
STUDY IN A COMMUNITY THAT VALUES THE ARTS
The Master of Arts Leadership and Cultural Management (M.A.L.C.M.) at Colorado State University responds to an increased demand for graduates who can provide vision for arts organizations, communities and municipalities in the 21st Century. We believe that a strong vision for the arts requires a commitment to leadership, a responsibility to arts advocacy, learning how the arts economy drives our communities, urban planning through the arts, creating opportunities for artists, and building skills and confidence with applied skill sets.
Our graduates have the certainty that they can apply their skills to opportunities throughout the non-profit and for-profit sectors of our vibrant arts economies and communities and create artistic centers in places that need it.
HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE
Arts Management at Colorado State delivers training from a world-class University, provides practical, hands-on experience in the field of the arts, helps enhance the community through arts development, and improves quality of life through thoughtful urban planning and economic development.
Hands-on opportunities include visits to arts venues, seminars with local arts leaders, festival management, internships, real-world case studies, and regular interaction with local and state leaders in the arts.

EARN YOUR DEGREE ON CAMPUS OR ONLINE

MASTER OF ARTS LEADERSHIP AND CULTURAL MANAGEMENT (M.A.L.C.M.)
Residential Program
Study arts management in Fort Collins, Colorado and surround yourself with a community that cares about the arts through wide ranging support. Learn from professors that are already working within the local arts field alongside students who are future arts leaders. Enjoy the vast offerings of events, openings, businesses, internships, organizations and arts incubators throughout Fort Collins.
Classes are mainly offered in the evening to accommodate a variety of student schedules. There is a schedule that will fit your needs.
MASTER OF ARTS LEADERSHIP AND CULTURAL MANAGEMENT (M.A.L.C.M.)
Online Program
The flexibility of an online program gives students a chance to take classes at times that work for them. 100% online, this degree gives you the ability to stay where you are currently located and build your skill set without leaving your job or uprooting your family.
ACCELERATED DEGREE PROGRAM
Undergraduate students at CSU with interests in Arts Management may apply for admission to a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program to begin their graduate programs during their senior year of undergraduate study.
The Master in Arts Leadership and Cultural Management is structured as a four-semester, 32-credit program. The curriculum includes 23 credits of core classes and 9 credits of electives.
Electives and internship experiences allow students to customize the program to their career goals. Students can apply elective credits toward a certificate in Museum and Cultural Heritage Studies, Nonprofit Administration or other fields.
CURRICULUM
Core Classes
LEAP 500 Leadership in the Arts | 3 credits
Theoretical and applied knowledge about concepts of leadership, leadership styles as applied to arts related organizations.
LEAP 600 Arts Policy and Advocacy | 3 credits
Discussion of the role of artist as citizen and how we affect public policy.
LEAP 650 Arts Event Management | 3 credits
Technical aspects of events, season and festival management for arts related organizations
LEAP 687* Internship | 3 credits
Field internship at local, regional or national arts organization (45 hours per credit)
LEAP 692* Internship Seminar | 1 credit
LEAP 660 Arts Collaboration and the Community | 3 credits
Research, development and production of outreach projects; team projects for community engagement.
LEAP 670 Law and the Arts | 3 credits
Examines the legal foundations of artistic creation including copyright, freedom of expression, public domain laws, and contract negotiation
Students will take LEAP 687/692 twice during the course of their degree.
ELECTIVES
Electives are chosen by students as a way to enhance and supplement their individual interests and career goals. You can choose from classes such as the ones that are offered below or find classes that you are interested in with the support of your program advisor.
VISUAL ARTS

Comparative topics in global art.
CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN BUSINESS

Current issues in business, featuring business and community leaders.
MANAGEMENT

Practices, policies, philosophies, and behavior.
MGT 620 Management
Practices, policies, philosophies, and behavior.
MGT 679 Principles of Strategic Management:
Processes through which firms choose and implement strategies. Formulation and implementation of strategic management process in variety of industries.
MKT 600 Marketing Management and Strategy:
Processes of customer value creation and value capture; marketing strategy analysis.
CREATING AND MANAGING
A CAREER IN THE ARTS

Trains individuals for careers in the arts and creative industries with skills in arts entrepreneurship, leadership, marketing, financial management, and project management.
FUNDAMENTALS OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Concepts of entrepreneurship and role of entrepreneurs in the economy.
MGT 420 New Venture Creation:
Entrepreneurs and the entrepreneurial process. Growth of an independent business.
CONFLICT MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS

Communication theory and research in instructional contexts. Designed for current or prospective teachers.
SPCM 436 Conflict Management and Communication:
Theories and principles of communication in conflict management; application to conflict resolution situations.

Strategic role in and management of information technology and software development projects.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Human resource development foundational theory, research, and techniques for workplace and organizational learning and performance.
MGT 610 Strategic Human Resource Management:
Strategic issues associated with recruiting, staffing, evaluating, compensating, and developing employees; leadership issues associated therein.
HUMAN RESOURCE MANGEMENT

Mechanics of proposal writing, including intangibles of the grant-seeker's art.
LEAP 580A2 Financial Structures in Arts Management
Gain a solid understanding of all financial systems and the shifting climate of fiduciary specific concerns in arts organizations through a lens of equity and inclusion for all communities.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT theory and case study

Special concerns for working with people of various cultural, ethnic, exceptional, and special interest groups.
MULTICULTURAL AND SPECIAL POPULATIONS

Plan strategies and facilitate change interventions to improve organizational learning and performance.
EDOD 675 Design, Develop, Implement Workplace Learning:
Design, develop, and implement workplace learning and performance interventions drawing on foundational principles.
EDOD 678 Assess Change Interventions:
Assess and institutionalize change interventions to improve organizational learning and performance.
ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING

Theories and skills necessary for managing startup and existing small firms.
NEW VENTURE MANAGEMENT
WHY CHOOSE CSU?
Colorado State University's Arts Management program connects students with the vibrant arts scene in Northern Colorado. Fort Collins is consistently rated one of the best places to live in the U.S. because of its signature blend of culture, community, and innovation. With both Denver and the Rocky Mountains just a short drive from CSU, your opportunities are limitless. Connect with local music festivals, arts venues, city events, and cultural organizations as you launch your career in arts leadership.