
The Master of Arts in Performing Arts Administration is designed to hone the skills of current and aspiring administrators and to cultivate the next generation of great professionals within the field. Students in this selective program will take a broad range of courses in the areas of marketing, public relations, finance, development, technology, community engagement and more. Course work is taught by current and former senior administrators of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and League of American Orchestras, among others, all of whom have firsthand knowledge and experience in the field.
This is a one-year program taught online during the traditional academic year (fall and spring semesters), with two weeks on campus during the summer prior to and after the academic year. This program is taught predominantly online, all in one year, and by practitioners in the field. This allows students maximum flexibility and to learn from professionals with first-hand knowledge of what it takes to be successful in the marketplace. There is also a two-year part time option.
Courses are varied and broad, encompassing several aspects of performing arts administration. Topics include: Organizational Behavior and the Artistic Component
At the end of the MA coursework, students are assigned a case study which poses a unique set of challenges. Students are given four weeks to create a written plan of action to address those challenges. This project culminates in an oral defense of their recommendations. This project presents students with real world scenarios and the opportunity to hone their skill set within this field.
MA in Performing Arts Administration students may pursue the degree full-time or part-time. With the exception of two required in-person summer sessions, this degree program is entirely online, making it possible for students to work full time both in the Chicago area and across the country.
Sample Course Map (Full Time, 1 year program)
Summer Session #1 (Two weeks on-campus)
Fall Semester Assigned Reading (self-paced)
Fall Semester (online)
Spring Semester Assigned Reading (self-paced)
Spring Semester (online)
Capstone Project (written portion near end of spring semester)
Summer Session #2 (Two weeks on-campus)
The Master of Arts in Performing Arts Administration at CCPA is unique; it is an intense one-year curriculum, taught by the practitioners who lead the most prestigious institutions in the country. Graduates of the program are positioned to become the leaders of tomorrow, equipped to raise the artistic and financial performance of performing arts institutions worldwide
All applicants must submit a Graduate application and all required supplemental items to be considered for admission.
All applicants must submit a secondary application via GetAcceptd.com. Included in this submission will be your professional resume.