Columbia College Chicago

Programme overview

The Master of Arts Management is a graduate programme that combines arts-sector knowledge with management practice to prepare students for leadership roles in cultural organizations, performing arts companies, museums, festivals, and creative startups. Instruction typically balances strategic planning, financial stewardship, audience development, and project leadership with applied work such as internships, case studies, and capstone projects.

What you'll study

Core study areas focus on the intersection of management and the arts. Typical topics include nonprofit governance and law, arts marketing and audience engagement, fundraising and development, budgeting and financial management for cultural organizations, strategic planning, project and production management, and legal/ethical issues in the cultural field. Applied coursework or practicum experiences give students supervised exposure to real organizations where they apply planning, budgeting, marketing and evaluation skills.

Entry requirements

Admissions normally require a completed undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Applicants should expect to submit academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, a current résumé or CV, and letters of recommendation; programmes may also request portfolio materials, work samples, or evidence of relevant professional experience. International applicants must meet the institution's language proficiency standards.

Career prospects

Graduates typically move into operational and leadership roles within the creative sector. Common positions include arts administrator, development or fundraising officer, marketing and audience development manager, production manager, program director, venue or festival manager, and consultant for cultural enterprises. The skills are also transferable to roles in cultural policy, community arts organizations, and arts entrepreneurship.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Funding options often combine institutional scholarships, merit or need-based awards, graduate assistantships, and external fellowships from arts foundations or cultural trusts. Students should explore employer sponsorship, internship stipends, crowdfunding for creative projects, and scholarship resources specific to the arts and nonprofit management. Early contact with the programme's financial aid office and review of scholarship deadlines improves chances of securing support.