Arts & Cultural Management @ Boston University

“I love this program. The curriculum is great and there are lots of activities. And instructors have rich experiences in the performing arts. As an international student, I got a lot of help during the year, the instructors and staff of this program are particularly friendly and patient.” Yuexizi Zhang, MS Arts Administration Program ’21.
Founded at Boston University’s Metropolitan College in 1993, the Arts & Cultural Management Programs emphasize creative problem solving, leadership, globalism, and effective use of current technologies. We are committed to helping arts organizations achieve and sustain their missions in a changing world. We hold a deep conviction that arts and culture are a critical element in a healthy society, and that the role of cultural managers is to nurture environments in which excellence can thrive. The socioeconomic and political challenges of the day bring renewed importance to the work of cultural entrepreneurs, artists, producers, curators, policymakers, and cultural managers. Effective cultural managers embrace the challenge of re-thinking and re-shaping the role that the arts and culture play in contemporary society. Our master’s degree and graduate certificates prepare our students to play leadership roles in the global arts of the twenty-first century.

Degree & Certificate Programs

MS in Arts & Cultural Management
BU’s MS in Arts & Cultural Management program is designed for students who wish to pursue careers across a range of cultural organizations, service organizations, and the public sector.

MS in Arts & Cultural Management, Commercial Theater Development Concentration
The Master of Science in Arts & Cultural Management concentration in Commercial Theater Development at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) prepares performing arts professionals to excel in the commercial theater sector. Offered in partnership with Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment, a member of the Nederlander companies, which own and operate some of the world’s greatest theaters—the Commercial Theater Development concentration delivers in-depth training for those pursuing careers in producing, managing, and presenting commercial Broadway and touring productions.

MS in Arts and Cultural Management, Fundraising Concentration
The Master of Science in Arts & Cultural Management concentration in Fundraising at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) equips nonprofit professionals and aspiring fundraisers with essential administrative, financial, and leadership skills to navigate today’s complex fundraising landscape. Designed to address the evolving challenges nonprofits face—including shifting demographics, philanthropic trends, and technological advances—the Fundraising concentration prepares you to develop strategic fundraising campaigns and secure vital resources.

MS in Arts & Cultural Management, Marketing Concentration
The Master of Science in Arts & Cultural Management concentration in Marketing at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) offers early-career professionals a hands-on, immersive experience designed to develop advanced skills in creating customer-centric promotion, advertising, and audience engagement campaigns for cultural organizations. The Marketing master’s concentration equips you with deep analytical skills in interpreting audience research and data to implement actionable, cutting-edge marketing strategies incorporating social media, as well as audience segmentation practices essential for success in an arts marketing environment.

MS in Arts & Cultural Management, Organizational Leadership Concentration
The Master of Science in Arts & Cultural Management concentration in Organizational Leadership at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) prepares you to effectively lead arts organizations through comprehensive training in organizational structure, strategic planning, marketing, and human resource management. Designed for professionals aiming to guide performing, visual, and multidisciplinary arts institutions, the Organizational Leadership master’s concentration emphasizes essential leadership skills such as contract negotiation, performance measurement, research, and program evaluation.

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.

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 completing an additional practicum. International students can be accepted directly into the Advanced Certificate.

Arts Marketing Graduate Certificate
The four-course Arts Marketing graduate certificate program develops a sophisticated skillset of the latest marketing and advertising approaches required to enter a career as a marketing manager within an arts organization. Students have the option to earn an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Arts Marketing by completing an additional practicum. International students can be accepted directly into the Advanced Certificate.

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. Students have the option to earn an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Fundraising Management by completing an additional practicum. 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.

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Arts Announcements

Arts Job Bank

Arts Job Bank