Western Michigan University’s Arts Administration program is a 57-credit hour major designed for students pursuing leadership and administrative positions in 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 and is designed to facilitate double-majoring or a minor using cognate courses. Courses of study can be customized with the approval of the Director of Arts Administration. 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.

No minor required.