Master of Arts Administration

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.

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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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

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

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.

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.

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Featured News

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More Alumni News

MAA cohort engages in experiential learning, cross-curricular conversation through site visits and place-based education

Ohio University's Master of Arts Administration students gained real-world insights into community, collaboration, and arts leadership through site visits to the historic Stuart’s Opera House and the innovative OHIO Esports Lab.

Master of Arts Administration alumna founds Athens Quilt Trail project with skills learned in MAA, MFA programs

Inspired by Appalachian quilt barns, graduate student Caroline Murphy applied the skills from her dual MFA and MAA degrees to secure funding and launch the Athens Quilt Trail, a community-focused art project.

Master of Arts Administration program welcomes Athens Area Mediation Service to class for inaugural workshop

Master of Arts Administration students participated in a specialized mediation training workshop designed to build strategic communication, listening, and negotiation skills essential for leadership roles in the arts.

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