Online MS in Arts Administration

As the art and museum world continues to grow in scope and vibrancy, there’s a need for professionals who understand the modern landscape and can ensure that their organization thrives. Drexel University’s online Master's in Arts Administration combines business knowledge and an entrepreneurial spirit with art administration to make you career-ready and give you an edge in a competitive job market. The program is ideal for those looking to stand out in the job market and advance to the next stage of their career.

What is a Master’s in Arts Administration?

A Master’s in Arts Administration equips you with the management practices, theory and hands-on experience that are essential for leadership positions in the arts and culture sector. At Drexel University, our goal is to help you emerge from the program workforce-ready. You can expect to take courses that are immediately applicable to your work, in areas such as:

• Management techniques
• Technology tools
• Legal and ethical issues
• Financial accounting
• Marketing and engagement

What Can You Do with an Online MS in Arts Administration?

Careers in the arts administration fields require a specific set of skills that are unique to these industries. Drexel’s program is designed to explore all aspects of both, preparing you for roles in marketing, collections and general management, development, community outreach, board relations, education and more. For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, the program will also provide you with the skills to start and run your own enterprise.

Graduates of Drexel’s Arts Administration Master's Online programs have gone on to work in roles such as:

• President and CEO of the American Theatre Wing
• Artistic Director and CEO of Ballet Vero Beach
• Senior Director of Cultural Affairs at Montgomery County Community College
• Program Director at the NJ State Council of the Arts
• Development Coordinator for Donor Relations at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
• Executive Assistant at Grounds for Sculpture
• Director of Production at Philadelphia Ballet

FIVE REASONS YOU SHOULD EARN AN MS IN ARTS ADMINISTRATION

Philadelphia is a vast hotspot for arts and cultural organizations — which means not only is there a high demand for visionaries, but a chance to do something with your passion for arts, culture, and museums. Hear from Pamela Yau, assistant teaching professor and program director of Drexel’s MS in Arts Administration program as she defines this field and how you can not only preserve the arts but contribute to the industry. 

Drexel Program Alliances

The Drexel Arts Administration Graduate Program is a proud member of various organizations, including the American Alliance of Museums, the Association of Arts Administration Educators, the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, and Americans for the Arts. The program regularly participates in national research projects, including the National and Local Profiles of Cultural Support project administered by Americans for the Arts and funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts.

In addition, the Arts Administration program has close ties with the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, the Leonard Pearlstein Gallery and the Robert and Penny Fox Historic Costume Collection.

Members of Americans for the Arts, National Guild for Community Arts Education, and other partner organizations receive a 20% tuition savings on the online MS in Arts Administration program.

Non-Matriculated Option

Interested in applying as a non-matriculated student? Select "Non-Matriculated – College of Media Arts & Design (Online)" as your program of interest on the online application. Official transcripts are required. Non-matriculated students are not eligible for financial aid.

Drexel's 10,000 Hours Podcast: The Art of the Podcast

Drexel professor Derek Gillman’s resume is basically a tour through some of the world’s greatest museums. Here, he tells us about his favorite art in Philly, and how museums are changing to keep up with the times.

Related Programs

• Graduate Certificate in Responsible Cultural Leadership

Drexel University offers a variety of Graduate Minors that can be added to any master's degree program.
State restrictions may apply to some programs.