This book investigates how excellence and reputability are formed, performed, and perceived at well renowned international higher education institutions. Along six detailed ethnographic case descriptions – including University of Warwick, Goldsmiths, New York University, School of the Art Institute Chicago, Ohio State University, and HEC Montréal – it asks how master programs in arts management and cultural policy achieved reputability and how this affects the everyday academic live. A cross-case analysis revealed a set of overall drivers that seem to have a great impact on the reputation of the studied programs. By focusing on the design and content of the teaching environments as well as on motivational, emotional, and social aspects of the learning situation at these six higher education institutions, the book offers a holistic understanding of reputability and excellence.