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College of Arts, Media and Design

Arts Administration

Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Arts Administration fosters leadership in arts organizations, equipping students with entrepreneurial skills for innovation in the dynamic arts and cultural sector.

Program curriculum Explore College of Arts, Media and Design
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Program Format
Online
Time Commitment
Part Time
Duration
1 Year(s)
Entry Term(s)
Fall, Spring
Meets F1 visa requirements
No
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Program overview

Innovate in arts leadership

The Graduate Certificate in Arts Administration equips students to lead and innovate within the dynamic arts sector, including performance, visual arts, and cultural organizations.

By combining interdisciplinary coursework with experiential learning, the program prepares students to create diverse, sustainable projects that last. Students develop entrepreneurial practices, innovative planning, and engagement strategies essential for arts management today. Core courses focus on leadership in nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, while electives allow a deeper dive into specific areas of interest.

With a flourishing arts sector and an evolving funding climate, graduates will be ready to meet the need for creative, analytical, and technological skills in this complex ecosystem.

  • Core courses offer an interdisciplinary education focused on leadership innovation in nonprofit performance, visual arts, cultural, and community organizations.
  • Elective courses allow students to focus their education within the field of arts administration.
  • Learn entrepreneurial practices for arts management and strategies for innovative planning and community engagement.
  • Course and project work contain embedded experiential opportunities to explore and demonstrate transformational arts management approaches.
  • Where they work: Scout Studio, The TJX Companies, The Boston Beer Company, State Street, Wayfair.
  • What they do: Arts and Design, Information Technology, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Media, and Communication.
  • Skills they gain: Adobe Creative Suite, Social Media, Web Design, Marketing, Typography.

Admissions

Apply to the program

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.

Application deadline for fall term: August 1

Application deadline for spring term: December 1

Please contact the program coordinator for details regarding the modified course sequence for students enrolling in the spring.


Program objectives

Prepare for success

The program is designed to foster leadership in arts organizations, enhance entrepreneurial skills, and develop innovative strategies for managing diverse, culturally rich arts projects.

Leadership in arts innovation

Develop skills in leading and managing nonprofit arts organizations, focusing on innovation in performance, visual arts, and cultural sectors.

Strategic planning and engagement

Learn to create and implement strategic planning and community engagement initiatives, using entrepreneurial approaches for sustainable arts management.

Connect with us

Want more information?

We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Complete the form below to receive additional program details and speak with a member of our enrollment team. 

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Degree building

Stack your certificate

Earning a graduate certificate is a fast and affordable way to acquire specialized skills while building toward your master’s degree. Upon completion of this certificate program, you may be able to apply your credits to an eligible master’s program, saving time and money on your degree.

Some of the eligible master’s programs for this certificate include:

Contact an enrollment counselor to learn more about eligibility requirements.

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Cost of attendance

Tuition and financial aid

  • $24,708
    Tuition in USD

Estimated Total Tuition

This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.

For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.

There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.

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Online Programs

Your education, your way

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Northeastern's online classes give you the same top-tier education you'd get in person, on a schedule that works for your lifestyle and career needs. They offer a range of videos, interactives, breakout sessions, and experience-focused learning opportunities to immerse you in the material and build community. You'll graduate with the same degree as your in-person peers.

Learn more about online learning at Northeastern

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Northeastern's national ranking for Most Innovative Schools

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53.5%

Percent of graduate students in the U.S. enrolled in online courses

(NCES, 2022)

97%

Percent of students in the U.S. who recommend online education

(BestColleges, 2024)