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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.
Program Partner
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“The Schulich Arts and Media MBA gave me the tools that I needed to apply my background in film and to pursue a career about which I am deeply passionate. The experience allowed me to launch my career in a competitive field at a time when jobs were scarce -- I have no doubt the Arts and Media MBA made the difference.”
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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 Centre for Career Design (CCD), 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 CCD events, and receive online access to the very best career tools available.
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Our MBA/MFA/MA could lead you to an exciting career in an organization such as...
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Choose your competitive career advantage.*
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At Schulich, our expertise in various specialized areas of study will help you meet your unique career objectives and give you a competitive career advantage.
View Specializations Hide Specializations
- Accounting
- Arts, Media & Entertainment Management
- Sustainability
- Business Consulting
- Digital Transformation
- Entrepreneurial Studies
- Finance
- Financial Risk Management
- Financial Services
- Global Metals and Minerals Management
- Global Retail Management
- Health Industry Management
- Marketing
- Operations Management & Information Systems
- Organization Studies
- Real Estate & Infrastructure
- Strategic Management
*Specializations offered subject to student demand.
MBA/MFA/MA Program Details by Category
Admission Requirements
View details Hide detailsMaster of Business Administration / Master of Fine Arts / Master of Arts (MBA / MFA / MA)
Available combined programs:
MBA/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/
The general admission requirements for the MBA/MFA/MA are listed below. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission, as space in each program is limited. A holistic approach is taken during the application review process and all components of the application are thoroughly reviewed.
MBA Application Requirement Checklist
- 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 GMAT or GRE test scores to the Schulich School of Business, please use the following process:
- GMAT: Use the search function within your GMAT/GMAC account to search for the Schulich School of Business when selecting your score recipients.
– Example of how our name appears: York University, Schulich School of Business, Program Name (ie. Master of Business Administration, Master of Finance, Master of Supply Chain Management, etc.) - GRE: Send your score using the following code: 5697
- GMAT: Use the search function within your GMAT/GMAC account to search for the Schulich School of Business when selecting your score recipients.
- Work Experience
- Relevant full-time work experience within the arts or cultural industries is strongly recommended.
- Completion of the online application which requires:
- Essays (2 written, 1 timed written, 2 video)
- An up-to-date resume
- Two references
- Unofficial copies of transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary institutions.*
- Unofficial copies of GMAT or GRE scores.*
*Official copies of these documents will be required if an applicant receives an offer to the program.
5. Proof of English language proficiency if studies were not completed in English.
Accepted Tests Minimum Score
| IELTS (Academic Test) | 7.0 overall (minimum 6.5 on each dimension) |
| TOEFL | 100 iBT (minimum 23 on each dimension) Schulich’s TOEFL code is B710 with Department Code 02 |
Applicants with English as a second language have the opportunity to enroll in the MBA/Specialized Master’s Preparation Program prior to beginning their studies.
Applicants who have completed at least two years of full-time study at an accredited university in a country (or institution) where English is the official language of instruction are not required to submit an English proficiency test.
Those who have graduated from a Schulich degree-granting program within the last five years are eligible for the following:
- GMAT/GRE waiver
- if the student achieved a B+ or better GPA during their last two years of undergraduate studies at Schulich, or cumulatively across the Master of Management (MMgt) program
- A $150 application fee waiver
For more information please see our Application Tips.
Deadlines
The MBA/MFA/MA program is offered on a full-time basis only. We recommend speaking with the program director or coordinator to discuss the program in more detail.
Applicants must apply to both Schulich and the Faculty of Graduate Studies in order to be considered for admission to the program.
The 2024 MBA/MFA/MA application portal will open on August 16th, 2023.
| Entry | Round 1 | Round 2** | Round 3 | Round 4*** | Round 5*** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 2025* |
Extended: |
January 15, 2025 | February 19, 2025 | May 7, 2025 | July 17, 2025 |
* Please refer to Graduate Studies at York for the exact deadline for the MA or MFA program that you are interested in.
** International students are strongly encouraged to apply by Round 2 to maximize their chances for scholarships and financial aid, and to allow for sufficient study permit processing time. After Round 2, most, if not all funding has typically already been distributed. Current study permit processing times are 4+ months.
*** Round 4 and 5 are for Domestic applicants only. Late domestic applications may be accepted pending space availability.
Apply Now! View MBA/MFA/MA Program Details Tuition Fees and Costs
MBA Viewbook Admissions Events Application Tips
Please note: Your GMAT/GRE score and responses from your referees can be completed after your application has been submitted. A preliminary review of your application will still be done prior to receiving these items.
Tuition & Fees
View details Hide detailsMBA / MFA / MA Program Fees (Schulich only)
Students in the full-time MBA/MFA or MBA/MA pay three terms of full-time tuition to Schulich and three terms of full-time tuition to the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Fees below are based on the Summer 2024 fee framework, and are subject to change.
| Student Status | Full-Time Tuition per Term/Semester*
Charged in Fall, Winter, and Summer. |
| Domestic Students Canadian Citizen, Landed Immigrant, Permanent Resident |
$18,045 |
| International Students Visa/Study Permit |
$30,033 |
*Fees are rounded to the nearest dollar and include supplementary fees. For full details on all current tuition, supplementary fees, and student health plans refer to the Student Financial Services website: https://sfs.yorku.ca/fees/courses.
