POTSDAM -- SUNY Potsdam is set to launch a long-awaited baccalaureate program in arts management beginning this fall.

The new Bachelor of Arts degree program in arts management has been several years in the making, and focuses on preparing students to be administrators of creative institutions and successful managers of their own artistic careers.

Coursework in business, communications, marketing and administration will give students the skills they need to succeed in highly competitive fields, and pursue careers with non-profit organizations and businesses, such as arts councils, museums, theatre and dance companies, artist management or publishing firms.

The arts management major includes courses and practicum classes in the principles of arts management, grant application writing, fundraising, marketing, public relations, professional communications, art history and museum studies.

Unique to SUNY Potsdam's program, all arts management students will be required to develop their own artistic practice, by either majoring or minoring in a creative discipline, such as visual art, creative writing, theatre or dance.

Internships and capstone projects form the backbone of the new arts management major, giving students the opportunity to utilize their skills in real-world settings. As part of their four years of study, students will have the opportunity to intern at local, regional and national arts and cultural organizations. These internship placements will expose students to the fast-paced day-to-day operations of arts institutions.

Job opportunities for arts management graduates include building a career as an independent artist, or working for galleries, museums, publishing firms, performing arts companies, film festivals, arts councils, philanthropic foundations, or educational/governmental institutions. The program also prepares students for graduate study in multiple disciplines.

SUNY Potsdam's new arts management major also complements the existing music business major offered at The Crane School of Music. Graduates of Crane's music business program have gone on to successful careers in the music products and recording industries, as well as in arts administration.

The arts management program is accepting applications now for the program, which will officially begin in Fall 2018. To apply, visit https://www.potsdam.edu/admissions/apply.

For more information on the arts management program at SUNY Potsdam, visit http://www.potsdam.edu/academics/interdisciplinary/baartsmanagement.