2026-2027

Arts and Cultural Interpretation and Programming, Master of Arts

Department of Comparative Cultural Studies

College of Arts and Letters

This 30-unit MA degree leads directly to careers primarily at arts and cultural institutions and other tourist destinations where cultural interpreters work, mainly across the Southwest US, where graduates of this program will interpret arts and cultures and create educational programs for the public through exhibits, tableaus, tours, school visits, docent training, etc. While other MA programs at NAU produce graduates who engage in research, fieldwork, and other "knowledge-making" academic activities, our program is vocationally oriented by design to fill a gap in the workforce for career-ready graduates specializing in communicating knowledge to the public.

  • To receive a master's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master's degree programs require more than 30 units.

    You must additionally complete:

    • All requirements for your specific academic plan(s). This may include a thesis.
    • All graduate work with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
    • All work toward the master's degree must be completed within six consecutive years. The six years begins with the semester and year of admission to the program.

     

    Individual degree programs may exceed the baseline University Policy for a master's degree. The program-specific requirements are provided on the Details tab below.

    Read the full policy here.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Minimum Units for Completion 30
Fieldwork Experience/Internship Required
Research Individualized research is required.
Some online/blended coursework Required
Progression Plan Link View Program of Study

Purpose Statement

The proposed 30-unit MA degree leads directly to careers primarily at arts and cultural institutions and other tourist destinations where cultural interpreters work, mainly across the Southwest US, where graduates of this program will interpret arts and cultures and create educational programs for the public through exhibits, tableaus, tours, school visits, docent training, etc. While other MA programs at NAU produce graduates who engage in research, fieldwork, and other "knowledge-making" academic activities, our program is vocationally oriented by design to fill a gap in the workforce for career-ready graduates specializing in communicating knowledge to the public.

The Arts and Cultural Interpretation degree familiarizes students with a set of approaches and techniques within the field of Public Humanities that facilitate public comprehension of the processes of arts and culture in their integrity and particular phenomena from the point of their inclusion in the general cultural context. Programming is a powerful tool that establishes creative placemaking for a specific locale. Arts and Cultural Programming can take many forms, including exhibits, tableaus, tours, school visits, docent-training, festivals, arts and music events, open studio sessions, and celebrations of cultural and ethnic experiences unique to an area.

The proposed MA degree in Arts and Cultural Interpretation and Programming leads directly to careers primarily at arts and cultural institutions and other tourist destinations in the US, where graduates of this program will interpret arts and cultures and create educational programs for the public through exhibits, tableaus, tours, school visits, docent training, etc.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Apply cultural knowledge sources and interpretive strategies to ethically and effectively serve stakeholders and communities, adapting communication for diverse audiences using appropriate technologies and methods.
  • Explain and apply principles of stewardship related to cultural and environmental heritage, including sustainability, ethical responsibility, and leadership for future innovation in the cultural heritage sector.
  • Design and produce a professional, applied project (e.g., tours, websites, exhibits, posters, podcasts, or community engagement activities) that demonstrates hands-on skills relevant to cultural heritage practice.

Graduate Admission Information

  • The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.

    Admission requirements include the following:

    • Transcripts.
    • Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.


    Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.

    Ready to apply? Begin your application now.

    International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.

Master's Requirements

  • This Master's degree requires 30 units distributed as follows:

    • Required Courses: 18 units
    • Electives: 12 units


    Take the following 30 units:

    • Students must complete 24 units of formal letter-graded coursework.

  • Up to six units may be at the 400-level.

Additional Information

  • Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.