Department of Art
173 Rowe Building
(704) 687-2473
www.art.uncc.edu
Degree
Master of Arts
Director
David A. Edgar
Graduate Faculty
Lili Bezner, Associate Professor
David A. Edgar, Associate Professor
Alan Freitag, Assistant Professor
Jeff Murphy, Assistant Professor
Gary R. Rassel, Associate Professor
Gregory A. Wickliff, Associate Professor
MASTER OF ARTS IN ARTS ADMINISTRATION
The design of the M.A. in Arts Administration is based on the underlying belief that successful arts administrators must be familiar with both the practical and theoretical contexts of the visual arts. The program offers professional and academic training in the administration and leadership of visual arts organizations through balanced interdisciplinary course offerings from the Department of Art (which administers the program), the Master of Public Administration program, Department of Communications Studies, and other University resources. The M.A. in Arts Administration program serves students who need to acquire professional knowledge preparing them to be effective arts leaders and managers, whether established professionals seeking to broaden existing skills, newcomers seeking future employment, artists starting their own organizations, or others seeking professional arts administration experiences. Students may enroll in the M.A. in Arts Administration program on either a full-time or part-time basis.
Educational Objectives
1) To provide the tools and skills leading to significant professional competence and career enhancement in arts administration by preparing students for leadership positions in various international, national, and regional public, private, and corporate arts organizations including museums and galleries, community non-profit organizations, and arts foundations.
2) To prepare and sensitize students for the expert handling, care, research, and presentation and exhibition to the public of tangible art objects through hands-on experiences, such as internships and staging exhibitions.
3) To teach and encourage responsible fiscal management, fundraising, promotion and public relations, marketing and development.
4) To develop and enhance each student's ability to promote the arts ethically and responsibly to a broader public while developing sensitivity to a region's cultural needs and community issues.
5) To develop an appreciation and understanding for the diversity of artistic expression and its roles in contemporary society at both practical and theoretical levels.
Additional Admission Requirements
An undergraduate degree with a major in an arts field (art history, museum studies, studio practice, etc.) and/or significant experience in an arts related field is preferred. An interview with the Arts Administration Program Director is recommended. Any determined deficiencies in undergraduate coursework will need to be made up during the first year. Applicants who fail to meet any of the minimal requirements may request an interview with the program Director and/or admissions committee; the decision of this committee is final.
Admission to the M.A. in Arts Administration program requires:
1) A complete application package to the Graduate School at UNC Charlotte including (among other requirements): official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended; an essay describing the applicant’s experience and the objectives in undertaking graduate study (see #6, below); and three letters of reference.
2) 9 or more credit hours (three courses minimum) of undergraduate courses in art history, including Art History Survey (two semesters) and Contemporary Art.
3) 9 or more credit hours (three courses minimum) of undergraduate courses in studio art; or, demonstrable, discipline-based expertise in one art area (may be documented by portfolio); or, (for those without substantive studio experience), approval of the M.A. in Arts Administration program Director and/or admissions committee.
4) Acceptable scores on the Graduate Record Examination or Miller Analogies Test
5) Acceptable scores on the TOEFL test if English is not the applicant's native language (557 on the written test; 220 computer based test).
6) Essay exemplifying excellent writing and communication skills to be evidenced by the Graduate School's required essay for admissions (and, if applicable, by an interview with the program Director). This essay should address the applicant's statement of purpose for enrolling in the M.A. in Arts Administration, research interests, career or professional goals, and how the applicant hopes to expand the enlightenment that the arts can offer.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Arts in Arts Administration program allows students, in consultation with the program Director and advisors, to tailor an individual program of study within a diverse selection of offerings. A minimum of 40 credit hours is required to complete the program, including 22 hours of core courses all students must complete, 9 hours of elective courses, at least one 3 credit hour internship, and 6 hours of thesis credits. The degree of Master of Arts in Arts Administration is awarded for completion of scholarly research that advances knowledge in the field. Evidence of this is demonstrated by a successful thesis defense demonstrating mastery of relevant subject matter, among other criteria.
