The Master of Arts in Cultural Sustainability program is dedicated to fostering the professional development and capacity of students to work effectively in recognizing and supporting the cultural gifts of communities; to act in the world as leaders, writers, thinkers, teachers, activists, entrepreneurs, and members of organizations. We are committed to a methodological orientation that insists on ethical practice, deep human inquiry and relationship building with people in communities, and ongoing assessment and reflection.

The program is oriented around these four fundamental outcomes: 

Collaborative Community Partnerships

Graduates will be able to identify strategies for cultivating a network of practitioners and organizations in support of community-driven cultural sustainability and a community of practice.

Community-Based Research

Graduates will be able to design and implement projects using diverse methods that apply knowledge of cultural practices to contemporary issues in cultural sustainability with results that are meaningful and valued by communities.

Ethical Action

Graduates will be able to evaluate actions, programs, and policies that honor local voices, foster community self-determination, and empower community efforts towards cultural sustainability. 

Professional Leadership

Graduates will be able to demonstrate a range of professional management skills that contribute to organizational sustainability, foster ethical partnerships and collaborations, and align with community practices.

Communication

Graduates will be able to apply relevant and effective oral, written, and visual communication skills to their cultural sustainability work, including the presentation of their research and other projects to diverse audiences.

For additional information, visit Goucher's Learning Goals and Outcomes page.

Updated: August 2025