Arts Administration Degree & Certificate Programs
The Arts Administration graduate programs at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) are designed for students who wish to pursue careers within the visual arts, performing arts, and related fields in public, nonprofit, and commercial sectors worldwide.
The following Arts Administration programs are available at BU:
MS in Arts Administration
BU’s MS in Arts Administration degree program is designed for students who wish to pursue careers in visual arts, performing arts, and arts service organizations.
Arts Management Graduate Certificate
The four-course Graduate Certificate in Arts Management serves the many practicing and aspiring arts professionals who do not have the time or resources to commit to a full program of graduate study, or who may already possess a graduate degree in another field.
Fundraising Management Graduate Certificate
Offered on campus and online, this four-course Graduate Certificate in Fundraising Management provides administrative, financial, technical, and leadership skills for those seeking careers as professional fundraisers and for nonprofit managers who wish to substantially enhance their ability to raise funds.
Commercial Theater Development Graduate Certificate
Offered in partnership with Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment, a leader in global performing arts production and management, the Graduate Certificate in Commercial Theater Development provides intensive training in the production cycle of commercial performing arts, with a focus on the Broadway industry. The four-course certificate is available on campus and online. Students have the option to earn an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Commercial Theater Development by adding an onsite internship component that can take place either domestically or in the international market. International students can be accepted directly into the Advanced Certificate.
Commercial Theater Development Certificate—Accelerated Summer Institute
The Commercial Theater Development Graduate Certificate program can now be earned in an accelerated 10-week summer institute format. In addition to the four courses in the certificate, students will participate in a weeklong field trip to New York City to meet with Broadway theater professionals and attend theater performances.
Recent decades have seen a rapid expansion in arts audiences, practitioners, and institutions, but effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted the field dramatically. As the arts sector recovers over the next few years, there will be a greater need than ever for highly skilled administrators who can work effectively with elected officials, business and community leaders, and fellow arts professionals. Boston University prepares students to respond to these factors through a varied curriculum that prepares arts professionals with the skills and knowledge to navigate new opportunities and challenges in the field.
BU’s graduate programs in Arts Administration are specifically designed to accommodate the schedules of working adults. Students will generally be able to complete all coursework on a part-time, evening basis. Time for completion varies in relation to each program. Our certificate programs can be completed in a single calendar year and the master’s degree can be completed on a part-time basis in approximately two calendar years. Full-time study toward the degree is also possible. International students are required to attend full-time and should be able to complete the program in 12 months*. Please note that not every course will appear in any twelve-month cycle.
*International students who begin the program in January may need more than 12 months to complete their coursework. Some international students prefer to take more time to complete their studies (16–24 months) and should refer to the FAQ page for suggested options.
To learn more, download the Arts Administration brochure.