Virginia Tech University

Arts Administration

213 Performing Arts Building
Virginia Tech (0141)
Blacksburg, VA 24061
United States
Main Phone: 540/231-1854
Main E-Mail: mccann@vt.edu

Degree/Credential: Graduate (MFA)
Web Site: http://www.sota.vt.edu

Program Director: JMcCann [link available to AAAE members only]

---

Program Goals and Objectives

The graduate program at Virginia Tech is designed for students who desire a rigorous self-directed approach to building core leadership competencies in pursuit of careers in the professional arts and cultural arena. The program has three interrelated components that require students to challenge assumptions, acquire knowledge, and develop their own philosophy about the role of arts and culture in the community and the role of the leader in the life of a creative institution.

The curriculum consists of a number of courses within the School of the Arts, the College of Architecture and Urban Affairs, and the Pamplin College of Business. A 20-hour per-week assistantship provides "hands-on" experience in the producing and marketing of School of the Arts productions, exhibits, and special programs. And a series of field experiences (including a full semester internship) fosters a deep understanding of the professional arts environment. Additionally, the students work closely with the Director of the Program on numerous national projects of the Institute for Cultural Policy and Practice (www.sota.vt.edu/iccp/) that is also housed within the School of the Arts.

The core values of the program are:

    * A desire for, and a respect for diversity
    * A stimulating, positive, and varied learning environment
    * Self directed learning
    * High standards
    * Responsiveness to the "creative process"

---

Administration of the Program

The program is directed by Associate Professor John McCann, a former executive in the non-profit arts sector, who serves currently as Co-director of the Institute for Cultural Policy and Practice, and maintains an active engagement with the field as a consultant, facilitator, and researcher.

The School of the Arts at Virginia Tech is comprised of the departments of art and art history, music and theatre arts. These departments present and/or produce more than 150 events annually. These include visits/residencies of numerous artists and administrators from across the country. Graduate arts administration students support the producing and marketing of these programs through their participation in an assistantship.

---

Curriculum

Since the program is designed to support the learning requirements of diverse students, the curriculum offerings are by nature quite broad. Current and past students have benefited from such courses as: Community Involvement, Collaborative Processes and Civil Societies, Theory and Practice of Planning, Public and Non Profit Management, Organizational Behavior, Labor Management Relations, and Entrepreneurial Leadership. In addition to these offerings, each student has a weekly tutorial with the Director and a weekly graduate seminar designed around current topics confronting leaders in the arts and cultural sector.

Each student participates in a one-semester internship within an organization of his or her choice.

Each student is required to complete a final project (writing a thesis, developing a case study, or producing an event/exhibit or program). The graduate student and the Director determine specifics of the final project on a case by case basis.

---

Admissions

Interested candidates should forward a cover letter, statement of interest, and resume to the office of the Director. Email submissions are encouraged. Those seeking admission must submit the following to the Virginia Tech Graduate School (www.vt.edu):

   1. A completed, signed application to the Graduate School
   2. Official transcripts of all college-level work
   3. Three letters of recommendation

Successful candidates must also exhibit an appropriate level of experience indicating the desire and ability to complete the degree requirements and to thrive in a self-directed environment.

Each student admitted to the program will be engaged in a $10,000 per annum assistantship. All tuition costs are waived.