UK First Public University to Launch Online Master's in Arts Administration
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 24, 2012) – The University of Kentucky announces the launch of a new Master of Arts degree in arts administration created to prepare students for leadership roles in arts organizations. Beginning in the fall of 2013, the new master's degree will be the first completely online graduate program in arts administration offered in the United States at a public university. The 36-credit hour graduate degree is designed to educate and inspire students to excel as the next generation of arts leaders.
"As the arts sector in the United States and internationally grows, the need for arts administration programs to provide training and skill development for the next generation of arts leaders also grows. There are over 325,000 museums, galleries and performing arts organizations in the United States that employ over 1.3 million arts workers. Increasingly, these organizations seek trained arts administration professionals with vision and leadership skills. Our new MA (Master of Art) in arts administration offers a specialized curriculum to prepare arts leaders for the 21st century," said Michael Tick, dean of the UK College of Fine Arts.
The program’s curriculum includes 12 courses covering topics such as management and leadership, marketing, fundraising, arts and the law, financial management, and social and cultural entrepreneurship. The program also focuses on the use of arts administration technologies with a dedicated course on the topic, as well as using appropriate technology in every course curriculum.
“Our program has been designed with a student-centered philosophy. Our team of faculty and instructional technologists has created a learning environment that supports student-faculty and peer interaction, engagement and networking. The program is designed to create a community for our students and allows them to make connections with peers and colleagues regardless of location,” said Rachel Shane, assistant professor in arts administration.
UK’s Master of Arts in arts administration provides unique benefits to its students. The online program offers the time and location flexibility necessary for working professionals to be able to balance work, school and personal obligations. Additionally, the master's degree is exceptionally affordable. "All accepted students will pay UK in-state tuition rates regardless of where they live. This unique tuition model allows the University of Kentucky to provide the highest quality educational experience to the most qualified applicants from across the country and around the world," said Michael Braun, program director of the UK Arts Administration Program.
Pending final approval by the Board of Trustees, applications for the inaugural class will be accepted beginning Jan. 15, 2013, through the UK Graduate School. For more information on the program, contact artsadministration@uky.edu.
UK is the Commonwealth’s flagship, research institution with an enrollment of approximately 28,000 students. Since 1988, the UK Arts Administration Program has been offering one of the most comprehensive and respected undergraduate curriculums in the country. In its 25th year, the program will launch the first online Master of Art in Arts Administration at a public university.
MEDIA CONTACT: Whitney Hale, (859) 257-8716
or whitney.hale@uky.edu