Core Courses (22 credit hours)
MAAA6001 Introduction to Arts Administration (3)
MAAA6100 Curatorial Theory and Exhibition Design (3)
MAAA 6125 New Technologies for Arts Organizations (3)
MAAA 6150 Law and the Arts (1)
MAAA 6160 Marketing for the Arts (3)
MAAA 5212 Contemporary Art Theory and Criticism (3)
MAAA/MPAD6311 Non-Profit Management (3)
MAAA/MPAD6324 Financial Analysis for Government and Non-Profit Organizations (3)
Elective Courses (9 credit hours; to be chosen and designed in consultation with advisor and/or program Director; only 6 hours of electives may be taken at the 5000 level. All other coursework must be taken at the 6000 level or above)
MAAA7100 Communication for the Arts (3)
MAAA7150 Education and Arts Administration (3)
MAAA7300 History and Theory of Art Museums (3)
MAAA7700 Topics in Arts Administration (1-3)
COMM6146 Media Relations (3)
COMM6145 Communication Campaign Management (3)
COMM5102 Federal Interpretation of the First Amendment (3)
COMM/MPAD6170 Communication Law and Policy (3)
MPAD6134 Human Resources Management (3)
MPAD6131 Public Budgeting and Finance (3)
MPAD6142 Managing Grants and Contracts in Public and Nonprofit sectors (3)
ANTH5120 Intercultural Communications (3)
ENGL5182 Writing and Designing Computer Based Documents (3)
MPAD6320 Strategic Planning for Nonprofit Organizations (1)
MPAD6321 Resource Development in Nonprofit Organizations (1)
MPAD6322 Volunteer Management (1)
MPAD6323 Grantwriting (1)
MPAD6325 Legal Aspects of Nonprofit Organizations (1)
Internship
MAAA7800 Internship (3)
Thesis
MAAA 7990 Thesis I (3)
MAAA 7991 Thesis II (3)
MAAA 7999. Master’s Graduate Residence (1) (As necessary)
Admission to Candidacy Requirements
1) Upon completion of 18 hours of coursework for the M.A. in Arts Administration, the student's performance will be evaluated by the program Director, who will notify the student of the Department's approval of his or her continuation in the M.A. program.
2) Upon completion of 18 hours of coursework, the student can apply for admission to Candidacy through the Graduate School.
3) Students are required to complete an “Application to Candidacy” form no later than the first week of the semester they wish to graduate. This form lists all courses to be counted toward the degree. It should be signed by the student and returned to the M.A.A.A. program office.
Internship
All students must complete at least one supervised and approved field experience with a visual arts organization. For those with extensive previous professional arts administration experience, this credit could be waived (and used for elective credit). For those currently employed in an arts organization, this credit could be earned at the place of a student’s employment, as long as it is not simply an extension of regular duties but exposes the student to different kinds of challenges. One 3 credit hour internship is based on completing 120 contact hours of work in a 15 week period at the host institution.
Capstone Experiences
All students must present a written thesis (written using a format acceptable to the Graduate School) to the Advisory Committee. The student must defend the thesis at a presentation before the M.A.A.A. faculty.
Advising
Each student is assigned an advisor and given program guidelines when admitted to the program. The advisor is a member of the M.A.A.A. faculty. Students should meet with their advisors and/or the program Director to develop a schedule each semester before registering.
Transfer Credit Accepted
Up to six credit hours may be transferred to the Arts Administration program from another institution. Only courses with grades of A or B, earned in a graduate program accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools or other similar agency, may be accepted for transfer credit. Transfer credit is not automatic and requires the approval of the program Director and the Dean of the Graduate School.
Language Requirement
The program has no language requirement. However, if a student seeks an internship in a country wherein English is not the primary language (or uses a language with which the student has no proficiency), he or she must take appropriate language classes in order to prepare for this experience. These foreign language courses do not count as graduate credits. Each student's individual language needs will be negotiated with the program Director.
Comprehensive Examination
After admission to candidacy, each student must successfully complete a comprehensive examination (and must be enrolled during the semester in which they take the examination).
