Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Arts Administration [M.A.]


This program was established in 1985 to prepare students for assuming administrative positions within performing and visual arts organizations and initiate creative entrepreneurial projects in arts and cultural businesses. The program provides students who already have experience in the arts with knowledge and understanding of the arts business, in governance, management, marketing, and finance. The program includes study in both the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Business to equip students with administrative and aesthetic skills that enable them to assume leadership positions as entrepreneurs, planners, advocates, administrators and community organizers. Students develop research skills that enable them to gather, organize and analyze information and apply the knowledge to problem-solving in a wide variety of circumstances. Emphasis is placed on promoting the interrelated nature of the arts in support of interdisciplinary and collaborative programming that recognizes the relationship of the arts with other areas of human endeavor. EMU was a founding member of the Association of Arts Administration Educators and continues to be active in this national organization.

Program Admission


Graduate School Application

After reviewing the admission requirements below, please select the appropriate application. The University is transitioning application platforms; pay close attention when selecting the application below.

The program you are applying to may not accept applicants every semester.

For additional information regarding the application process, please see Graduate Admissions or International Admissions.

Admission Requirements

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

A four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an equivalent degree from a non-U.S. institution. In addition, a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale, or 3.0 in the last half of the undergraduate program, is required for full admission. Applicants who do not meet minimum admission requirements may be considered for conditional admission. See International Admissions for international applicant requirements.

Applicants must also meet the following program requirements:

  • Have a major or minor or the equivalent in communication, arts, or business
  • Submit a Personal Statement

School Information


Communication, Media & Theatre Arts | Dennis O’Grady, Ph.D., Director | 121 Judy Sturgis Hill, 734.487.6956, dpatrick1@emich.edu

Advisor Information


Susan Badger Booth, MFA, Professor & Program Director, 306 King Hall, 734.487.1883, sbooth1@emich.edu

Program Requirements


Students must:

  1. Early in their graduate work, prepare an official program of study in consultation with an assigned graduate advisor and file it with the Graduate School;
  2. Successfully meet all conditions stipulated upon entry into the program; and
  3. Complete, with an overall GPA of at least 3.0, a minimum of 30 hours of approved course work as identified in the official Program of Study.

Degree Requirements: 30-32 hours


Required Core Courses: 7-9 hours


Restricted Elective Courses: 6-8 hours


Additional courses selected in consultation with an academic advisor based upon student’s individual needs.