Mar 29, 2024  
Undergraduate Catalog 2020-21 
    
Undergraduate Catalog 2020-21 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Arts Administration - Bachelor of Arts (57 hours)


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Western Michigan University’s Arts Administration program is designed for students pursuing leadership and administrative positions in theatre and other arts and cultural organizations and for those interested in connecting audiences to the arts. The core curriculum provides students with foundational courses in performing and/or visual arts, and courses specific to the management of theatres, and arts and cultural organizations that develop skills in arts programming, marketing, communication, fundraising, finance, venue management, and audience engagement. The curriculum allows flexibility for students to choose elective courses tailored to their strengths and interests in the field. Courses of study can be customized with the approval of the Director of Theatre Arts Management. Practical application is emphasized through hands-on experiences within WMU and the local arts industry.

Beyond the classroom

As an arts administration student at WMU, you will be expected to participate as an arts administrator in the theatre production program each year, which will serve as a laboratory for some of your practical application experiences. You will have many opportunities to engage in various administrative and management roles within the Department of Theatre or other arts organizations on campus and throughout the Kalamazoo community.

All students will complete 21 credits in a chosen Fine Arts discipline (Art, Dance, Music, or Theatre)


At least 15 credits must be in a single department. At least 2 different departments must be represented within the total 21 credits required. All of this course work will be selected in collaboration with and approved by the advisors in each discipline and the Director of Theatre Arts Management.

Additionally, all students will complete the following 12 credits:


Practicum/internship


Practicum and professional internship placement can be in chosen arts discipline (Art, Dance, Music, or Theatre).

In addition to the 33 hours of required core courses in an arts discipline:


Arts Administration students must select 24 credit hours from recommended courses from the College of Business, the School of Public Affairs and Administration, and the School of communication. Relevant courses from other departments may be chosen but require approval.

No minor required.

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