JOINT DEGREE- MASTERS OF ARTS & MBA

JOINT DEGREE IN BUSINESS & ARTS ADMINISTRATION
Meadows School of the Arts & Cox School of Business
(MA/MBA)

An Innovative Approach to Arts and Business
The SMU joint graduate degree program in Business and Arts Administration is based upon the philosophy that a successful career in arts management requires a thorough knowledge of contemporary business practices coupled with a deep appreciation for the arts.

Today, more than ever, there is both a need and a demand for skilled and resourceful administrators and managers in leadership roles in the arts. As arts organizations face increased financial and competitive pressures, it is important for them to have savvy business professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the arts at the helm.

Our innovative combination of courses in both business and the arts, as well as internships and intensive experience with arts organizations and their particular challenges, creates graduates who are well-prepared to hold leadership positions in arts, entertainment, education and non-profit organizations around the world.

“As the chief executive of a multi-million dollar arts institution, I am thankful every dday that SMU taught me business skills while helping me develop an artistic sensibility for how to wield them. Every major decision I make impacts not only my organization's bottom line but its artistic future. My education at SMU gave me the tools to make these decisions wisely.” James M. Johnson (Meadows MA & Cox MBA Class of 1988), Executive Director, New York Pops

Customize Your Learning Experience

MA/MBA Credit Hour Summary
Cox Business 48 credit hours
Meadows Arts 27 credit hours
TOTAL 75 credit hours

The Cox curriculum consists of 24 credit hours of required business core courses and 24 credit hours of business electives, for a total of 48 credit hours.

The Meadows curriculum consists of 27 hours of Arts Administration seminars that focus on fund-raising, accounting, budgeting, marketing the arts, legal issues affecting the arts, philanthropy, strategic writing and planning, and public policy. You’ll also gain real-world experience in arts management through internships with Dallas professional arts organizations, as well as a full-time internship with a national organization of your choosing. You’ll also benefit from a variety of Meadows arts electives; in the visual, performing and visual arts, which will complete your background and enhance your appreciation of the arts as a whole.

Discover a World of Resources
Underlying the academic program is an appreciation for the "practical" nature of arts administration. Because preserving and presenting quality arts experiences calls for skilled and strategic management, students are required to participate in practica at Dallas-area art organizations and a full-time summer internship in Dallas or elsewhere in the United States. These practical, hands-on experiences allow students to apply classroom knowledge in real situations, and are a highly valued element of the MA/MBA experience.

Practicum & Internship Organizations
Following is a sample of organizations that have hired SMU MA/MBA students.

• The American Association of Museums, Washington, D.C.
• Arena Stage, Washington, D.C.
• The Art Institute of Chicago
• Dallas Symphony Orchestra
• Houston Grand Opera
• Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, New York
• Lyric Opera of Chicago
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art
• The New York City Ballet
• The New York State Council of the Arts
• The Philadelphia Orchestra
• San Francisco Opera
• Seattle's Corporate Council for the Arts
• Walt Disney Theatrical Productions

Advance Your Career

Following is a sample of organizations that have hired SMU MA/MBA graduates.

• American Film Institute, Los Angeles
• American Heart Association, Dallas
• ARTEC Consultants, Inc., New York
• Boston Pops
• Capital Repertory Theatre, Albany
• Chicago Symphony
• City of St. Albert, Alberta, Canada
• Court Theater, Chicago
• Dallas Center for the Performing Arts Foundation
• Dallas Symphony Orchestra
• Dallas Theater Center
• Lyric Opera of Chicago
• Montreál Symphony Orchestra
• Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas
• New York City Opera
• New York Pops
• Pacific Symphony Orchestra, Santa Ana
• Philadelphia Orchestra
• San Diego Repertory Theater
• The Museum of Modern Art, San Francisco
• UNICEF, Zagreb, Croatia
• Walt Disney Theatrical Productions, Burbank and New York

• Application forms found in the online application
• Cover letter addressed to the MA/MBA Admissions Committee and professional résumé
• Essays (Two specific topics are required; you may submit a third optional essay ONLY to address issues not covered in required essays)  Essay 2 is a specific question addressed for MA/MBA applicants:  MA/MBA joint degree applicants must answer this question: Why have you decided to pursue a graduate program in arts administration? How will an arts management education assist you in reaching your goals? In your answers, please indicate the specific reasons you chose to apply to SMU and describe your area of arts interest. In addition, describe your most significant accomplishments and why they are important to you. (1-2 pages typed, double-spaced)
  
• GMAT score taken within the last five years
• If applicable, TOEFL score taken within the last two years (see International Students section for more information)
• Unofficial transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate degrees received (If applicable, transcripts also are required from courses taken at community college or other institutions not granting your degree)
• Two professional letters of recommendation from people who can speak to your work-related skills and abilities
• Non-refundable application fee of $75

Important Links

MA/MBA Admissions Information
Cox MBA Application
Financing your MBA
Meadows School of the Arts
Download MA/MBA Program Information Fact Sheet