Frequently Asked Questions
What will I learn in an arts and cultural leadership degree?
Our program is designed to give you a broad, career-boosting experience. You will enhance your skills in:
- Equitable and inclusive leadership
- Leading system change in the arts and culture sector
- Creative placemaking
- Navigating ethical dilemmas
- Fundraising and budgeting
- Collaboration and relationship building
- Cultural competency
What is a Master of Professional Studies?
Much like a traditional master of arts or master of science, a master of professional studies is a graduate degree that requires roughly three years of post-secondary schooling. However, there are subtle differences between these three degrees. Where the MA and MS degrees are earned more through study and the development of a thesis, the MPS degree combines study with the real-world skills needed to succeed in the workplace. Instead of a thesis, there is usually a capstone project requirement. And while traditional degree courses are taught by tenured faculty, MPS courses may be taught by working professionals.
In a nutshell, earning your master of professional studies may better prepare you to hit the ground running even before graduation. This is because MPS courses give you an inside look into the profession as well as the management tools needed to be an effective leader.
How long will it take to complete the MPS in Arts and Cultural Leadership?
Students typically take 2–4 years to complete the master's degree, depending on how many credits they take per semester.
What's the difference between arts management and arts leadership?
Arts management or administration refers mainly to carrying out the day-to-day operations and programming within an arts-related organization. Arts administrators often develop, plan, and evaluate arts and cultural programs.
Arts leadership, however, focuses more on creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and making positive change within organizations. It goes beyond management of systems to address complex arts and cultural issues and rethink what role arts and culture can play in communities.
What is cultural leadership?
In a cultural leadership position, one of your main responsibilities may be raising awareness around an issue, person, group, or organization. Cultural leadership combines a community’s history and experience with art and community engagement. It has deep ties to social justice and grassroots advocacy. As a cultural leader, you'll work closely with the community you serve to effect change, educate, enlighten, and foster civic behavior.
What skills do I need for effective cultural leadership?
To be an effective cultural leader, you'll need strong skills in communication, collaboration, and entrepreneurship. You'll be required to maintain high standards of ethics, be resourceful and authentic, and be able to connect and inspire others. This role is one that is service-oriented, relationship-based, and rooted in community engagement.
Letters of recommendation are now optional. Why would I want to use them?
Letters of recommendation are an additional way to share your story with the admission panel, but not submitting letters of recommendation will not decrease your chances of admission. If you’re concerned that some areas of your application are not particularly strong, you may want to include a letter of recommendation that supports that area of your application. For example, if you feel that your resume doesn’t show the extent of your professional experience, you might ask a supervisor of a recent volunteer position to write a letter of recommendation about the impact you’ve made in their organization.
Does the MPS in Arts and Cultural Leadership program provide funding to students?
CCAPS Graduate Education programs do not provide living stipends, research assistantships, or teaching assistantships as might be expected in a typical PhD program.
- US based students: CCAPS offers modest financial need-based scholarships to eligible students, and a limited number of merit-based scholarships. However, in most cases students work while going to school in order to cover living expenses and pay tuition out of pocket, including health insurance.
- International students: Are not eligible for federal financial aid or CCAPS scholarships and must show financial evidence showing that they can cover tuition, living expenses, and the Student Health Benefit plan health insurance during their period of study. To learn more about planning for these expenses, visit Plan Your Expenses or make an appointment with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).
Do you offer health insurance for graduate students?
No. CCAPS graduate students do not pay the student services fee and are not eligible to purchase the University's Student Health Benefit Plan. CCAPS graduate students need to obtain health insurance outside the University.
This policy does not apply to international students. Contact ISSS for more information for international students.