Thesis
All students must complete thesis (capstone) requirements consisting of two courses (Thesis I, MAAA 7990 and Thesis II, MAAA 7991), 3 credit hours each, over the last two semesters. The Thesis is the final portion of degree work; it provides an opportunity to accomplish substantial professional work which focuses on each student's professional interests and expertise, and culminates in a public defense of the thesis project. Students choose between three options, in consultation with the program Director and advisors, to suit their individual interests:
1) planning and executing an exhibition (on-campus or at another art space in Charlotte or the region) accompanied by a written thesis explicating the project;
2) planning and executing an administrative/research project (which may be accomplished in the context of an internship) accompanied by a written thesis explicating the project; or
3) conducting original research which is presented in the form of a written thesis.
Other Requirements
Students are required to maintain continuous registration (fall and spring semesters) for thesis work until its
completion. Continuous registration begins the semester in which approval for the thesis topic is received.
Students have a maximum of six years to complete all requirements.
Grade Requirements: Students are expected to achieve A's or B's in all course work taken for graduate credit and must have at least an average of B in order to graduate. Internships and theses are graded on a Pass/No Credit or Pass/Unsatisfactory basis and, therefore, will not be included in the overall assessment of cumulative average. The program Director evaluates the record of any student who receives a course grade of C or less or whose grade point average falls below a 3.0. On the basis of this evaluation and in conjunction with policies in the Academic Regulations/Degree Requirements section of this Catalog, the student may be placed on academic suspension or terminated from the MAAA program. An accumulation of more than two grades of C will result in suspension of the student's enrollment in the graduate program. If a student makes a grade of U for any course, enrollment will be suspended and the student cannot take any further graduate course work without being readmitted to the program. Readmission to the program requires approval of the Dean of the Graduate School upon the recommendation of the program Director.
Application for Degree
Students are also required to file an “Application for Degree” with the Registrar’s Office in the semester prior to the one in which they plan to graduate.
Financial Assistance
Awards are available on a competitive basis through the Graduate School. Several administrative units on campus also employ graduate students. Other forms of financial aid, such as loans, are available; contact the Financial Aid Office at 704-547-2461 for further information.
Courses in Arts Administration
MAAA 6001. Introduction to Arts Administration. (3) Recognizing the breadth and complexity of career options in art administration, the purpose of this class is to orient students to the basic profiles of organizational activities within the visual art field. Students will be given a broad overview of the fundamentals of administrative structure, standards of operation, and functional components that are found in various visual art organizations. They will have the opportunity to explore, discuss and understand the principles of successful art organization management. (Fall) (Evening)
MAAA 6100. Curatorial Theory and Exhibition Design. (3) This course introduces students to the evolving, diverse principles of curatorial practice and design. Topics include: research methodologies; formations, acquisitions and management of collections; and their use for aesthetic, educational and research purposes. It also examines: the roles of professionals who care for and use collections; ethics; cataloging and registration; loans; issues of interpretation to the public; and accessibility (both physical and intellectual). (Yearly) (Evening)
MAAA 6125. New Technologies for Arts Organizations. (3) This course will survey the dynamic field of current and developing technologies as they relate to the administrative aspects of an arts organization. Course content will address development of Web Sites, CD-ROMs and DVDs as well as the basics of digital imaging, image management, and video and audio technologies. Usability issues related to the World Wide Web as well as the principles of interactive and presentation design, virtual galleries and exhibition spaces together with developing technology plans will be investigated in the context of their use as methodologies for the effective implementation of new media forms. (Alternating Years)
MAAA 6150. Law and the Arts. (1) This course introduces students to the primary legal issues facing an arts administrator today, including some consideration of history and ethics. Topics explored include: artists’ rights; freedom of expression, copyright, and trademark; cultural property (archaeological preservation, international protection of cultural heritage in war and piece, and indigenous cultures); and pressing legalities facing arts organizations. (Alternating Years)
