Arts & Cultural Management Degree & Certificate Programs

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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 & Cultural Management

BU’s MS in Arts and Cultural Management degree program is designed for students who wish to pursue careers within the full range of organizations in the cultural sector, such as museums, galleries, performing arts venues, artist companies, service organizations, public cultural agencies, consulting firms, and beyond. The degree also prepares students to apply their skills as creative workers outside the sector in areas such as arts in healthcare, creative design in technology, or education administration.

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. The certificate can be earned on campus or online.

The four-course Arts Marketing graduate certificate program develops a sophisticated skillset of the latest marketing and advertising

Arts Marketing Graduate and Advanced Graduate Certificates

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

Fundraising Management Graduate and Advanced Graduate Certificates

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

Commercial Theater Development Graduate Certificate

Commercial Theater Development Graduate and Advanced Graduate Certificates

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, such as 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 and culture audiences, practitioners, and institutions, but effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and changing public funding patterns 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 cultural sector professionals. Boston University prepares students to respond to these factors through a varied curriculum that prepares arts and culture professionals with the skills and knowledge to navigate new opportunities and challenges in the field.

BU’s graduate programs in Arts and Cultural Management 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 one-to-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. 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 & Cultural Management brochure.