Frequently Asked Questions: Graduate Arts Administration Program

Who should pursue a graduate degree in Arts Administration?
The M.A. in Arts Administration is intended for individuals who have an arts background or interest in the arts and are looking to further their arts management skills in the form of an advanced degree. As an online program, the University of Kentucky's Arts Administration Program is ideal for individuals currently working in the arts who wish to balance work and educational opportunities.

Why is the M.A. in Arts Administration offered online?
An online graduate program provides the time and location flexibility required for working professionals. Since students do not have to be physically present at the University of Kentucky to take any courses, they can live anywhere in the world and complete their degree without leaving home.

How much will the degree cost?
All students accepted into the online M.A. in Arts Administration program will pay in-state tuition rates. For the 2011-12 academic year those rates are $4,933 per semester for full-time students (three courses per semester). For part-time students, tuition is $519 per credit hour (up to eight credit hours per semester).

Are there any residency requirements for
the program?
The University of Kentucky's Arts Administration M.A. program is offered entirely online. Students are not required to travel to Lexington, Kentucky as a requirement of the program. However, students and potential students are welcome to visit campus to meet program faculty and staff.

When should I apply for the M.A. in Arts Administration program?
Priority review for admission to the program begins on March 15, 2013. After May 1, 2013, applications will be accepted and reviewed on a space availability basis.  The closing date for application for the 2013-14 academic year is July 15, 2013.

When are courses offered?
Graduate courses in arts administration are typically offered in the fall and spring semesters. Students who are required to complete internships may do so during
the summer.

How long does it take to complete the degree?
The M.A. program consists of 36 credit hours. Students taking courses full-time (three courses per semester) will complete their degree in two academic years. Some students opt to take courses part-time. In this case, completion time will be dependent on how many classes the student takes each semester.

How are the online courses designed?
Each course in the online M.A. is designed to engage and involve students on a weekly basis. Students participate in weekly discussions, activities and assignments. However, all of the courses are asynchronous - meaning that faculty and students do not need to be online at the same time to complete discussions and assignments. Students are able to work on their classes during the most convenient and effective personal work/study schedule for them rather than having to adhere to predetermined class
meeting times.

How long does each course take to complete?
For a three-credit hour course, students should expect to spend approximately six hours each week completing the discussions, activities and assignments. Students are expected to login and participate in the course 4-5 days
per week.

Does the program accept transfer credits?
Students may transfer a maximum of 9 graduate-level credit hours. However, the Arts Administration program must approve any transfer credits.

What technical requirements are required for the online M.A. in Arts Administration?
Online students need to have a computer and DSL, cable or any high-speed Internet connection. It is also recommended that they have a webcam and microphone/headset. Software requirements include the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and a PDF reader such as Adobe Acrobat Reader. For the AAD 600: Arts Administration Technologies, students will also need the current version of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. Current University of Kentucky students may purchase software at a significant discount.

Is a thesis required for the M.A. in Arts Administration?
Students are not required to complete a traditional master's thesis. However, students are required to complete a significant research project, under the guidance of a faculty committee, which results in a paper that describes their topic, research methods, findings
and analysis.

How do I apply for the M.A. in Arts Administration?
To apply for admission in the graduate program, you must apply to the University of Kentucky graduate school and the Arts Administration graduate program.

More information can be found at the graduate admissions page.