MAAA 6160. Marketing for the Arts. (3) Recognizing the breadth and complexity of cultural organizations, the purpose of this class is to familiarize students with the fundamentals of marketing organizational programs and activities within the visual art field. Students will be given a broad overview of the functional components of administrative management and participation in the theory and techniques of public relations, audience development, market research, advertising and various promotional strategies. They will have the opportunity to explore, discuss and understand the principles of successful marketing for art organizations. (Spring) (Evening)
MAAA 5212. Contemporary Art Theory and Criticism. (3) This course surveys the major critical theories in recent art history and criticism of the 1980s to the present. This course demands a thoughtful, questioning, and open intellectual nature in order to be appreciated. This class will combine lecture, discussion and participation together with written assignments and exams. (Alternating Years)
MAAA 6311. Non-Profit Management. (3) This course examines the structure, function and administration of nonprofit organizations. Students will be taught the development of strategies to insure successful financial and ethical management. (Alternating Years)
MAAA 6324. Financial Analysis for Government and Non-Profit Organizations. (3) This course will cover the topics of fund accounting basics for government and nonprofit organizations, preparation and analysis of financial statements, evaluating and monitoring financial condition, capital budgeting and investment analysis, debt policy and management. (Alternating Years)
MAAA 7100. Communication for the Arts. (3) Students will be given a broad overview of the functional components of administrative management and participation in the theory and techniques of both written and oral communications for internal as well as external purposes in the context of management documents, promotional materials, grant proposals, exhibition signage, press releases, oral presentation and public speaking. They will have the opportunity to explore, discuss and understand the principles of successful communications for art organizations. (On Demand)
MAAA 7150. Education and Arts Administration. (3) This course examines the complexities involved in providing appropriate educational interpretation, content and programs for museums and other arts organizations. Recognizing that education is almost always a mission-critical aspect of public cultural organizations, students will explore how educational programming goals aid in both audience development and the artistic enrichment of the public audience.
(On Demand)
MAAA 7300. History and Theory of Art Museums. (3) This course will introduce students to the history, philosophy, practice and function of art museums. Students will research works of art and working relationships with living artists, artists’ estates and both private and institutional collections. The roles and profiles of various visual art organizations both locally and nationally will be studied. (On Demand)
MAAA 7700. Topics in Arts Administration. (1-3) This course is designed to supplement existing program studies. Topics courses provide for: 1) the offering of classes not otherwise covered by the curriculum, and incorporation of specialized topics taught by practicing professionals; such classes offer the opportunity, as well, to explore a course’s potential contribution to the overall curriculum before officially adding it to the curriculum. Samples of potential Topics courses include: Fundraising and Resource Development for Arts Administration, Managing Artists Residency Programs, Managing Public Art and Design Programs, Practical Aspects of International Art Business, and Collections Management. (On Demand)
MAAA 7800. Internship in Arts Administration. (3) A supervised internship with a credible and functioning arts organization. The primary objective is for students to acquire a meaningful work experience in a professional institutional arts setting. The 3-credit internship is based on the student completing 120 contact hours of work in a 15 week period. Permit Only (Fall, Spring & Summer)
MAAA 7990. Thesis I. (3) This course prepares the exiting MAAA student for execution of his/her Thesis, by providing students with the skills necessary to generate application-based research questions, critically evaluate research studies, construct research designs and generate viable research proposals. Projects include learning appropriate research methods; making an outline/plan; creating an annotated bibliography; and forming a thesis statement. For those students planning an exhibition, this course would include developing a curatorial strategy, designing the exhibition, planning and obtaining work to show, insurance for the work, etc. Each student is signed off by the MAAA Program Director at every stage. Permit Only (Fall, Spring)
MAAA 7991. Thesis II. (3) This course facilitates the execution of the preparations achieved during Thesis I, under supervision of the Program Director and other faculty/professionals on the student’s Thesis Committee. If the student is pursuing a written thesis, projects include researching, writing and producing the final paper. If the student is pursuing a public exhibition, projects include executing the exhibition and public relations writing, catalog/label copy, planning panel discussions, education, outreach etc. Each student will give a public presentation of his or her project as an oral exiting requirement for the course. Permit Only (Fall, Spring)
MAAA 7999. Master’s Graduate Residence. (1) As necessary, this course provides a continuous enrolment status for degree candidates during completion of thesis or other program requirements. Permit Only (Fall, Spring, Summer)