The Advanced Graduate Certificate in Performing Arts Enterprise is offered in partnership between Boston University and Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment, one of the world’s leading commercial theater companies. Established in 1912, the Nederlander companies own and/or operate some of the world’s greatest theaters, produce and present premier entertainment, and serve as a consultant and talent booker for their own facilities and other renowned entertainment venues in the US and abroad.

This advanced certificate program provides early and mid-career performing arts professionals with the opportunity to gain advanced training in the development and production of commercial performing arts productions. Classes are taught at Boston University by leading practitioners from the Broadway theater and performing arts communities, and include site visits in New York City and interactions with leading figures in the commercial art world. Students will gain skills in managing commercial arts venues, securing and developing commercial productions, engaging with new technologies and innovative partnerships, and programming performing arts productions. Students will complete an intensive internship with a commercial performing arts program in New York or abroad.

Students completing the Advanced Graduate Certificate in Performing Arts Enterprise should be able to:

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the history, structure, and institutional behavior of performing arts organizations in the US commercial sector.
• Demonstrate proficiency with a sophisticated skill set emphasizing best practices with regard to the development of commercial performing arts projects.
• Identify, interpret, and apply relevant legal regulations in the management of commercial arts enterprises.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the issues and factors affecting the development and touring of performing arts productions internationally.
• Take a strategic approach to their personal development, networking, and self-marketing for professional advancement within the field of commercial performing arts management.

Program Requirements (five courses/20 credits)

A total of five courses (20 credits) is required:

• MET AR 751 Commercial Production: The Broadway Model (4 cr)
• MET AR 752 Leadership and Entrepreneurship in the Commercial Performing Arts (4 cr)
• MET AR 753 Current Trends in the Performing Arts Industry (4 cr)
• MET AR 754 Global Performing Arts Presenting (4 cr)
• MET AR 802/803 Internship I and II

The 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. This certificate may be of particular interest to experienced professionals in related fields who are considering a career change.

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge of the most important challenges and opportunities facing nonprofit and for-profit cultural organizations.
• Knowledge of the history of arts organizations in the nonprofit, public, and private sectors in the US.
• Knowledge of the structure and institutional behavior of arts organizations in the nonprofit, public, and private sectors in the US.
• Knowledge of the best practices regarding financial and personnel management of arts organizations.
• Knowledge of relevant legal regulations in nonprofit and for-profit arts organizational settings.
• Knowledge of techniques used to develop community-based programs in the arts.
• The ability to take a strategic approach to their personal development, networking, and self-marketing for professional advancement within the field of arts administration.

Program Requirements (four courses/16 credits)

The certificate consists of four graduate courses. Three courses are required and one may be selected from the list below. Upon completion, interested students may apply for admission to the Master of Science (MS) in Arts Administration program. If accepted, all completed credits earned toward the certificate will be applied to the degree program.

Required Courses

• MET AR 690 The Art World
• MET AR 750 Financial Management for Nonprofits
• MET AR 778 Legal Issues in Arts Administration

Select one additional course:

• MET AR 550 Raising Funds and Grant Writing for Nonprofit Organizations
• MET AR 720 Marketing and Audience Development for the Arts
• MET AR 740 Technology and Arts Administration
• MET AR 749 Research and Program Evaluation in Arts Administration
• MET AR 766 Arts and the Community
• MET AR 771 Managing Performing Arts Organizations
• MET AR 774 Managing Visual Arts Organizations
• MET AR 779 Public Art Program Administration
• MET AR 789 Cultural Entrepreneurship

The 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 skills in fundraising. The certificate is also appropriate for professionals considering a career change and professionals in the arts, healthcare, education, faith-based, and human services fields.

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge of the most important challenges and opportunities facing nonprofit organizations.
• Knowledge of professional practices with regard to fundraising and financial management.
• Skills to identify funding sources and author professional grant applications.
• Knowledge of best practices in designing and managing fundraising strategies and capital campaigns.
• Knowledge of structural and operational similarities and differences between several categories of nonprofit organizations, including healthcare, faith-based, cultural, and educational organizations.
• The ability to take a strategic approach to the professional development, networking, and self-marketing necessary to obtain a professional position as a fundraiser.

Program Requirements (four courses/16 credits)

The Graduate Certificate in Fundraising Management consists of four courses. Upon completion of the certificate, students working in the visual or performing arts fields may apply for admission to the Master of Science (MS) in Arts Administration program. If accepted, all successfully completed credits earned toward the certificate may be applied toward degree requirements.

• MET AR 550 Raising Funds and Grant Writing for Nonprofit Organizations
• MET AR 711 Capital Campaigns
• MET AR 723 Individual Fundraising
• MET AR 750 Financial Management for Nonprofits