The Arts Administration minor is a dynamic, 18-unit/six-course program that empowers students to develop essential skills for managing and leading in the arts world. Offered through the College of Fine Arts in partnership with the Eller College of Management, the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and other campus partners, this program combines creativity with business acumen to equip students for careers in arts organizations, including nonprofits and other cultural enterprises.
Students will gain practical, hands-on experience in key areas such as fundraising, programming, community engagement, advocacy, financial management, and marketing, with a focus on applying these skills in real-world arts settings. The curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between creative passion and professional expertise, ensuring our graduates are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the arts industry.
What makes this program stand out?
- Tailor Your Learning: Choose two elective courses that align with your personal interests and career goals, whether it’s arts marketing, entertainment law, or creative entrepreneurship.
- Real-World Experience: Participate in an internship where you’ll apply classroom knowledge in real arts organizations, gaining valuable experience and building your professional network.
- Networking and Career Insights: Throughout the program, you’ll engage with arts professionals from both nonprofit and market-driven sectors—visual arts, performing arts, and media—giving you knowledge on career opportunities and industry trends.
Arts administrators make the art happen. Through the Arts Administration minor, you’ll develop the expertise, hands-on experience, and connections needed to thrive in the ever-evolving world of arts administration.
Curriculum
The required coursework includes three foundation courses, two explorations courses, and one internship or practical study.
Arts Administration Foundations (9 credits)
- FA 300 Introduction to Arts Administration
- FA 403/503 Engagement in Arts Organizations
- FA 405/505 Resource Development in the Arts
Arts Administration Explorations (6 credits)
Students choose any two courses from this list.
- ART 497A Gallery Management
- ACCT 250 Survey of Accounting
- BNAD 302 Human Sides of Organizations
- BNAD 303 Marketing Principles, Concepts, and Tools
- COMM 101 Fundamentals of Communication
- COMM 119 Public Speaking
- COMM 201 Introduction to Public Relations
- *COMM 209 Introduction to Communication Technology
- *COMM 402 Communication and Music
- COMM 411 Communication and Conflict Management
- ECON 200 Basic Economic Issues
- *ENTR 360 Entrepreneurship for Owner Operated Businesses
- ENTR/MGMT 380 Social Innovation Organizations
- *ENTR 406 Principles of Entrepreneurship
- *ENTR/MGMT 468 Persuasion in Entrepreneurial Contexts
- *ENTR/MGMT 488 Social Entrepreneurship
- ESOC 210 Hacking and Open Source Culture
- ESOC 211 Collaborating in Online Communities
- ESOC 212 Social Media Strategies Across Professions
- FA 495A Special Topics in Arts Administration
- ISTA 230 Introduction to Web Design and Development
- ISTA 301 Computing and the Arts
- *ISTA 320 Applied Data Visualization
- *ISTA 322 Data Engineering
- JOUR 203 Photojournalism
- *JOUR 307 Principles of Multimedia
- LAW 442 Entertainment Law
- LIS 417 Introduction to Digital Cultures
- LIS 484 Intellectual Property and Copyright
- SBS 350 Introduction to Adobe
- TAR 432 Theatre Management
*Indicates that a prerequisite exists for this course.
Arts Administration Practical or Individualized Study (3 credits)
An arts Internship or other practical study supports professional networking and experiential learning opportunities within professional arts settings including theaters, galleries, museums, performing arts centers, arts festivals, and new media festivals. Students are encouraged to seek out an internship that best meets their interests.
- FA 493 Internship
- FA 495A Special Topics in Arts Administration, as approved
- FA 499 Independent Study, as approved
Internships
FA 493 Internship is open not only to arts administration students, but to any student interested in exploring careers with arts organizations and gaining practical experience. Students must contact the internship advisor in order to register for this course, ideally prior to beginning their internship search. Please see the Internship Guide below for more information.
For more information about internships, download the Internship Guide.
Download the Internship Workplan Form.
Save the Date: 2025 Arts Administration Internship Fair and Info Session: Details TBA.
Additional Information
For more information about the Arts Administration minor, please contact Michelle Grove Herzog, Arts Administration Program Director.
To declare the minor, please contact Brian Peel, Academic Advisor.
Curious how the arts administration minor may work with your major? View these sample course plans and check-in with you advisor.