Arts Administration @ 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 Administration Program emphasizes 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 the arts are a critical element in a healthy society, and that the role of arts managers is to nurture environments in which artistic excellence can thrive. The socioeconomic and political challenges of the day bring renewed importance to the work of cultural entrepreneurs, artists, producers, curators, policy-makers, and arts managers. Effective arts administrators embrace the challenge of re-thinking and re-shaping the role that the arts 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.

View Arts Administration Brochure

Degree & Certificate Programs

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.

Commercial Theater Development Graduate Certificate

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.

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

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.

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 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.

News & Events

News & Events

Arts Announcements

Arts Announcements

Arts Job Bank

Arts Job Bank