Degree Overview
Lead the Organizations That Make Culture Happen
Arts organizations don't run themselves. They need leaders who understand governance, fundraising, audience development, operations, and the unique pressures of the nonprofit world — people who can keep the lights on while keeping the mission front and center. Batten's online Master of Arts in Arts Leadership and Nonprofit Management is a 30-credit program designed for exactly that. The curriculum covers the core functions of arts leadership from multiple angles: governance and ethical leadership, fundraising and donor management, audience and artist engagement, HR and venue management, and the business skills that make it all sustainable. Students complete a practicum that puts the theory into practice inside real nonprofit organizations — or inside their own employer if they're already working in the field. The program is fully asynchronous, so it works around your schedule, not the other way around.
Course Information
Five core courses are required of all students, establishing a foundation in the essential functions of arts leadership and nonprofit management.
Arts Leadership Core
Electives (choose four)
Practicum
ALNM 660 must be taken multiple times to earn the full 3 credits. Students already employed by a nonprofit may complete their practicum through a specific project within their own organization. Consult your advisor for details.
Career Outcomes
Arts organizations need leaders who understand both creative mission and organizational management. This program prepares graduates for leadership and advancement opportunities across arts, cultural, and nonprofit organizations—from community-based institutions to large regional organizations.
Executive and Organizational Leadership
Coursework in governance, nonprofit management, and leadership theory supports advancement into organizational leadership roles responsible for strategic planning, administration, and operational oversight.
Development and Fundraising
Graduates are prepared to support fundraising strategy, donor relations, grant development, and philanthropic outreach within arts and nonprofit organizations.
Audience Engagement and Marketing
Training in audience development and marketing prepares graduates for roles focused on community engagement, patron development, communications, and audience growth strategy.
Program and Operations Management
Coursework in nonprofit operations, venue management, and organizational leadership supports roles overseeing programming, operations, logistics, and day-to-day organizational execution.
Why Batten Online
92%
Successful Graduates
Of our graduates receive job offers or go on to graduate school within one year of graduation.
Free & Rolling
Apply Anytime
Rolling admissions means you can start when you're ready. Our application is free — no fee standing between you and your degree.
Princeton Review
Top Colleges 2026
Named by The Princeton Review as one of the top colleges in the nation for 2026.
Yellow Ribbon
Military-Friendly
Batten University is a Yellow Ribbon school with a dedicated Veterans Service Team committed to helping military students maximize their benefits.
How to Apply
Admission Requirements
- Complete our online application.
- Provide official academic transcripts from all regionally accredited colleges and universities previously attended. If more than one institution has been attended, the cumulative GPA for all coursework attempted must be 2.7 or higher. In addition, the GPA earned at the institution where the bachelor's degree was awarded must be 2.7 or higher.
- Have a bachelor's degree (or one anticipated before starting the program).
Financial Aid
There may be financial aid options available to you when you apply for an online program at Batten University.
Explore Financial Aid Options