Visual Arts Administration (MA)

Program Description

The MA program in Visual Arts Administration prepares students to become leaders of arts organization and innovators in the field. The program explores the whole art ecology, including the cultural and economic contexts in which arts organizations operate, the role of the artist in society, the stewardship and display of works of art, and the role of art theorists, critics, curators, collectors, dealers, and publics in the global arts ecosystem. Students can take courses that delve into nonprofit (arts management) and for-profit (arts markets); most students chart "hybrid" paths across both areas, while also taking required coursework in law, accounting, strategic planning, marketing and digital strategy. The curriculum instills the creative, analytic and practical skills necessary for cultural leadership.

Special Opportunities 

Internships provide opportunities to develop relationships with art organizations in New York City through which students gain invaluable professional experience that lays the foundation for their careers. The VAA Program in collaboration with the program advisor and Department of Art and Art Professions maintains an ongoing listing of opportunities. 
Nurturing a global perspective is a focus across the curriculum in readings, case studies, and guest speakers. In New York, students benefit from the City as an international cultural laboratory and classes introduce students to galleries, alternative spaces, museums, auction rooms, and much more. The program also offers an international study-abroad seminar course. that provides graduate students with an opportunity to experience cultural expression and policies in European venues.

Career Opportunities

Graduates hold positions in a broad cross section of museums, cultural institutions, foundations, galleries, auction houses, and advisory services throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Through alumni and relationships built with internship programs, students work at institutions including: The Museum of Modern Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the Asia Society, Sotheby's, Christie's, and a wide range of galleries.

Accreditation (NASAD)

Admissions

Admission to graduate programs in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development requires the following minimum components:

• Résumé/CV
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• Transcripts
• Proficiency in English

See NYU Steinhardt's Graduate Admissions website for additional information on school-wide admission. Some programs may require additional components for admissions.

See How to Apply for admission requirements and instructions specific to this program.

Program Requirements

The program requires the completion of 51 credits, comprised of the following:

Sample Plan of Study

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the global art system, from art businesses to art museums, tracking the economic, social, and cultural processes.
2. Evaluate how artwork is valued,  interpreted, presented, documented and maintained for posterity.
3. Apply an expansive and inclusive world view that values different perspectives, identities, concerns and goals.
4. Analyze the economic, legal, ethical and policy issues in the arts sector.
5. Critique and compare international art operations and management of organizations on various scales and contexts.
6. Produce strategies for marketing, public outreach and community collaboration in the arts.
7. Synthesize business skills with theories of art management, cutting-edge strategies of communications, and new technologies aligned with professional ethics as a foundation for a meaningful career in the arts.

Policies

NYU Policies

University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.

Steinhardt Academic Policies

Additional academic policies can be found the Steinhardt academic policies page.