Creative Enterprise and Cultural Leadership, MA

Program Overview

Through hands-on experiences and collaboration with professionals, graduates develop leadership skills, explore the intersection of art and social change, and prepare for careers in arts management, cultural entrepreneurship, and civic engagement.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The MA program in Creative Enterprise and Cultural Leadership prepares students to become agents of change who leverage art and design to build a more just and sustainable future. It emphasizes the impact of art and culture on social, political, and economic structures, empowering graduates to lead innovative initiatives and enterprises in the creative sector.

Key Objectives:

• Equip students with critical perspectives and leadership skills to navigate the creative landscape.
• Foster collaboration and innovation through hands-on experiences and engagement with leading professionals.
• Explore the intersection of art and social impact, focusing on the role of creativity in driving change.
• Develop expertise in arts management, civic practice, creative placemaking, and innovative leadership.

Outline:

Structure and Content:

• Program Structure: The program comprises 30 credit hours, including coursework, a comprehensive exam, and a capstone applied project.
• Coursework: Students engage in a mix of core and elective courses, focusing on areas such as leadership, entrepreneurship, social impact, urban futures, nonprofit management, and policy.
• Focus Areas: Tailoring the program to individual interests and career goals is facilitated by choosing a focus area and selecting specific courses within that area.
• Capstone Project: The program culminates in a comprehensive applied project, which can be research-based or involve launching a new initiative or enterprise.

Sample Course Descriptions:

• GRA 501 Creative Environment and Collaborative Leadership: Explores creative leadership models and strategies for fostering collaborative environments.
• HDA 511 Purpose, Collaboration and Accountability: Examines the role of purpose, collaboration, and ethical decision-making in creative enterprises.
• HDA 514 Creativity and Impact, Opportunities for Change: Investigates the role of creativity and innovation in driving social impact and creating positive change.
• IVD 560 Innovation Studio I: Discovery and Insight: Provides hands-on experience with design thinking and innovation methodologies to solve complex challenges.

Assessment:

• Evaluation Methods: Student learning is assessed through a variety of methods, including assignments, presentations, projects, exams, and the final applied project.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program utilizes a diverse range of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, workshops, simulations, case studies, guest speakers, and field trips.
• Faculty: The program boasts a team of highly qualified faculty members with extensive experience in diverse fields like art administration, entrepreneurship, social impact, and creative leadership.
• Unique Approaches: The program emphasizes experiential learning and engagement with real-world projects and challenges.
This fosters collaboration, innovation, and critical thinking skills development.

Careers:

• Career Paths: Graduates are equipped to pursue diverse careers in various sectors, including arts management, cultural entrepreneurship, creative placemaking, civic engagement, nonprofit leadership, and policy development.
• Career Opportunities: Specific examples of possible careers include arts managers, civic leaders, cultural entrepreneurs, business leaders, cultural producers, and project managers in creative industries.
• Career Outcomes: The program prepares graduates to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape by equipping them with the skills and knowledge to lead innovative initiatives, manage complex organizations, and contribute to a more just and sustainable world through the power of art and culture.

Other:

• Accelerated Option: The program offers an accelerated option for eligible students, allowing them to complete both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
• Focus Areas:
• Creative Placemaking and Placekeeping
• Civic Practice
• Cross-Sector Work and New Business Models
• Application Requirements:
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Letters of recommendation.
• Letter of intent outlining career goals and suitability for the program.
• Professional resume.
• Example of academic or professional work demonstrating skills and potential.
• Application Process:
• Submit an online application and all required materials.
By equipping students with critical thinking, leadership skills, and a deep understanding of the creative landscape, the program prepares graduates to become leaders, innovators, and agents of change in various fields.