Online M.A. in Arts and Nonprofit Leadership

Combining nonprofit business and arts management strategies holistically to prepare graduates to lead more effectively.

SMU’s Master of Arts in Arts and Nonprofit Leadership bridges artistic disciplines with essential business leadership skills to prepare students to excel in arts and nonprofit management.

This online, 30-credit-hour graduate degree program distinguishes itself through its interdisciplinary curriculum, which combines arts management, nonprofit leadership, and business principles to provide students with a holistic understanding of the nonprofit sector.

Students are empowered with real-world applications of arts management and nonprofit leadership tactics combined with a curriculum tailored for working professionals interested in continuing their careers while acquiring knowledge and leadership skills for both the arts and broader, nonprofit contexts including culture, heritage, humanitarian aid, education, advocacy and social impact.

PRIORITY APPLICATION DEADLINE: October 1, 2024

Apply by the priority deadline to waive your $75 application fee.

REGULAR APPLICATION DEADLINE: December 1, 2024

Who Will Benefit?

This program is ideal for art-centric individuals who seek to empower themselves in the arts administration and nonprofit leadership job market. Current arts and nonprofit professionals seeking new development opportunities can also leverage this advanced education to adapt to changes in their associated industry and boost career prospects.

Individuals with an arts background who are looking to translate their experience to the nonprofit sector
Creative professionals who desire a deeper understanding of nonprofit leadership
Nonprofit professionals wanting more relevant skills to help navigate the evolving nonprofit landscape
International students wanting the opportunity to understand arts and nonprofit management
Individuals who have a passion for nonprofits and the arts

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Master of Arts in Arts and Nonprofit Leadership program are prepared for a wide range of leadership roles within the arts and nonprofit sectors. Career paths may include executive director positions, leadership roles within program management, fundraising and development, arts administration, community outreach, and more.

The skills and knowledge gained through the M.A. in Arts and Nonprofit Leadership are designed to help fill gaps that are often missing in traditional arts programs, such as developing long-term strategic plans, marketing your brand, managing finances, monitoring legal and tax issues, and more. This expertise can help graduates qualify for positions within the nonprofit and arts management fields, including:

Arts-Specific Job Titles

Event Organizer
Special Events Coordinator
Gallery Manager
Cultural Affairs Officer
Artist Production Manager
Marketing Officer

Nonprofit Leadership and Management Job Titles

Fundraising Director/Manager
Community Outreach Coordinator
Regulatory Affairs Director/Manager
Executive Director
Managing Director
Operations Officer

Program Overview

Earn this master’s degree in as quick as 20 months by completing two courses per session*.

The M.A. in Arts and Nonprofit Leadership curriculum includes 10 required courses, each 15 weeks long, with each course being three credit hours.

YEAR 1, SESSION 1

Navigating the Arts and Nonprofit Sector: Principles and Practice - Students explore nonprofit rationale, leadership principles, and potential for social impact within the broader landscape of nonprofit organizations in the United States.

Financial Stewardship in Nonprofit Organizations - Students develop acumen in financial management practices tailored to nonprofit organizations.

YEAR 1, SESSION 2

Data-Driven Decision Making for Arts and Nonprofit Leaders - Students learn data analysis and visualization skills tailored for nonprofit contexts with additional program topics including data ethics, AI, program evaluation and tools needed for effective data storage and analysis.

Strategies for Arts and Nonprofit Resource Mobilization - Students learn skills and strategies essential for securing nonprofit funding and resources vital to organizational viability.

YEAR 1, SESSION 3

Revenue Generation and Program Innovation in Arts and Nonprofits - Students investigate inventive approaches for marketing and generating earned revenue within nonprofit organizations.

Building Bridges: Effective Communication in Arts and Nonprofit Leadership - Students apply principles of strategic communication and stakeholder engagement tailored to nonprofit organizations while underscoring the importance of navigating political, social and economic landscapes as an essential aspect of effective nonprofit leadership.

YEAR 2, SESSION 1

Social Solutions and Entrepreneurship in Nonprofits - Students investigate principles of creative entrepreneurship, design thinking, venture funding and social innovation models specifically tailored to nonprofit organizations.

Management and Governance of Nonprofit Institutions – Students are offered comprehensive coverage of nonprofit governance, compliance and organizational management.

YEAR 2, SESSION 2

Arts and Nonprofit Leadership Capstone Project with Leadership Intensive - Students apply knowledge and skills acquired in previous courses to address real-world challenges in the arts and nonprofit sector and will collaborate with nonprofit organizations to develop strategic solutions and showcase leadership potential in a culminating project.

Strategic Leadership and Transformation in Arts and Nonprofit Organizations - Students will utilize case studies and collaborative group projects for application and preparation for leadership roles in the nonprofit sector.

*Timeline based on students enrolling full-time (2 courses per session) for five consecutive sessions.

FAQs

SMU's reputation for academic excellence and its commitment to personalized student support contribute to the program's overall quality and effectiveness.

Students are expected to have access to a computer capable of running contemporary graphics software: Minimum 8 MB RAM, recommended 16MB or higher. Minimum 4GB VRAM, recommended 8GB or higher.

Applicants holding a four-year equivalent degree from an appropriately accredited college or university are eligible to apply for admission.

Prospective students must meet the minimum requirements for entry into the program based upon the following criteria:

Résumé - You should submit a résumé that addresses your professional history as well as your educational and career interests.
Transcripts - Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. If your academic transcripts are not in English, you must submit a notarized, official English translation.
Interview - After submission of your application, you must conduct a short online interview with a program team member.
References - Two professional references must be provided. At least one of them should be from a current or recent supervisor.

Prospective students who submit their application by the priority application deadline are eligible to waive their $75 application fee.

Spring Session
Priority Deadline: October 1
Regular Deadline: December 1

Summer Session
Priority Deadline: February 1
Regular Deadline: April 1

Fall Session
Priority Deadline: May 1
Regular Deadline: August 1

Speak with a Student Success representative for more details about the program, application process, admissions requirements and more.

Ready To Take The Next Step? Apply Now

Have questions? Call 469-619-9940

Meet the Program Director

Megan Heber

Professor in Arts Management & Nonprofit Leadership
Director, Career Engagement and Community Outreach, MA/MBA, MMIAM
Director, CCPA Graduate Programs
Corporate Communication and Public Affairs

Heber is currently the professor of practice in arts management and nonprofit leadership at SMU’s Division of Corporate Communication and Public Affairs (CCPA). In 2020, Heber was selected as a Business Council for the Arts Obelisk Award Winner for her extraordinary support of arts and culture in North Texas. She was also named as one of “30 Under 40” by her undergraduate alma mater, Rowan University.