Laurie A. Cumbo, 1999 Alumna, MA Program in Visual Arts Administration The Curriculum
The program requires 51 points of course work for graduation. Courses are offered on a rotating basis so that part-time students can finish the program in three years. Students take entry-level business courses at the NYU Leonard N. Stern School of Business and the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service and fulfill at least 3 points of internships with a range of sponsors, including galleries, museums, and other arts organizations. The course sequence is determined by advisement and tailored to the needs of each individual student.
In addition to business and internship re-quirements, students in both areas of the program must complete a substantial, well-researched master’s thesis. Research focuses on a particular interest or issue in the visual arts administration field; this is a two-semester sequence that begins with an interactive seminar. Students complete the thesis during their last semester in the program.
An international study abroad seminar is also offered that provides graduate students, alumni of arts administration programs, and arts management professionals with a unique opportunity to observe exciting changes in the visual and performing arts in a broad range of European venues. Students explore current cultural and social issues affecting international arts practices in both nonprofit and for-profit institutions.