Overview

The Arts and Cultural Leadership programme at the University of Minnesota is designed for individuals who wish to become creative forces within the diverse ecosystem of arts and culture. Students explore the vital role that artistic expression plays in identity, community engagement, and social changemaking. This curriculum prepares graduates to lead with equity and inclusion across the nonprofit, government, and corporate sectors.

Why Arts and Cultural Leadership at the University of Minnesota?

This programme offers a deeply personalised experience, allowing students to curate their own specialisations through a wide range of graduate electives. Participants benefit from direct access to a distinguished faculty of industry experts, including executive directors and founders of prominent cultural organisations. The immersive curriculum includes a hands-on practicum, providing students with behind-the-scenes access to boards of directors, community artists, and entrepreneurial planning opportunities.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 936 per credit
National fee: USD 936 per credit
Local fee: USD 936 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum comprises 30 credits, including core requirements and self-curated electives. Modules may include:

Trends and Impacts in Arts and Cultural Leadership and Management
Creative Entrepreneurship and Resource Development
Ethical Dilemmas and Legal Issues for Cultural Leaders
Epistemologies in the 21st Century
Reimagining Cultural Leadership
Experiential Leadership Plan
Applied Research Project
Financial Management for Arts Nonprofits, Community Organisations, and Artists
Culture, Place, and Community

Careers with Arts and Cultural Leadership

Graduates are equipped for leadership roles in various creative and civic arenas. Alumni have successfully secured positions within museums, arts consultancies, education, and philanthropy. The programme prepares students for diverse professional paths, ranging from community arts and creative placemaking to media and theatre management.

Common job titles for graduates of this programme include:

Consulting Curator
Program Officer
Director of Community Partnerships
Development Manager
Public Engagement Consultant
Project Manager
Producer

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Trends and Impacts in Arts and Cultural Leadership and Management

Creative Entrepreneurship and Resource Development

Ethical Dilemmas and Legal Issues for Cultural Leaders

A Multiplicity of Ways: Epistemologies in the 21st Century

Reimagining Cultural Leadership

Experiential Leadership Plan

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-15 00:00:00
Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

110

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Minneapolis, United States

Disciplines

Visual Arts Leadership View 432 other Masters in Visual Arts in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

The university welcomes applications from students who have:

a bachelor's degree from an accredited post-secondary US institution or its international equivalent.

an undergraduate GPA of 3.0.

professional, volunteer, and/or advocacy work in the arts and cultural fields.

Professional statement: Two to three pages, double-spaced.

Two letters of recommendation are optional.

Unofficial transcripts or academic records for each institution (even if you didn’t receive a degree) should be uploaded directly to the online application.

Submit a current resume or CV (curriculum vitae).

A nonrefundable application fee must be paid on submission.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

14040 USD / year

≈ 14040 USD / year
Out-of-State

14040 USD / year

≈ 14040 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14040 USD / year

≈ 14040 USD / year

Living costs

Minneapolis

United States

1130 - 2045 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Arts and Cultural Leadership.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Minneapolis

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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