University Center for the Arts
(970) 491-3746
artsmanagement.colostate.edu

This Special Academic Unit (SAU) within the College of Liberal Arts, offers the degree of Master in Arts Leadership and Cultural Management. This degree is offered residentially, online, and hybrid. This program is included in the Accelerated Masters Programs within the Graduate School.

Arts Management at the LEAP Institute for the Arts believes knowledge of the arts and cultures of our world is the foundation for a career in the arts, opening possibilities for leadership, entrepreneurship, successful advocacy, and transformative public engagement. Students completing the degree will be able to meet the rising demand for skilled leaders and experienced management professionals who possess acumen in creative enterprises. This program covers a broad range of knowledge areas such as arts policy, advocacy, disaster planning in the creative economy, technology impacts, law and the arts, event management, project planning, community engagement, and financial structures in the arts, all applicable to careers in multiple arts sectors. In addition, this program emphasizes higher-level, transferable skills for lifelong career advancement.

What can you do with an Arts Management degree?

The demand for creative people with entrepreneurial and administrative skills is on the rise. Arts organizations seek creative leaders who can think differently, integrate knowledge across disciplines, spot and solve problems, and generate creative new ideas.

Possible Career Options

Artistic Director, Executive Director, Production Manager, Creative Strategies, Public Art & Cultural Commissions, Director of Operations, Program and Project Directors, Festival Manager, Development Director, Special Events Coordinator, Exhibition Planner, Financial Manager, Box Office Manager, Community and Corporate Relations, Manager of Artistic Outreach, Donor Relations Manager, Grants Manager, Director of Patron Services, Facility Manager, Volunteer Coordinator, Convention Planner, Community Advocacy, Non-profit administration, Project Assistant, Operations Manager, Arts and Social Justice Leader, International Arts Organization Administrator, Fine Arts and Performing Arts Teacher, Fine Arts Administration, Education Coordinator

The Master's Degree in Arts Leadership and Cultural Management is a 4 semester, 32-credit program. This degree offers two internships within the program of study. The degree is offered as both a residential a fully online or hybrid program. Information about the program is at artsmanagement.colostate.edu. Contact us for information on admissions at leap_csu@colostate.edu or call us at (970) 491-3746.

Effective Fall 2023 

Plan of Study Grid
First YearCredits
LEAP 500Intro to Arts Leadership and Management3
LEAP 600Arts Policy and Advocacy3
LEAP 687Internship3
LEAP 692Internship Seminar1
Electives (see list below)16
 Total Credits16
Second Year
LEAP 650Arts Events Management3
LEAP 660Community Engagement in the Arts3
LEAP 670Law and the Arts3
Electives (see list below)17
 Total Credits16
 Program Total Credits:32

A minimum of 32 credits are required to complete this program.

Electives 

LEAP 510Creative Industries Career Management3
LEAP 520Technology in Arts Management3
LEAP 540Financial Structures in Arts Management3
LEAP 620Research Methodology for Arts Managers3
LEAP 640Portfolio Creation for Arts Managers1
LEAP 687Internship 23
LEAP 692Internship Seminar 21
1

Electives can be chosen from LEAP course offerings or from approved courses throughout the university, selected in consultation with an advisor.

2

May be taken twice to fulfill the degree program.