The MA in Arts Management at George Mason University is designed to prepare students to manage and coordinate arts organizations, bridging visual and performing arts with managerial skills. The program addresses growing regional and national demand for arts managers skilled in financial management, strategic planning, marketing, fundraising, and public relations. Students complete a 25-credit core curriculum, select 9 credits of electives, and participate in an internship at diverse arts venues, providing practical industry experience and networking opportunities in Washington, D.C., and beyond.
Why this course is highly recommended
This program is especially valuable for students interested in advancing arts organizations, given its strong regional and national connections. The internship component provides hands-on experience at over 60 venues in Washington, D.C., and international locations. The curriculum covers managerial skills essential for careers in the arts, including fundraising, marketing, policy, and financial management, making graduates well-equipped for leadership roles in the arts sector.
The program emphasizes core topics like fundraising, public relations, arts policy, finance, governance, and arts in society. Students can further specialise through elective courses such as arts entrepreneurship, legal aspects, festivals and events, or tailored projects in visual or performing arts management. The program also offers accelerated pathways for undergraduate students in related fields like Art and Visual Technology, Music, and Theater, allowing them to earn their MA in Arts Management in a shortened timeframe.
Application fees
30.34L
1st year tuition fees
30.34L
Living cost
To earn the MA in Arts Management, students must complete a total of 34 credits. This includes 22 credits of core courses, a 3-credit internship, and 9 credits of electives. The core courses encompass topics like arts fundraising, management principles, arts in society, and arts policy. The internship involves practical work experience, and electives allow for tailored focus areas. Students must also successfully complete a capstone project to graduate.

English language test
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Graduates from this program are prepared for roles such as arts administrators, program coordinators, development officers, marketing managers, and policy advocates within arts organizations. The program’s regional ties, internship opportunities, and diverse coursework support employment in visual and performing arts venues, cultural nonprofits, government agencies, and private arts companies nationally and internationally.