The MA in Art Business provides a solid foundation in the business of art that is based on instruction from a distinguished faculty drawn from the Claremont Graduate University, Getty Leadership Institute, Sotheby’s Institute of Art’s own ranks, and accomplished professionals, arts leaders, and artists who are reshaping the culture in Los Angeles and beyond.

Core courses in finance, accounting, law, strategy, and marketing are followed by required courses such as art market dynamics, comparative art markets, and new venture creation. Students then go on to select from a rich array of electives that allow students to personalize the curriculum to their own interests and career paths. Art Business students also benefit from access to the full curriculum of the MA in Arts Management.

For admission requirements, see the Admission  section of this Bulletin.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Arts in Art Business requires 48 units of coursework.  The coursework is comprised of core courses considered necessary for Sotheby’s Institute students, irrespective of their concentration as well as electives according to the student’s preferred career path.

Master’s Project: All students are required to complete a capstone Master’s Project, which is normally the result of the Critical Entrepreneurship and Startup Studio sequence of courses. Proposals for Master’s Projects must be approved by your academic advisor or the Director or Associate Director of CMCI. Master’s Projects take the shape of plans for ventures, initiatives, or businesses and are presented publicly at the end of the final semester to panels of arts professionals and investors.

Art Business on Site: All students are expected to participate in field study travel in their first two semesters of the program. 

University Policies: University policies detailed in the Academic Policies  section of the Bulletin apply.