ARTS LEADERSHIP
Shaping the future of the arts through hands-on leadership training.
Leading the Future of the Arts
Join the next generation of arts and entertainment leaders, ready to innovate, inspire, and shape the future of the arts.
The Arts Leadership program in the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts at the University of Houston prepares the next generation of arts and entertainment leaders through an entrepreneurial approach to launching, administering, and maintaining arts organizations of all sizes. Our graduates work across nonprofit, government, entrepreneurial, and for-profit sectors, both locally and nationally. Students gain advanced skills in the management and promotion of arts organizations, benefit from a flexible schedule designed for working professionals—with all core courses offered in the evenings and the option to complete the program within five years—and build real-world experience through internships with professional arts organizations in the Houston area. Along the way, they connect with local and national leaders through guest lectures, workshops, and panels, guided by a program philosophy that emphasizes professional management, ethical leadership, community engagement, and social justice, preparing them to become effective advocates and change-makers in the arts and culture sector.
MASTER OF ARTS
- 15 hours of required specialty courses, including some specific to the arts and others in areas of public administration and public sector business more generally
- 3 hours of prescribed electives
- 12 hours of free electives, largely selected from a variety of courses regularly taught in the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts, Valenti School of Communications, Bauer College of Business, and Master of Public Administration Program
- 6 credit hours of Practicum (internship) in an arts organization or program, providing vital real-world experience to students
- Fundamentals & Strategic Planning for the Arts
- Fundraising for the Arts
- Leading Change
All students are required to complete a Practicum within an established, professional arts organization in the greater Houston area. The Practicum provides meaningful, intensive on-the-job training in preparation for leadership positions while maintaining a student role, and offers the host organization the opportunity to train and utilize future professionals in the nonprofit and for-profit arts sectors.
During the Practicum, students are expected to work 300 hours in total on the identified project, scheduled in a way that works best for both the student and the organization. Practicum projects may be completed during any academic semester or during summer/winter breaks. A minimum of 15 credit hours (5 courses) in the M.A. in Arts Leadership Program must be completed before beginning the fieldwork phase, although planning may begin earlier.
- Apply through the UH Graduate School
- Submit official transcripts, a statement of intent, and two letters of recommendation
- Fall Deadline: August 1 | Spring Deadline: December 1
- International applicants: See Graduate School International Admissions
DUEL DEGREE PROGRAM
The Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts offers a unique dual degree option, allowing graduate students in the School of Art, Moores School of Music, and School of Theatre & Dance to pair their discipline-specific arts degree (MA, MFA, MM, or DMA) with the MA in Arts Leadership.
This innovative program provides performers, studio artists, and scholars the opportunity to combine their artistic expertise with professional training in arts administration. By integrating discipline-specific practices with leadership and management skills, the dual degree expands career opportunities and prepares students to excel as professional artists, administrators, and leaders in the arts field.
- School of Art: Engage in transformative creative practice through the Master of Fine Arts or Master of Arts in Art History programs, with access to world-class resources and Houston’s thriving arts community. This combination enables artists to balance production, inquiry, and cross-disciplinary collaboration while building a foundation in arts leadership.
- Moores School of Music: Pursue your passion through the Master of Music or Doctor of Musical Arts degrees while gaining critical leadership skills. Students benefit from world-class faculty, exceptional performance opportunities, and the dynamic Houston arts scene, creating pathways for fruitful careers in both performance and administration.
- School of Theatre & Dance: Offering M.F.A. and M.A. programs in various disciplines, students benefit from connections to leading performance organizations like the Alley Theatre and Houston Ballet, preparing for extraordinary careers in performance and design.
All students are required to complete a Practicum within an established, professional arts organization in the greater Houston area. The Practicum provides meaningful, intensive on-the-job training in preparation for leadership positions while maintaining a student role, and offers the host organization the opportunity to train and utilize future professionals in the nonprofit and for-profit arts sectors.
During the Practicum, students are expected to work 300 hours in total, scheduled in coordination with the organization. Practicum projects may be completed during any academic semester or during summer/winter breaks. A minimum of 15 credit hours (5 courses) in the M.A. in Arts Leadership Program must be completed before the fieldwork phase begins.
- Apply separately to both programs through the UH Graduate School
- Submit all required materials for each program
- Fall Deadline: August 1 | Spring Deadline: December 1
- International applicants: See Graduate School International Admissions
Museum & Gallery Management Certificate
The Graduate Certificate in Museum and Gallery Management is a 12-credit, non-degree, synchronous online program designed for students and professionals interested in the business and administrative aspects of managing museums and galleries. Offered through the M.A. in Arts Leadership program, this certificate equips students with the practical skills needed to succeed in nonprofit museums, commercial galleries, and other cultural spaces.
Key features of the program include:
- Comprehensive training in curatorial and exhibition planning, programming, educational materials development, exhibition design and installation, and the proper handling of art objects
- Opportunities to engage with field professionals through guest lectures and site visits
- A one-week, in-person course component in Houston, including field trips and networking with working professionals
The program is open to current University of Houston graduate students and professionals with graduate degrees, regardless of academic background. Flexible online courses make it accessible to busy working professionals, while international students are welcome to apply under UH’s admission processes.
Completing the certificate provides:
- Specialization in museum and gallery management
- Advanced training not typically covered in standard degree programs
- A professional distinction added to your graduate transcript
- Complete the application form (Downloadable/Fillable PDF)
Download Application Form - Provide proof of graduate enrollment or bachelor’s degree
- Submit to arld@central.uh.edu
- Fall Deadline: August 1 | Spring Deadline: December 1
ARTS & HEALTH CERTIFICATE
The Graduate Certificate in Arts and Health is a 9-credit, non-degree, synchronous online program designed for students and professionals interested in exploring the intersection of creativity and well-being. Offered through the M.A. in Arts Leadership program, this certificate provides specialized training in the emerging field of arts and health, covering topics such as art therapy, arts in public health, compassionate care, and environmental design in healthcare settings.
The curriculum includes theoretical foundations, research methodologies, and practical applications for using the arts to enhance health and well-being in both community and clinical environments. Students participate in a one-week in-person component in Houston, where they engage in field trips and interact with professionals in the field.This program is open to current University of Houston graduate students and professionals with a graduate degree. It offers:
- Advanced training in arts and health practices
- Opportunities for continuing education and professional specialization
- A valuable distinction on your graduate transcript
- Complete the application form (Downloadable/Fillable PDF)
Download Application Form - Provide proof of graduate enrollment or bachelor’s degree
- Submit to arld@central.uh.edu
- Fall Deadline: August 1 | Spring Deadline: December 1
Community Partnerships
Students build connections with leading Houston arts organizations through internships, guest lectures, and collaborations. Initiatives such as the Arts Leadership Alumni & Student Association (ALASA) and ArtsTech HTX provide additional professional development and networking opportunities.
MA ’17
"The Arts Leadership Program is impressively crafted. My relationships with fellow M.A. students are my most valuable outcome."
– Isabelle Dom
LEARN FROM THE BEST
- Fleurette Fernando