M.A.A. Foundational Courses

FAR 5100: Introduction to Arts Administration

This course explores nonprofit arts institutions, how they are organized, and how they are managed. Areas covered include mission, strategy, marketing, programming, fundraising, community engagement, arts law, and how each of these components interacts with the artistic program of an arts organization. Students consider a wide range of career opportunities for arts administrators and discuss current issues in the arts industry.

MPA 5710: Social Entrepreneurship

Social entrepreneurship, a rapidly growing sector locally, nationally, and globally, entails the pursuit of innovative approaches to creating and delivering public value by solving persistent social problems. This course is designed to expose students to the theoretical and practical fundamentals of social entrepreneurship in institutional, organizational, and social domains

FAR 5200: Concepts, Communications, and Considerations in Arts Management

Effective communication is vital for the success of arts organizations.  Concepts and skills in this course draw from the fields of communications, public relations, cultural policy, marketing, and strategic planning to help students approach communication in ways that build understanding of, and commitment to, organizational mission, strategic initiatives, and fundraising activities.  Areas covered include a range of communication across a variety of platforms to develop a strategic plan focused on the organization’s story, building capacity with internal and external stakeholders, and engaging with culturally responsible management practices.

FAR 5300: Funding and Development for Arts Organizations

This course focuses on a variety of development topics and approaches including, but not limited to, capital campaigns, grant writing, and management of strategic resources and revenue streams for arts organizations.  Students gain a working knowledge of perspectives, techniques, and principles of nonprofit fundraising. Students learn to analyze and evaluate fundraising efforts and methods. Students also think critically and creatively about challenges facing arts organizations and how relationships with boards, donors, and stakeholders shape those dynamics and considerations. Students have the opportunity to focus on team building and work collaboratively on interest-driven group projects.