arts managers must face on a day-to-day basis. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a philosophical base for decision-making, and concentrates on developing a comprehensive range of techniques for working effectively in the field. After completing specialized training on the graduate level, students are well prepared for careers as practitioners in the not-for-profit professional worlds of performing, visual, and media arts management.

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Administration of the Program

The program is located in the College of Fine and Applied Arts and directed by Durand L. Pope. The graduate program in Arts Administration has formalized relationships with the following units at The University of Akron: The College of Business Administration, The Emily Davis Gallery in the Myers School of Art, E. J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, and The School of Music.

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Curriculum

A minimum of 45 credit hours, including a professional internship and a thesis of original research, is required of each student. The curriculum can be divided into the following four areas of study:

The Arts Administration Core

Introduction to Graduate Studies
Principle of Arts Administration
Audience Development
Fundraising and Grantsmanship in the Arts
Arts Administration Practices and Policies
Legal Aspects of Arts Administration
Colloquium on the Arts

Business Core

Management Concepts
Marketing Concept
Nonprofit Accounting

Research and Professional Practice

Internship
Research Thesis

Electives

Students are encouraged to individualize their studies by including courses from a wide range of electives. These optional courses may allow students to continue to study in the areas of theatre, dance, music, and the visual arts. They also provide opportunities for students to explore related fields. Popular electives include Arts Administration Special Topic Courses; Contemporary Public Relations Theory; Trustee/Personnel Administration; Graphics/Printing/Publication Management; Theatre Plant Planning and Design; Strategic Marketing Management; Urban Politics and Administration and a variety of courses in computer studies.

The internship component is critical to the student’s pre-professional development. It provides exposure to and experience with management practices in an active arts institution, and the opportunity to work directly with experienced mentors. Internships normally last 10 to 12 weeks. Placements are supervised by the program coordinator in conjunction with the student and the host institution.

Northeast Ohio has an enviable concentration of world-class arts organizations, including the Cleveland Orchestra, the Cleveland Art Museum, the Cleveland Playhouse and Blossom Music Center. As well as these internship opportunities, students in recent years have been placed in such prestigious institutions as Lincoln Center, The Smithsonian Institution, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Great Lakes Theatre Festival, Cleveland Playhouse Square Foundation, and Ohio Ballet.

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Admissions

The ideal student in Arts Administration has undergraduate training in the arts, although students with other baccalaureate concentrations may be accepted. In many instances, the successful student will have taken some time to work in the interim between undergraduate and graduate school. This practical work experience enhances the student’s commitment to graduate training, an element critical to academic and professional success. Students may pursue the degree on a full-time or part-time basis.

Application materials can be requested by phone, mail, or e-mail. Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, and undergraduate G.P.A. of no less than 2.75 (on a scale of 4.0). Applications must include a 300-word writing sample. The GRE is recommended but not required for admission. The Graduate School of The University of Akron requires all international student applicants to provide TOEFL scores. Applications for admission are accepted at any time during the calendar year.

The University of Akron has an aggressive and competitive assistantship program. Every year between eight and ten students hold appointments in the Arts Administration Program. Students Assistants gain practical experience in the management of professional and student art organizations through the School of Dance, Theatre, and Arts Administration, the Myers School of Art, the School of Music, and E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall. Graduate Assistants receive full tuition and fee waivers plus a stipend, which in 1999-2000 was $5,970 paid over two semesters. The deadline for consideration for financial aid is April 1 prior to September matriculation.