Student Portfolio

Image Walking in Circles by Karen Stone Undergraduate - Sysytems Furniture Drawing by Nathan Galui by Georgette Klotz The History of the Fan by Shira Cohen by Karen Maziarz by Maria-Nefeli Stavrinidi

More Examples

New Creativity Sampler

Westphal Creativity Sampler

The New Westphal Creativity Sampler

Click to view a fast paced video sampler of our award-winning student work

Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design

Arts Administrator Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Back to top
Why should I receive an MS in Arts Administration?
Persons interested in learning the skills required for a successful senior level management career in the non-profit arts field, and are determined to become leaders in the arts world would greatly benefit from furthering their education. Our program focuses on the needs of the non-profit business community, and how to better strategically plan the future of your organization.
Back to top
What are the two assistantships offered through the program?
The two assistantships offered through Arts Administration include: Publicity and Artsline Graduate Assistants. The Publicity graduate assistant is responsible for all marketing materials regarding the concerts of the Department of Performing Arts including press releases, PSAs, performance programs, and fliers. S/he is also responsible for organizing the Madrigal Dinner and acts as the treasurer for AAGA. The Artsline graduate assistant is responsible for compiling articles, editing, and publishing the program's newsletter. S/he is also the Program Director's assistant and acts as the secretary for AAGA. For more information please contact us.
Back to top
What is the Dean's Fellowship?
Drexel University offers a fellowship program for outstanding graduate students and is open to applicants for a full-time study. The Dean's Fellowship is open to national and international students, and requires a minimum cumulative undergraduate baccalaureate GPA of 3.2. International applicants must have a minimum TOEFL score between 580 and 620. The fellowship is renewable after the first term dependent on the student's academic performance; a minimum term GPA of 3.5 is required for continued support. For more information contact financial aid at http://www.drexel.edu/financialaid/.
Back to top
When do the school terms begin?
The Arts Administration program runs on a quarterly schedule. The schedule for the 2007 - 2008 academic year is: Fall - September 24th; Winter -January 7th; Spring March 31st; and Summer June 23rd.
Back to top
Do I need to take the GRE?
The program does not require the GRE at this time.
Back to top
What TOEFL score is required of international students?
International students are required to earn a minimum of 550 on the Paper Based TOEFL or 92-93 on the International Based TOEFL in order to be accepted into Arts Administration program. However, if you have a bachelor's degree from a college or university in the United States, TOEFL scores are not required. For more information contact International Admissions.
Back to top
What are the pre-requisites for the program?
Applicants should present a resume demonstrating a strong affinity for the non-profit arts field through work, volunteer experiences, education, or special training. Undergraduate preparation must include at least one course in financial accounting, two courses in the history or literature of an art, and/or two courses in the practical or creative aspects of an art. Applicants who lack this preparation (or the equivalent) must complete work in the above areas during the first two terms in the program.
Back to top
How do I apply online?
Drexel University allows students to apply on-line by visiting their web site at https://www.applyweb.com/apply/drexel/menu.asp. Applicants must also submit letters of recommendation, transcripts, and required test scores.
Back to top
How long does it take to complete the degree?
The degree can be completed in five continuous quarters if the student started in the fall term and attends full-time. The program requires 45 credit hours.
Back to top
What size is the faculty?
The Arts Administration program has two full-time faculty members and ten adjunct faculty members. The Department of Performing Arts has nine full-time faculty members.
Back to top
When are the classes held?
All classes are held in the evening and begin at 5:30 pm or 6:00 pm.
Back to top
What is Westphal College?
Westphal College is Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design which houses the Department of Performing Arts and the Arts Administration program.
Back to top
How many students are accepted into the program each academic year?
Each academic year we accept between 17 and 20 students.
Back to top
How do you join the AAGA?
As a student in Arts Administration you are automatically a member of the student organization, AAGA, and thereby invited to all events.
Back to top
Does the program accept transfer credits?
The program does accept transfer credits; however they must be approved by the program director and all transfer credits must be at the graduate level.
Back to top
Do I have to be a fine arts major to enter the program?
Applicants do not have to be visual or performing arts majors, only about 56% of our students are fine arts majors. However, it is required that applicants take two courses in the history or literature of an art, and/or two courses in the practical or creative aspects of an art.
Back to top
How can I get involved with Research?
Our program provides ample opportunities to become involved in various research projects. We are presently working with area organizations on a common data project for Pennsylvania's non-profit arts and cultural community. If you would like to receive more information regarding Research please contact us. Our research director, Ximena Varela, will get in touch with you.
Back to top
Is a thesis required?
All students are required to complete a thesis. The paper must be an original research paper, a case study, or further analysis of a topic of the student's interest supported by existing literature.
Back to top
How long do I have to complete the thesis?
The student must complete their thesis within seven years after entering the program; however, it is highly suggested that you complete the thesis as soon as all coursework is completed.
Back to top
What are the Pew Initiatives?
The Pew Charitable Trusts worked with members of the performing and visual arts and cultural organizations to create and continually refine a group of initiatives which are designed to "foster the artistic and organizational development of these components of the Philadelphia area's rich and diverse cultural life." These organizations include: Dance Advance, Pew Fellowships in the Arts, Philadelphia Cultural Management Initiative, Philadelphia Exhibitions Initiative, Philadelphia History Exhibitions Initiative, Philadelphia Music Project, and the Philadelphia Theatre Initiative.
Back to top
What is Artsline?
Artsline is the program's newsletter. It is edited by one of our graduate assistants, and is distributed quarterly (except summer term).
Back to top
How many graduate arts administration programs are in the U.S.?
There are 25 graduate programs within the U.S. For more information regarding all arts administration programs, check out the Association of Arts Administration Educators web site at http://www.artsnet.org/aaae/.
Back to top
Where can I find information about living in Philadelphia?
The following are web sites which provide detailed information and links to area organizations: www.gophila.com, www.citysearch.com, www.philly.com, and http://www.business-services.upenn.edu/offcampusliving/.
Back to top
What organizations does the program retain membership?
Presently, the program is a member of the following organizations: Americans for the Arts, Association of Arts Administration Educators, American Association of Museums, and the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance.