Arts organizations are inherently collaborative. Arts administration students need to understand the concepts and theories of leadership, management and followership in order to contribute effectively in the ever-changing and adaptive environment of arts organizations. AAD 300: Management and Planning for the Arts will explore the principles of arts management, management theory and practice, organizational structure, organizational culture and communication, decision-making and accountability, human resource management and volunteer administration, and ethics and social responsibility.

Connecting and communicating with current and prospective arts audiences is essential for ensuring a strong future for the arts. AAD 310 Marketing for the Arts offers an overview of marketing, advertising, and promotion for visual and performing arts institutions. Students will learn practical strategies and solutions for building audiences for the arts through market research, marketing principles, and communication techniques. Topics include audience development, market segmentation, positioning strategies, marketing plans, media coverage, and promotion techniques.

Financial management is a core function within the management of cultural and arts organizations. It is the foundation upon which the resources (human, physical, and financial) of any organization are maintained and monitored. In the nonprofit sector, the relationship of "mission to money" is an important conceptual framework, and must be understood by arts managers. Financial analysis is an essential requisite for sound strategic planning and governance, and managers of nonprofit arts organizations are the source of financial information.

A student-designed research project or applied practice experience under the supervision of an Arts Administration faculty member. Regular consultation with the instructor is required. An approved project plan is required.

A university-based hands-on learning experience mentored by a university faculty or staff member. Practicums must be supervised by an Arts Administration faculty member. One credit hour is equal to 50 work hours. This is a controlled enrollment course and a completed Learning Contract is required. Pass/fail option only. May be repeated to a maximum of four credits.

People make hundreds of decisions each day. Many decisions are simple. Other decisions require thoughtful deliberation. Yet all decisions, whether simple or complex, involve cognitive processes which are reflected in a variety of different fields of study. In Decision Making in Arts Administration, students will explore the theories and concepts surrounding decision making, decision modes, and decision strategies. Students will use these concepts and apply them to real-world arts administration scenarios.

Artists and arts administrators are required to work within current cultural, business and legal environments. Thus, students in AAD 420 Arts Administration: Practices, Policies and the Law will discuss cultural policy, management and legal issues that affect the arts, arts organizations and artists. Topics include cultural policy, funding, advocacy, arts and community, First Amendment rights, intellectual property, organizational structure, contracts, labor unions and employee relations.

As an advanced seminar course, this course prepares students to enter the job market or pursue graduate studies. It builds upon the other courses in the curriculum as well as practicum and internship experiences. During the course, students will work to revise and prepare electronic portfolios based on written and graphic materials prepared throughout their degree program. Additionally, students will write and critique cover letters and resumes and prepare for job interviews and negotiations.

Artistic careers are exciting, dynamic and meaningful. Yet artists still require the skills and knowledge of business and industry in order to build a successful career. This course will walk you through the steps of setting your goals and the objectives that will guide you in building your career. Using the hybrid format, the course will include presentations of arts administration principles and practices as well as in-person sections tailored to students in Music, Theatre and Dance, and the Visual Arts.

The Arts Administration internship experience provides students the opportunity to explore specific career interests in the arts while applying knowledge and skills learned in the classroom in a workplace setting with the support of both an on-site supervisor and a faculty advisor. Arts Administration students must complete two internships at two different organizations. These internships may not be taken in the same semester. One credit hour is equal to 50 work hours. This is a controlled enrollment course and a completed Learning Contract is required.