Master of Fine Arts in Arts Leadership

The Master of Fine Arts degree in Arts Leadership is a collaboration between the Department of Fine Arts and the Center for Nonprofit and Social Enterprise Management (Nonprofit Leadership). The program 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; all MFAL students meet weekly to share and discuss their practicum experience. 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 and Nonprofit Leadership 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 fifteen 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.