Arts Administration and Cultural Entrepreneurship
Master's
The Master of Science in Arts Administration and Cultural Entrepreneurship prepares arts leaders to convey the human necessity of creative expression and apply creative thinking to manage resources, inspire audience engagement, and sustain financial support.
Program overview
Leadership in arts and culture
The interdisciplinary Master of Science in Arts Administration and Cultural Entrepreneurship prepares arts leaders to both convey the human necessity of creative expression and apply creative thinking to manage resources, inspire audience engagement, and sustain financial support.
Today, traditional institutions for visual and performing arts face critical sustainability challenges. Leaders in the arts must adopt the creative thinking and problem-solving skills of an entrepreneur to envision new models for creative practice, audience engagement, and funding. Arts leaders must also be equipped with the administrative, analytical, and technological skill sets necessary to excel within the complex, interdependent arts ecosystem.
The interdisciplinary Master of Science in Arts Administration and Cultural Entrepreneurship prepares arts leaders to both convey the human necessity of creative expression and apply creative thinking to manage resources, inspire audience engagement, and sustain financial support.
Today, traditional institutions for visual and performing arts face critical sustainability challenges. Leaders in the arts must adopt the creative thinking and problem-solving skills of an entrepreneur to envision new models for creative practice, audience engagement, and funding. Arts leaders must also be equipped with the administrative, analytical, and technological skill sets necessary to excel within the complex, interdependent arts ecosystem.
- Course and project work embeds experiential opportunities to explore and demonstrate transformational arts management approaches.
- The Master of Science in Arts Administration and Cultural Entrepreneurship is conveniently offered 100% online, though students may also choose from a selection of on-campus electives. Please note that the AACE program offerings do not meet international student visa requirements.
The arts, and audience opportunities to experience them, are more dynamic and diverse than ever before, flourishing in major arts institutions as well as nonhierarchical organizations, from artist-run spaces and community organizations to annual festivals and pop-up exhibitions.
It is time for a transformation in leadership training that matches the ingenuity of today’s most exciting experiments in music, dance, theatre, and the visual arts.
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.
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.
Fall
Priority deadline for scholarship consideration: February 1
Final deadline: August 1
Spring
Final deadline: November 1
Please contact the program coordinator for details regarding the modified course sequence for students enrolling in the spring.
Application form
Application fee
Resumé
Personal statement
Transcripts from all institutions attended
The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)
Three letters of recommendation
TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo exam scores for international applicants
Program objectives
Prepare for success
Prepares to lead with the administrative, analytical, and technological skill sets necessary to excel within the complex, interdependent arts ecosystem.
Lead with the problem-solving skills of an entrepreneur in organizations focused on music, dance, theatre, and the visual arts.
Faculty includes professionals with arts administration experience. Classroom and experiential learning opportunities explore real world challenges from arts organizations.
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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Cost of attendance
Tuition and financial aid
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$61,770Tuition 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.
Visit tuition & financial aidYour education, your way
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.
#8
Northeastern's national ranking for Most Innovative Schools
(U.S. News & World Report, 2024)
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)