Academic Programs - University of Houston
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Arts Leadership

Academic Programs

  • Master of Arts

    The graduate program in Arts Leadership will provide advanced study in the management and promotion of arts organizations across artistic disciplines.

  • Dual Degree Program

    The dual degree options present a unique opportunity for performers, studio artists, and scholars to combine discipline-specific arts practices with the field of professional arts administration. 

  • Arts and Health Certificate

    The graduate certificate in Arts and Health combines the fine and performing arts into the areas of health, healthcare and well-being.

  • Museum and Gallery Management Certificate

    Museum management is transferable across various types of museums, including children’s museums, history museums, natural science museums, etc. 

Select Arts Leadership Courses

  • Fundamentals and Strategic Planning for the Arts

    The importance of planning and decision making, creation of mission, vision and value statements is critical to prospering in the arts. A complete strategic plan will address the importance of strategic thinking, change management and leadership.

  • Fundraising for the Arts

    Students are introduced to basic terminology and concepts in the field; relationship building, the solicitation process, the grants process, major gifts process, the annual campaign, corporate giving and the role of planned giving within an organization’s overall fundraising efforts.

  • Leading Change

    Change management is difficult but rewarding. Effectively leading change within arts organizations requires a keen understanding of what it means to truly influence both people and outcomes, and how to best assert one’s own unique leadership stance for the biggest positive impact. 

  • Technology and the Arts 

    Technology is critical to contemporary arts. This course explores intersections of art and technology across interdisciplinary practices. Through readings, viewings, projects, critiques, and guest presentations, students examine technologically mediated art as well as new media and research.

Advisors

  • Prospective Students

    Kelly Ibarra
    Admissions Manager
    kibarra@uh.edu 

  • Current Students

    Jason Barkemeyer
    Director of Academic Affairs and Student Success
    jpbarkemeyer@uh.edu

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“I was always a supporter of asking the right questions. But, as I created my own nonprofit organization, I didn’t know what questions to ask. The Arts Leadership Program taught me what questions to ask and how to show myself how to ask more. To draw from the fictional character Agent Starling, I can once again take the high powered finger of perception and point back at myself. I can now look both outside and inside to improve myself and my organization.” Dane Manuel (’11, MA ’15)