MBA / Master of Fine Arts / Master of Arts

BA/MFA in: Film Production & Screenwriting; Visual Arts or Dance

MBA/MA in: Art History & Curatorial Studies; Cinema & Media Studies; Dance; Music or Theatre & Performance Studies

Combined applicants must apply separately to the MBA program and their MFA or MA program of choice indicating on each application their interest in the combined program.

MFA and MA program and admission information can be found at: http://ampd.yorku.ca/current-students/graduate/

Designed for those with a passion for the arts and a desire to build a solid foundation in business.

The Schulich School of Business – together with the School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design (AMPD) Graduate Studies at York University – offer a three-year, full-time, program leading to both a Master of Business Administration and either a Master of Fine Arts or Master of Arts degree. With its almost 50 year history, it is acknowledged as one of the most established and respected programs of its kind in Canada.

The program offers a combined MBA/MFA degree in the programs in Visual Arts, Theatre, Film, and Dance and a combined MBA/MA degree program in Art History, Dance, Music, Film (Cinema and Media Studies) and Theatre Studies.

The program provides a deep and current understanding of management issues and practices across a spectrum from broadcasting, digital and social media industries to not-for-profit arts and social enterprise organizations. Students will achieve a thorough and current understanding of the business of creative industries, enabling them to support and advance their careers.

This is an intensive, multidisciplinary Masters program for those interested in management careers in the arts and cultural sectors. Combined MBA/MFA programs are offered in the areas of Film Production and Screenwriting, Visual Arts and Dance. Combined MBA/MA programs are offered in: Art History and Curatorial Studies; Cinema & Media Studies; Dance, Music and Theatre, and Performance Studies.

Career Opportunities

This highly challenging combined program offers excellent preparation for those interested in management careers in the arts and cultural sector. Graduates follow public and private sector career paths in which knowledge of both the arts and of management and business are required, holding titles that include Theatre Director, Corporate Communications Manager and VP of Strategy.

Throughout the MBA/MFA/MA program, you will have access to Schulich’s Career Development Centre (CDC), offering a wealth of innovative programs, resources and individualized mentoring and coaching to help you launch your career. Meet alumni, recruiters and industry leaders at corporate information sessions and other CDC events, and receive online access to the very best career tools available.

Curriculum Overview

Students in the combined program may choose either of the following two options. However, most students will find that Option 1 most easily facilitates progress through the combined program within three years of study.

MBA/MFA/MA Program – Option 1

Year 1: MFA/MA Core Requirements

Students take the core course requirements in their Fine Arts area. In addition, students will take GS/ARTM 6301 3.00 during the Winter Term of their first year of study for degree credit in Fine Arts. They may also take ARTM 6300 3.00.

Year 1 Required Course:

Click on the course code to view the full description.

• ARTM 6301 3.00 ISSUES IN ARTS & CULTURAL MANAGEMENT

Year 1 Recommended Elective:

• ARTM 6300 3.00 CULTURAL POLICY

Year 2: MBA 1 Requirements

• MBA 1 Core Courses (27.00 credits of the Required Foundations of Management 5000 level Core Courses)
• 3.00 credits of Schulich electives
• Students may also take a course in their Fine Arts field for degree requirement in the MFA or MA

Year 2 Summer (optional)

• Students generally undertake an internship after completing their second year in the program, (and having fulfilled their 5000 level core MBA requirements).

Year 3: MFA/MA and MBA Requirements

Students will complete the requirements in both programs during this final year of study.

• MBA 2 Core Courses (6.00 credits)
• 6.00 to 9.00 credits of Schulich electives
• The balance of required courses in the student’s fine arts specialization in either the MFA or MA streams in the Arts, Media, Performance & Design in the Faculty of Graduate Studies
• Students will also complete their Master’s Research Paper (MRP) or thesis and the balance of their course requirements in each program over the two terms

MBA/MFA/MA Program Option 2: Schulich Start

Year 1: MBA 1 Requirements

• MBA 1 Core Courses (27.00 credits of Required Foundations of Management 5000-level core courses)
• SB/ARTM 6301 3.00: Issues in Arts and Cultural Management
• Students may also take a course in their Fine Arts field for degree requirement in the MFA or MA

Year 1 Required Course:

• ARTM 6301 3.00 ISSUES IN ARTS & CULTURAL MANAGEMENT

Year 1 Summer: optional

Students may choose to undertake an internship after completing their first year in the program.

Year 2: MFA/MA Core Requirements

• Students will take the core course requirements in their Fine Arts area.
• In some cases, students may take Strategic Management (SB/SGMT 6000 3.00) and may complete their Strategy Field Study (MGMT 6090 0.00 and MGMT 6100 3.00) in this year of study

Year 2 Summer (optional)

Students may choose to undertake an internship in this term, if not already completed.

Year 3: MFA/MA and MBA Requirements

Students will complete the requirements in both programs during this final year of study.

• Students should take MBA 2 Core Courses (6.00 credits) in the Fall term, if not already completed
• 6.00 to 9.00 credits of Schulich electives
• The balance of required courses in the student’s fine arts specialization in either the MFA or MA streams in the Arts, Media, Performance & Design in the Faculty of Graduate Studies
• Students will also complete their Master’s Research Paper (MRP) or thesis and the balance of their course requirements in each program over the two terms

An undergraduate degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in Fine Arts with a minimum B+ average in the last two full years (or equivalent) of academic work.

Applicants with 3-year degrees may be considered for admission with an additional year of work experience (beyond the minimum required by program)

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Acceptable scores on all measures of the GMAT or GRE

To send your scores for these tests to us please use the following codes: GMAT code Z75-X8-30 GRE code 5697

Please see course website for further details.