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Is MAM Right For Me?


The Master of Arts Management (MAM) program is a joint degree offered by Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College and College of Fine Arts.

MAM is a full-time, two-year professional degree program based in Pittsburgh. The program trains students to seek evidence-based solutions to problems facing the arts and cultural sector as well as associated arts education and advocacy organizations, heritage organizations, and related fields. It is the ideal fit for students with a passion for the arts who wish to ensure the strength of artistic and cultural institutions, using effective quantitative management techniques to weather the complex technological, social, and political changes affecting the industry.

Typically, MAM students have a strong connection to the arts in their backgrounds, either in the form of work experience, prior education, or artistic practice. However, such experience is not a pre-requisite; the MAM program is a degree well-suited to anyone with an interest in quantitative skills and a dedication to a career in arts management.

MAM not what you’re looking for? Return to the Program Finder.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

An unvarnished look at the life of a Heinz College student. For more, follow us on Instagram.

The hardest classes for me were in quantitative analysis—numbers, stats, financials. But the academic culture encouraged me to double down on these types of classes in a way that helped me build real proficiency. And, when I graduated, these were the skills that gave me an edge, certainly in the world of cultural organizations and museums. Samir Bitar | MAM ‘07

Curriculum & Class Profile


MAM students take classes from both Heinz College and the College of Fine Arts.

For detailed curriculum information, please visit the MAM Student Handbook.

SAMPLE SCHEDULE: MaM

Below is one possible schedule for the two-year MAM program. Actual schedules will vary depending on location and electives.

Class titles in bold are core courses. Heinz College offers a mix of full-semester (14 weeks) and half-semester courses (7 weeks) for core and elective courses. 


Year 1 - Fall SEMESTER
  • Applied Economic Analysis
  • Statistical Reasoning
  • Arts Enterprises: Structures & Strategies
  • Writing for Creative Enterprises OR Business Writing*
  • Arts Management Professional Seminar I
  • External Relations course such as Multimedia* or Telling Stories with Data*

Year 1 - Spring SEMESTER
  • Financial Statements and Analysis*
  • Introduction to Database Management*
  • Strategic Presentation Skills* 
  • Fundraising: Individual Giving*
  • Fundraising: Institutional Giving*
  • Arts Marketing and Public Relations*
  • Finance/Accounting course such as Production Accounting* or Public Financial Management*
  • Arts Management Professional Seminar II

--REQUIRED SUMMER INTERNSHIP--


Year 2 - Fall SEMESTER
  • Museum Operations* OR Producing a Performing Arts Season*
  • Introduction to Business Law for Arts Managers
  • Systems Synthesis (if not spring)
  • Organizational Design & Implementation*
  • Electives such as Leading with Equity and Inclusion* or Cultural Policy and Advocacy*

Year 2 - Spring SEMESTER
  • Exhibitions Management OR Presenting Performing Arts & Festivals*
  • Systems Synthesis (if not fall)
  • Data and Technology course such as Business Analytics for Managers* or Disruptive Technology in Arts Enterprises*
  • Theatre Management* OR Presenting Live Performances and Festivals*

WHO ARE MAM'S STUDENTS?


The average MAM class is diverse, both in terms of demographics and prior experience with the arts. Data shown reflects the last three years.

See the Admissions page for detailed admissions requirements for the MAM program.

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