Fine Arts

Josef V. Venker, S.J., MFA, Chair
Kevin Maifeld, MFA, Director of Arts Leadership

The Master of Fine Arts degree in Arts Leadership provides future arts leaders with an opportunity to merge the latest management practices of nonprofit organizations with the specific skills necessary to lead complex arts organizations.

MFA students work alongside arts management professionals in local performing and visual arts organizations and are able to apply their classroom learning in their practicum experiences. Course work includes strategic planning, marketing, fundraising, budgeting/finance, advocacy, program development and community relations. The blend of classroom instruction and hands-on practical experience prepares students for challenging arts leadership positions.

Classes will be taught by Fine Arts faculty as well as professional guest faculty members from the leadership of Puget Sound arts organizations. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a series of scholarly and practical activities, which will result in a combination of knowledge and experience necessary to compete in today’s job market.

Admission Requirements

Admission is competitive; the program is designed to accommodate twenty new students each year. Applicants are required to submit the following documents for consideration:

Completed Application for Graduate Admission and a non-refundable $55 application fee (waived for Seattle University alumni)
Evidence of a four-year equivalent bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
Minimum grade point average of 3.00 (GPA) calculated from official transcripts of all post-secondary educational institutions attended in last 90 quarter/60 semester credits of the bachelor’s degree, including any transfer credits earned during that time, and any post-baccalaureate course work. In special cases, those with a GPA less than a 3.00 will be admitted on a probationary basis. Applicants earning a bachelor’s degree from a non-graded institution must submit official GRE scores in lieu of GPA.
Current résumé reflecting at least two years management experience in a nonprofit organization or comparable work/volunteer experience
List of five recommenders with name, title, mailing address, phone number, and e-mail address who can comment on your professional abilities and potential for leadership in a nonprofit organization
Two-page statement describing career objectives and discussing how participation in the program will help achieve your goal
If English is not applicant’s native language, official English proficiency scores meeting the university’s entrance requirements must be submitted. See policy 2008-01 in Admissions Policies for details.