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SCHOOL OF ART

ARTS LEADERSHIP

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Shaping the future of the arts through hands-on leadership training.

 

MASTER OF ARTS

The M.A. in Arts Leadership offers advanced, interdisciplinary study in the management, promotion, and sustainability of arts organizations. Designed for aspiring and current arts administrators, the program prepares students to lead across a wide range of artistic disciplines. The degree requires 36 semester credit hours, including both coursework and a professional internship.

The program consists of:

  • 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

All students will be required to complete a Practicum within an established, professional arts organization in in the greater Houston area. The Practicum provides the student with a meaningful, intensive on-the-job training experience in preparation for a leadership position while maintaining a student role, and provides the host organization with the opportunity to train and utilize future professionals in the non-profit and for-profit arts sectors. During the Practicum, the student is expected work 300 hours on the identified project in total. Time spent on the project should be divided however it works best for the student and the organization. Practicum projects can be completed at any time during the academic semesters of the M.A. program or during the summer/winter breaks. A minimum of 15 credit hours (5 courses) must be completed within the M.A. in Arts Leadership Program before the student undertakes the actual fieldwork, although the planning phase may begin earlier.

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 vibrant 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.

The dual degree program broadens career opportunities by combining creative practice with leadership skills, all within a vibrant and diverse academic and cultural community. Whether you’re a visual artist, musician, or performer, it prepares you to excel both in your craft and in shaping the future of the arts.

All students will be required to complete a Practicum within an established, professional arts organization in in the greater Houston area. The Practicum provides the student with a meaningful, intensive on-the-job training experience in preparation for a leadership position while maintaining a student role, and provides the host organization with the opportunity to train and utilize future professionals in the non-profit and for-profit arts sectors. During the Practicum, the student is expected work 300 hours on the identified project in total. Time spent on the project should be divided however it works best for the student and the organization. Practicum projects can be completed at any time during the academic semesters of the M.A. program or during the summer/winter breaks. A minimum of 15 credit hours (5 courses) must be completed within the M.A. in Arts Leadership Program before the student undertakes the actual fieldwork, although the planning phase may begin earlier.

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

Delivered online with flexible, synchronous learning, the program is designed to accommodate busy professionals and international students.

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 their 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.

LEARN FROM THE BEST

  • Fleurette Fernando