Arts Administration Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I receive an MS in Arts Administration?
Persons interested in learning the skills required for a successful senior level management career in the non-profit arts field, and are determined to become leaders in the arts world, would greatly benefit from furthering their arts management education. Our program focuses on the needs of the non-profit business community, and how to better strategically plan the future of your organization.
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Do I need to take the GRE or GMAT?
The GRE and GMAT are not required but if you have taken one of them your scores will be considered as part of your application.
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What TOEFL score is required of international students?
International students are required to earn a minimum of 580/237 on the Paper Based TOEFL in order to be accepted into the Arts Administration program (iBT scores will be reviewed based on section scores and total scores). However, if you have a bachelor's degree from a college or university in the United States, TOEFL scores are not required. For more information contact International Admissions.
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What are the pre-requisites for the program?
Applicants should present a resume and application essay demonstrating a strong affinity for the non-profit arts field through work, volunteer experiences, education, or special training. Undergraduate preparation must include at least one course in financial accounting, two courses in the history or literature of an art, and/or two courses in the practical or creative aspects of an art. Applicants who lack this preparation (or the equivalent) must complete work in the above areas during the first two terms in the program.
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How do I apply online?
Visit the MS in Arts Administration online application page. Applicants must also submit two letters of recommendation, transcripts, and required test scores by the application deadline.
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How long does it take to complete the degree?
Coursework for the degree can be completed in five continuous quarters if the student starts in the fall term and takes 9 credits each quarter. Many online students take an average of 2 courses per quarter. At this rate coursework can be completed in 7-8 quarters. The program requires 45 credit hours. Most students begin their thesis in their fifth or sixth quarter. Actual rate of completion will vary.
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What size is the faculty?
The online Arts Administration program shares three full-time faculty members with the campus program, along with 8-10 adjunct faculty, some of whom also teach in the on-campus program. The Department of Performing Arts has nine full-time faculty members. Faculty for the online Arts Administration program are recruited from leading arts administrators in the Philadelphia area and around the country.
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What is Westphal College?
Westphal College is the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, which houses the Department of Performing Arts and the Arts Administration program.
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How many students are accepted into the program each academic year?
Each academic year we accept between 20 and 25 students.
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How do you join the Arts Administration Graduate Student Association?
As a student in Arts Administration you are automatically a member of the graduate student organization, AAGA, and thereby invited to all events. All arts administration graduate students are also invited to participate in the AAGA online community.
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Does the program accept transfer credits?
The program does accept a maximum of 15 transfer credits; however they must be approved by the program director and all transfer credits must be at the graduate level.
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Do I have to be a fine arts major to enter the program?
Applicants do not have to be visual or performing arts majors; only about 40% of our students are fine arts majors. However, it is required that applicants take two courses in the history or literature of an art, and/or two courses in the practical or creative aspects of an art.
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Can students matriculated in the online Art Administration program take some of their courses in the campus program?
Yes, students in the online program may take up to two courses in the campus program. Students may apply to transfer to the other program should their circumstances change.
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How can I get involved with research?
Our program provides ample opportunities to become involved in various research projects. We are presently working with area organizations on a common data project for Pennsylvania's non-profit arts and cultural community. If you would like to receive more information regarding research please contact our research director, Prof. Ximena Varela.
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Is a thesis required?
All students are required to complete a thesis. The paper must be an original research paper, a case study, or further analysis of a topic of the student's interest supported by existing literature.
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How long do I have to complete the thesis?
The student must complete the thesis within five years after entering the program; however, it is highly recommended that you complete the thesis as soon as all coursework is completed.
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What is Artsline?
Artsline is the program's newsletter, distributed quarterly (except summer term). Please contact us if you would like to be included on the Artsline mailing list.
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How many online graduate arts administration programs are in the U.S.?
There are currently only two other online graduate arts administration programs within the U.S.
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In what organizations does the program retain membership?
Presently, the program is a member of the following organizations: Americans for the Arts, Association of Arts Administration Educators, American Association of Museums, and the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance.
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Can I gain credit for prior work experience?
Prior work experience can be considered for up to 4.5 credits, pending approval. Contact Dr. Jean Brody for more information regarding credit for prior work experience.
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Can courses in the online Arts Administration program be taken as a non-matriculated student?
No, the Arts Administration program does not allow non-matriculated students.
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