M.A. in Cultural Leadership & Management

Become a culturally grounded, ethically driven leader.

M.A.C.L.M.Program Basics

Complete in as little as 2 Years

36 credits

87% of alumsworking in related careers

Goucher's Master of Arts in Cultural Leadership & Management (M.A.C.L.M.) (formerly the M.A. in Cultural Sustainability) prepares students for culturally and ethically grounded leadership in mission-driven organizations.

Building on principles of cultural sustainability, working with communities through reciprocal relationships, collaborative research, and ethical intervention, the program develops students' capacity to lead with integrity, navigate organizational complexity, and translate cultural understanding into effective practice.

Our graduates don't just understand culture. They know how to lead through it, in museums, nonprofits, cultural agencies, community organizations, advocacy groups, and mission-driven institutions where relationships, equity, and accountability matter.

What Sets Us Apart

  • Culturally Grounded Leadership: We teach leadership that centers relationships, recognizes power, and honors community accountability.
  • Ethics in Action: You'll learn to navigate organizational constraints, institutional systems, and resource pressures while maintaining ethical integrity and community-centered practice.
  • Applied Learning: Every course connects to real-world practice. You'll build skills you can use immediately, whether you're already in a leadership role, building toward one, or transitioning from another sector.
  • Practitioner Faculty: Our instructors aren't just scholars; they're working professionals leading cultural organizations, building partnerships, and navigating the same challenges you face.

Hands-on experience

Between our signature summer residency, collaborative projects, and internship opportunities, our program combines the flexibility of online learning with the hands-on experience that can only be gained through direct practice. You'll work on real projects, engage with real communities, and develop portfolio-ready demonstrations of leadership capacity.

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Tuition & scholarships

The total estimated cost for the M.A. in Cultural Leadership & Management is $41,000, based on current tuition and fees for the 2025–2026 academic year. Students can receive up to $8,000 in scholarships.

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How to apply

Applications for the Fall 2026 semester are due July 25th, 2026. Applicants are required to submit a resume, undergraduate transcript, a letter of recommendation, and an essay discussing your goals.

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2025 Summer Residency in Washington, DC!

The M.A. in Cultural Leadership & Management Program joined the M.A. in Historic Preservation Program for our first joint summer residency in our nation's capital. While earning credit for their course in cultural partnerships, students met with curators at the Smithsonian Institution, archivists and folklorists at the Library of Congress, cultural leaders building relationships to sustain treasured traditions, and artists working for social justice. Over five packed days, we experienced real-world partnerships and explored some of the hidden gems of Washington, DC.  

 

Why choose Goucher?

  • Play Video

    WATCH NOW: "I love the Cultural Sustainability Program mainly because every class that I've taken so far I've been able to tie it to the needs of my community." -Candy Testa '18 | M.A. in Cultural Sustainability

  • Play Video

    WATCH NOW: "What I love about this program is that all the professors are working in the field." -Sandra Sarrouf '18 | M.A. in Cultural Sustainability