Department of Arts Administration

Administration
Brenda Johnston, MAM, Department Chair

Associate Professor
Brenda Johnston, MAM

Instructor
Lewis Ricci, MA

Department Website
www.butler.edu/jordan-arts/undergraduate-programs/arts-administration/

Arts administration is a course of study that prepares undergraduate students for a future in the management of not-for-profit arts and community organizations. The program provides a robust multi-faceted approach that includes a strong undergraduate liberal arts education, a basic understanding of the business world, substantive arts administration-specific courses, and a comprehensive education in the disciplines of the arts. Required experiential learning opportunities and internships provide essential workplace training and education. Careers include jobs in management, special events, volunteer coordination, fundraising, marketing, public relations, arts education programming, and facilities management.

Arts Administration at Butler

Multidisciplinary approach integrating dance, music, theatre, and visual arts with current issues in arts management
Educational relationships with local cultural organizations, professional artists, educators, and administrators
Hands-on learning that integrates classroom instruction with workplace practice
Strong emphasis on community engagement
In-depth experience in the student’s chosen art form
National internship placements
Study-abroad opportunities
Comprehensive liberal arts education
Distinguished faculty of experienced arts administrators
Cross-campus business instruction led by experts in their respective fields (public relations, economics, accounting, management, and more)
One of the earliest and most comprehensive undergraduate arts administration programs in the nation

Mission

The mission of the Arts Administration Department is to provide undergraduate students from all backgrounds with a strong liberal arts foundation; education in not-for-profit administration, business, and strategic communication; and comprehensive study in the arts. Through our faculty, curriculum, and experiential learning, we provide our students with opportunities that are diverse in thought, scope, and culture with a focus on community.

Arts Administration Student Learning Outcomes

Understand the purposes, values, and essential operations of not-for-profit arts organizations and demonstrate this knowledge in practical applications
Communicate how experiences inside and outside the classroom have shaped personal development and career aspirations
Communicate coherently, effectively, and creatively in both written and oral formats
Exhibit an understanding of technology used in not-for-profit organizations
Demonstrate an understanding of the creative process and how art and artists function in society
Develop an expansive and inclusive world view of arts and culture that values different global perspectives, identities, concerns, and goals

Degree Programs

Bachelor of Science in Arts Administration (BS)
Bachelor of Science in Arts Administration–Art (BS)
Bachelor of Science in Arts Administration–Art History (BS)
Bachelor of Science in Arts Administration–Music (BS)
Bachelor of Science in Arts Administration–Theatre (BS)
See Department of Dance–Degree Programs for Bachelor of Science in Dance (Arts Administration) (BS)

Programs

Major

Courses

Arts Administration