MAAM Academic Program

Los Angeles serves as a cultural laboratory for the rest of the world. Issues that most concern the global community of arts and cultural policy, now and for the future, are part of the unique cultural landscape of the greater Los Angeles metropolis. Multiculturalism and diversity, the blurring lines between entertainment and art, the commercialization of culture, and the role of arts and culture in American civic discourse---these are acutely present and raise questions of great momentum. At Claremont Graduate University students are part of the dynamic culture of Los Angeles and its surrounding communities. Internships, practical research on live issues, and a faculty engaged in the community-at-large provide a unique opportunity to master the skills and knowledge required of leaders in arts and cultural management.

The Master of Arts Management (MAAM ) is designed for students with a strong background in the arts or humanities. The purpose of the program is to combine management, policy and decision-making training with advanced study in the humanities. Arts and cultural managers are required to play multiple roles in arts organizations. They function as community leaders, planners, educators, facilitators, and fund-raisers. They must know how to interpret, influence, and formulate art and cultural policies. They must know how to advocate and communicate the value and missions of an organization to diverse constituencies including artists, business people, government officers, and members of local communities. The program in arts and cultural management strives to achieve the optimal balance of advanced study in arts and cultural theory, policy, management, and hands-on experience.

The program combines training in the techniques of humanities research and writing, applied research analysis, management, policy and decision making skills. First-hand experience in the arts and cultural management field is gained through an internship to be completed after the first year. A final thesis research paper requires students to synthesize their skills and knowledge on a policy or management related problem in the area of arts and cultural management.

Course Requirements

The program consists of 12 courses for a total of 48 units. There are four required courses in management, four required courses in the humanities, and four elective courses.  Subject to faculty approval, a student may transfer up to 8 graduate-level semester units of credit towards the MAAM.

The program may be completed in two years of full-time study. A student who can demonstrate significant management training may request a waiver of one or more required courses and substitute elective courses. The student, with the help and approval of an advisor, determines the actual arrangement and sequence of courses taken. Areas of concentration include: Art History and Theory; Museum Studies; Literature and Film; Non-Fiction writing and Composition; Cultural Studies; Music Theory and History; Ethics, Policy and Philosophy; Literary Theory and Criticism; American Studies; Intellectual and Cultural History; and Oral History.

Core Courses in Management and Humanities

Drucker  (16 units)
  • The Drucker Difference (4 units)
  • Budgeting/Finance/Accounting for Nonprofits (4 units)
  • Organizational Theory and Behavior (4 units)
  • Marketing (4 units)
Arts & Humanities (16 Units)
  • Theory and Practice of Arts & Cultural Management (4 units)
  • Arts and Cultural Policy (4 units)
  • Research Technologies & Methods (one course - 4 units)
  • Final Research Paper or Arts Consulting Clinic (4 units)

 

The Executive Arts Management track: offers a special emphasis on leadership, consists of 48 units, and does not require the GRE or GMAT.

Drucker  (16 units)
  • The Drucker Difference (4 units)
  • Budgeting/Finance/Accounting for Nonprofits (4 units)
  • Organizational Theory and Behavior (2 units)
  • Marketing (2 units)
  • Choice of Leadership Course(s) (4 units)
Arts & Humanities (16 Units)
  • Theory and Practice of Arts & Cultural Management (4 units)
  • Arts and Cultural Policy (4 units)
  • Research Technologies & Methods (one course - 4 units)
  • Final Research Paper or Arts Consulting Clinic (4 units)

Research Tool

Only approved courses will satisfy this requirement. Depending on the needs and interest of the student, this may include statistics, quantitative methods, foreign language, research methods and technologies or other relevant course with approval of faculty member.

Master's Final Research Paper

The master's final research paper demonstrates the student's ability to integrate arts and cultural theory with techniques of applied research and analysis in the area of arts and cultural management. Students will select a topic of interest that reflects an understanding of key issues or challenges in the area of arts and cultural management, theory, and/or policy.

Admissions Requirements

The admissions committee reviews applicants for clear indications of leadership ability, and a strong background in the humanities. An applicant must submit a completed application, application fee, transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work completed, three letters of reference, resume, personal statement, and GMAT or GRE scores to the Admissions Office at Claremont Graduate University. Non-native speakers of English also must submit TOEFL test scores.

To Apply

Individuals with a passion for the intersection of arts and culture with effective business management are encouraged to contact Justin Evans, Admissions Coordinator for Arts & Humanities, at 909.607.1278 or justin.evans@cgu.edu.