This program is eligible for OSAP.
Study Options
View details Hide detailsCurriculum Overview
View details Hide detailsStudents 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 TRANSFORMATION IN MEDIA AND CULTURE
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 TRANSFORMATION IN MEDIA AND CULTURE
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
- Accounting
- Arts, Media & Entertainment Management
- Sustainability
- Business Consulting
- Digital Transformation
- Entrepreneurial Studies
- Finance
- Financial Risk Management
- Financial Services
- Global Metals and Minerals Management
- Global Retail Management
- Health Industry Management
- Marketing
- Operations Management & Information Systems
- Organization Studies
- Real Estate & Infrastructure
- Strategic Management
Faculty
View details Hide detailsFaculty members are well known for their work in arts, entertainment and media. Their expertise spans a wide range of related issues, including strategic management, policy development and entrepreneurship. All faculty members continue to play a vital role in the field of arts and culture.
Program faculty members
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Kenneth Rogers
Associate Dean and Associate Professor of the School of the Arts Media Performance and Design; Co-Director of the Arts, Media & Entertainment Management Program
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Trina McQueen, O.C.
Co-Director of the Arts, Media & Entertainment Management Program
View profile -
Douglas Barrett
Adjunct Professor; Principal of barcode SDG
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Peter S. Grant
Adjunct Professor
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MBA Specialization
View details Hide detailsAs an alternate study option, students may complete the MBA with a specialization in the Arts, Media and Entertainment Management (ARTM). The program is particularly designed for students who have work experience and/or educational backgrounds in the arts and cultural industries. Learn more
Student Clubs
View details Hide detailsEngage with your Graduate Business Council (GBC) to connect with fellow Schulich students taking the Schulich MBA or other master’s level program, and join one or several of over 30 student clubs and committees, including the Arts and Media Management Club.
Arts and Media Management Club (AMMC)
AMMC is a networking gateway and social platform that links Schulich MBA students with the arts industry, media industry and related fields. The club plans social opportunities to meet and hear from professionals in these industries, including managers, administrators, consultants and entrepreneurs.
For details, visit the GBC website.
Co-Curricular Activities
Participate on a sports team, attend a conference, or compete in case competitions. At Schulich, you’ll have numerous opportunities to make new friends and enrich your formal, in-class learning with co-curricular activities, both on and off campus.
Connect with Admissions
View details Hide detailsAdmissions
External Partners
View details Hide detailsForté Foundation
Forté Foundation is a non-profit consortium of leading companies and top business schools working together to launch women into fulfilling, significant careers through access to business education, opportunities, and a community of successful women. In partnership with the Forté Foundation, Schulich provides support to women applying for, and enrolling in their MBA through entrance awards, fellowships, professional development and networking events. Our goal is to create an environment that supports women and enables them to gain a competitive advantage in their careers.
To be considered as a Forté Fellow, you must submit an MBA application – no additional application is required. If you are interested in learning more about the Forté Fellowship program, please contact admissions@schulich.yorku.ca.
Reaching Out MBA (ROMBA)
Reaching Out MBA‘s mission is to increase the influence of the LGBT+ community in business by educating, inspiring, and connecting MBA students and alumni. The ROMBA LGBT+ Fellowship Program is a joint effort between prominent business schools and Reaching Out to develop the out LGBT+ and active ally business leaders of tomorrow. As a ROMBA partner school, Schulich is dedicated to award up to two fellowships to eligible incoming MBA students. Each Fellow will receive a minimum $20,000 scholarship and access to exclusive leadership programming including an all-expenses-paid retreat by ROMBA.
To be considered as a ROMBA Fellow, you must submit an MBA application for the Fall (September) intake and indicate your interest of being considered as a ROMBA Fellow to your admission officer. If you are interested in learning more about the ROMBA Fellowship program, please contact admissions@schulich.yorku.ca.
Access to Success
Access to Success Organization is a Toronto-based not-for-profit that supports the development of future leaders with disabilities and assistive tech. It manages several unprecedented initiatives, including up to $90,000 in annual Access to Success Fellowships for MBA students with disabilities at four of Canada’s top business schools, the world’s first study on disability inclusion in MBA programs, and ATS Labs – Canada’s first accelerator for accessibility startups. As an Access to Success partner school, Schulich is dedicated to award up to three fellowships to eligible incoming MBA students. Each Fellow will receive a $5,000 fellowship along with personalized recruiting support, networking, mentorship, and other exclusive opportunities provided by the Access to Success Organization.
The Access to Success Fellowship is established and managed by the Access to Success Organization, a not-for-profit that supports the development of future leaders with disabilities. This merit-based Fellowship celebrates outstanding students who identify as having a disability and have demonstrated excellence in academic, professional or extracurricular areas.
To be considered as an Access to Success fellowship, you must submit an MBA application and indicate your interest of being considered for the fellowship to your admission officer. To learn more about the Access to Success Fellowship program, please contact admissions@schulich.yorku.ca.