• Core courses cover management, technology, financial, quantitative and communication skills within the context of creative enterprises in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors. Case studies, based on issues confronted by actual organizations, and guest speakers serve as the basis for analysis and discussion in many of the courses.
• Elective courses allow you to delve more deeply into specific management, technical, or arts areas that interest you.
• Project courses allow you to apply these new skills in problem-solving settings and provide you with experience in working in a team environment. Systems Synthesis, the second year capstone course, pulls together all aspects of the curriculum as you examine an important arts issue.

Course Exemptions

Have you achieved expertise in a particular course area through previous coursework? You may be eligible to exempt a course within the MAM Program. In fact, you are strongly encouraged to apply for exemption of a required course if you have already acquired most of the skills taught in that course. Exempting a course will allow you to take advantage of a more advanced course on the same topic or course on other topics.

To receive an exemption, you must either take a qualifying exam or petition the MAM Committee. The Heinz School will determine whether or not you have mastered the skills which the course is intended to teach. "Mastery" does not mean that you know all of the material taught in the course, but rather that you know enough of the material that your time would be more productively spent pursuing other coursework.

Be aware that, if your petition is granted, you may need to learn some particular skills taught in an exempted course on your own time. Also note that the Committee very rarely grants exemptions based on work experience.

If you exempt a course, you must replace it with another course. Exempting a course does not mean that your previous coursework "transfers" into the MAM Program. We do not accept transfer credit in the MAM Program.