Taught course

MA Art Business (Online)

Institution
Sotheby's Institute of Art · Art Business
Qualifications
MA

Entry requirements

To be eligible for admission, applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution. Applicants currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree must complete all coursework and graduation requirements before enrollment.

We welcome applicants from a range of academic backgrounds. Where an applicant to one of our programs does not have a first degree in art history or a related subject, the offer may include a recommendation or requirement to complete an introductory Art History course prior to enrollment.

US Residents:

At this time, we are only able to offer the MA Art Business Online program to U.S. residents with permanent residency in the following states:

Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Washington

If your state is not listed, please reach out to us at admissions@sia.edu.

Students who relocate while enrolled in the online MA may be unable to complete their studies if they relocate to state where the Institute is not currently authorized to offer online programs. Current and prospective students should contact Admissions to discuss how relocation could alter their eligibility to continue on the program.

International Students:

All prospective students must apply using the online application. A complete application includes:

  • Academic transcripts/mark sheets: from all undergraduate and post-graduate academic institutions attended.
  • Unofficial copies of transcripts are sufficient for the application process and for issuing decisions. Diplomas are not accepted as a substitute for a transcript/mark sheet.
  • Final Official Transcripts are required prior to enrollment. Documents are only considered Final and Official when received directly from the awarding institution and list the conferral date. Official transcripts can be sent to admissions@sia.edu.
  • Personal Statement (500 - 1,000 words): Please tell us about yourself, the reasons for your choice of program, any relevant academic or art related experience, and your future career goals. The statement should clearly reference the Institute and the intended program.
  • Writing sample (1,000 word minimum): Writing samples should have been written within the past four years. We accept a graded paper from an art history or business-related course OR an original piece of writing that is a mock business plan, press release, or exhibition review.
  • If using a writing sample from an academic thesis or longer piece of writing, please provide an excerpt of 2 – 5 pages. Footnotes are required for any citations.
  • Curriculum Vitae or résumé
  • Two (2) letters of reference: from an academic or professional contact.
  • The application form includes a section to list your referee’s name and contact information. Upon submission of the application, our reference form is sent directly to your designated referees who will be prompted to submit their letter of reference.
  • Letters will only be accepted when submitted directly from the referee. Documents uploaded by the applicant on behalf of their reference will not be accepted.
  • If your referee needs assistance submitting their letter, please refer them to the admissions team at admissions@sia.edu.
  • Applicants should select referees who can speak to their potential success in a graduate-level program. Referees do not need to be from an art-related background.
  • Candidates who graduated more than 2 years before applying may present two professional references if they are no longer in contact with the faculty at their undergraduate institution.
  • English language proficiency exam (required for non-native English speakers): Please view the international students tab for requirements.
  • Payment of the application fee: A nonrefundable fee of $100 (USD) is required for the 2025 online application. Applications are not considered complete until the fee has been paid.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Through immersive online learning, the MA Art Business (Online) degree enables you to cultivate expertise in art business and attain a comprehensive understanding of art markets and management.
Sotheby’s Institute of Art has designed an online delivery of our signature MA in Art Business. The Online MA in Art Business delivers all of the academic content remotely. The curriculum remains aligned with the listed in-person MA at Sotheby’s Institute in New York and is accredited by NASAD (the National Association of Schools of Art and Design). Some modifications to the curriculum have been implemented to reflect best practices in online learning, as well as to better meet the needs of students, both domestic and international, for whom a degree completed over 18 to 24 months in an online mode is well adapted to their ongoing professional and personal commitments.
This program combines academic rigor with cutting-edge virtual learning technologies.
MA in Art Business (Online) students will be immersed in case studies that offer firsthand experience, such as analyzing the impact of blockchain technology on art transactions. Students interact with each other and learn together in projects and other activities.
The curriculum is designed to reflect the dynamic nature of the art market, ensuring that students stay updated on emerging technologies and market trends.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MA
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    • Distance learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
MA Admissions
Email
admissions@sia.edu
Phone
+1 646 438 7234