Bachelor's Degree in Arts Administration
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
The BA in Arts Administration at the University of Kentucky prepares students to thrive at the intersection of creativity and strategy. Whether managing music festivals, running galleries, directing community arts programs, or launching creative ventures, graduates are equipped to lead in both nonprofit and for-profit arts sectors. Students develop essential skills in audience development, financial management, team leadership, and arts marketing while gaining practical experience through internships, applied projects, and industry partnerships.
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts in Arts Administration at the University of Kentucky blends a passion for the arts with essential leadership and business acumen. This interdisciplinary program prepares students to manage, promote, and sustain arts and cultural organizations across both nonprofit and for-profit sectors including museums, theaters, festivals, music venues, and community-based institutions.
Through coursework in arts management, marketing, finance, and event planning, students gain the tools to operate effectively at the intersection of creativity and commerce. Hands-on learning is a cornerstone of the program: all Arts Administration majors are required to complete at least six credit hours of internship experience. These internships strengthen professional competencies and provide valuable real-world experience in arts and cultural organizations.
Related Careers
Graduates are well-prepared for careers as arts administrators, event coordinators, development officers, marketing managers, and more. This program empowers individuals to become advocates and leaders who make a lasting impact in the cultural sector.
- Arts Program Manager
- Event Producer (for festivals, agencies, or venues)
- Marketing Manager (Arts or Entertainment Industry)
- Communications Director
- Audience Development Specialist
- Development Officer (Fundraising)
- Grant Writer
- Education and Outreach Coordinator
- Community Arts Manager
- Finance or Operations Manager
- Gallery or Exhibition Manager
- Public Relations Specialist
- Social Media Manager (Creative Agencies or Artists)
- Talent or Artist Manager
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What You'll Learn
The Bachelor of Arts in Arts Administration combines business, leadership, and the arts to prepare students for dynamic careers in the creative and cultural sector. Through coursework in marketing, fundraising, nonprofit management, event planning, and arts entrepreneurship, students develop the practical skills needed to manage and support a wide range of artistic organizations. With opportunities for interdisciplinary learning and hands-on internships, graduates are equipped to contribute meaningfully in museums, theaters, arts councils, art galleries, music producers, entertainment firms, and other creative enterprises. Expand the menu below to view a sample curriculum plan.
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Get a Head Start with an
Accelerated Pathway
This program is part of the Accelerated Master's Pathways program. If you plan to obtain a related master's degree, this program can save you time and money with dual credit hours when you sign up.
Admission Requirements
- Official High School Transcript with Pre-College Curriculum: View transcript requirements on the Undergraduate Admission webpage.
- Test Scores (optional): ACT or SAT scores can be submitted but are not required for university admission.
Any "Program Specific Requirements" that display below are specific to the program and will be required for admission to the program.
Application Requirements
Completed applications include an official high school transcript, application fee ($50 domestic/$60 international) and optional official ACT/SAT score (the University of Kentucky is test-optional for admission and scholarships through the 2028-29 academic year).
Program Specific Requirements
Students apply and enter this program as "Pre-Arts Administration" majors. Students are fully admitted to the program when they complete the pre-major requirements. View specifics in the Academic Catalog.
Application Deadlines
Freshman
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Early Action
- 12/01/2025 Apply early to be considered for Lewis Honors College, scholarships, or on-campus living.
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Regular Decision
- 02/15/2026
Transfer
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Fall Scholarship
- 06/15/2025 Apply early to be considered for scholarships.
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Fall
- 08/01/2025
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Spring
- 11/15/2025
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Summer
- 04/15/2025
"I love the fact that it combines something I'm good at, business and marketing, with something I truly love, music and the arts. It's made me more involved on campus by getting me to go to Gallery Hops and working other events, and it opens the door to a world of opportunities after graduation."
Jessica Kral
Arts Administration
Explore Financial Aid Options
Undergraduate degree-seeking students have access to a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans, designed to make education more affordable.
Program Specific Funding Opportunities
The Department of Arts Administration has limited funds available for outstanding students in the BA in Arts Administration. These partial scholarships are competitively based on academic performance. Students wishing to apply for a departmental scholarship, should review the guidelines and access the application on the College of Fine Arts website (https://finearts.uky.edu/arts-administration/undergraduate-funding-and-…).
Tuition Rate
For residents of the states listed below, this program qualifies you to receive the University of Kentucky's in-state tuition rate through the Academic Common Marketplace.
Alabama
Arkansas
Louisiana
Maryland
Tennessee
Virginia
West Virginia
Expand Your Learning
Did you know college graduates with at least three internships are more likely to receive full-time job offers? Experiential learning opportunities like internships provide college credit, helps students define specific career interests, and practice what they've learned in their Arts Administration courses.
Arts Administration students, have the flexibility to tailor their experiential learning requirements to their interests. Students can choose from opportunities at the University of Kentucky, internship experiences from throughout the country (and even some abroad), or by designing and completing your own project. Regardless of the path, all internship experiences are supervised by practicing arts administrators and Arts Administration faculty at UK.
Get Involved!
Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
Join the Creative Arts Living Learning Program
Live with and learn from other creative-minded students at UK! Plus, gain access to dedicated practice spaces and studios right where you live.
Get More Information
Complete the form to get the latest updates on this program, including special events and application deadlines.
Discover your Future
At the University of Kentucky, we provide personalized support, innovative resources, and countless opportunities to help you turn your aspirations into achievements.
