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Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts
Jennings House
54 E. Union St.
Athens, OH 45701-2979
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740.593.0570
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Master of Arts Administration
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Arts Administration Master's Degree

The Master of Arts Administration (M.A.A.) degree harnesses the interdisciplinary and creative power of the Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts with an innovative curricular approach that merges arts administration knowledge with training in discipline-specific arts management. Foundational courses that emphasize arts leadership, governance, management, and development are taken alongside courses in a chosen specialized arts area.

Focused on training the artist-administrator, the degree is uniquely tailored to provide mentorship, experiential and community-engaged learning opportunities, an examination of access and equity in the arts, and career readiness. Students become equipped to helm arts and cultural organizations, navigate unique challenges in the nonprofit sector, and advocate for policies, resources, and programs that support arts organizations. Graduates of the program will become effective leaders who have meaningful, sustainable impact in the organizations and communities they serve.

Careers with a Master of Arts Administration Degree

The Master of Arts Administration prepares professionals to helm non-profit arts and cultural organizations at the local, state, or national level, to navigate unique challenges in the nonprofit sector, to advocate for policies and resources that support arts organization, and to implement programs that ensure the arts continue to enrich lives and communities. 

The coursework also prepares students who wish to pursue doctoral study or research opportunities with various organizations or agencies.

Artwork on display at Ohio University

Master of Arts Administration Courses & Degree Requirements

View Courses & Requirements in the Official Academic Catalog

The Master of Arts Administration requires a minimum of 30 credit hours as well as capstone requirements and can be completed in one year (August to August). Students electing for part-time enrollment typically complete the program in two years.

Every student enrolled in the Master of Arts Administration program completes four required foundational courses, chooses one area of specialization, and concludes with a professional internship.

Choose an Area of Specialization

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    Community Dance

    Community Dance emphasizes the creative process as a form of collaboration through which dance can be an adaptable, inclusive, socially relevant practice. Community Dance prepares professionals ready to create and lead community dance projects focused on wellness, health, education, activism, or other initiatives. Courses include studio practice in dance technique and composition; theoretical, practical, and historical investigations of dance as a community form; dance research; and project planning.

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    Music Leadership

    Music Leadership teaches concepts associated with the administration of music programs both at the university level and in the private sector. Students explore how to effectively manage music programs including symphony orchestras, professional and amateur performing ensembles, and music schools and departments. Courses also provide general knowledge in music as well as music performance opportunities.

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    Museum Studies

    This specialization provides a foundation for students interested in working in museums, educational and interpretive centers, or in similar organizations promoting public outreach and education. Students learn about the inner operations of nonprofit and arts and cultural heritage organizations; have an opportunity to work directly with objects and artifacts; become immersed in current museum methods and cultural heritage literature; and learn about networking and resume-building opportunities.

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    Theater and Production Management

    Theater and Production Management offers a holistic approach to management and enables students to develop a greater understanding of both the professional and artisan practices behind the management and production of theater. Through classroom learning and hands-on experiences, students hone their abilities in interpersonal communication, process, shop mechanics, and overall management of the theater.

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    Visual Arts Management

    Visual Arts Management is intended for both working artists who want to expand their job opportunities and other professionals. The program exposes students to the pragmatic financial concerns, governance issues, and legal filings to establish and run organizations that serve the specific needs of varied demographics in both urban and non-urban settings. Students also engage, study and discuss ethical concerns relevant to serving diverse publics and community art interfaces.

The M.A.A. Professional Internship & Final Capstone

The Professional Internship is the required, culminating experience of the M.A.A. and applies and synthesizes coursework.
More about the M.A.A. Professional Internship

How the Master of Arts Administration Can Fit Your Career Plans

The Master of Arts Administration requires a minimum of 30 credit hours as well as capstone requirements and can be completed in one year or on a part-time basis.
Students Share How MAA Fit Their Career Plans

Master of Arts Administration Alumni Updates

Our Alumni Talk about Their Careers
More Alumni Stories

Featured News

View the MAA News Archive

Cover_MAA_Fall_2025

Arts administration alumna takes skills from textbook to theater

MAA graduate Hope Eller puts theory into practice as artistic director of The Company at The Valley Gem.

Born into a family of artists, alumna Hope Eller, MAA ’25, credits her upbringing as a foundational source of a lifelong love of arts.

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New SP 2025

In new role, arts administration alumna uses classroom skills to lead regional program

Kailyn Shalosky credits OHIO’s MAA program as instrumental in developing the skills she uses in her new role in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. For Kailyn Shalosky, MAA ’25, a new role in the arts sector relies on knowledge imparted at OHIO.

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Cover_Fall25-MAA-News

Redefining the lines in which we color

Plans don’t always unfold how we imagine, but in moments of challenge, we usually return to what feels most true. That’s exactly what MAA alumna Courtney Archibald did when faced with adversity. After earning her undergraduate degree in Interior Architecture in 2023, Archibald began working as an interior architect. But when she was laid off just a year later, she faced a period of uncertainty that deeply affected her mental health. Rather than letting the setback define her, she turned to art and mindfulness practices as tools for healing. What started as coloring pages she created for herself soon grew into something much larger: The Bejeweled Toadstool Coloring Book.

Read More

Contact Us

Applications for the 2026-2027 MAA cohort continue to be accepted and reviewed. You are encouraged to apply! For more information, contact  Dr. Christi Camper Moore at campermo@ohio.edu.

Apply Here

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Related Arts Administration Graduate Certificates

These certificates provide practical and creative tools to facilitate and evaluate the needs of visual, performing, and arts service organizations. Your participation in COFA certificate courses will be reflected on your transcript.