Boston University

Overview

The Master of Science in Arts Administration at Boston University equips you with the skills to lead and enhance arts organizations across various sectors, including nonprofit, public, and private. This program emphasizes essential areas such as fundraising, cultural policy, marketing, and organizational strategy, supported by interdisciplinary coursework and opportunities for international study.

• Degree: Master of Science (MSc) in Arts Administration
• Study mode: Options available for part-time (evenings) or full-time study
• Typical duration: Part-time study can be completed in approximately 2 calendar years; full-time duration may be shorter
• Delivery: Evening classes designed to accommodate working professionals
• Language of instruction: English
• Application fee: $85 (nonrefundable)
• English proficiency tests accepted: IELTS, TOEFL iBT, Duolingo English Test

What you'll study

The curriculum combines core courses in arts administration with applied professional learning and international study opportunities. Students can typically choose to follow a part-time evening schedule or a full-time plan.

Indicative course components include:

• Art Leaders Forum
• Raising Funds and Grant Writing for Nonprofit Organizations
• Comparative Cultural Policy and Administration
• Capital Campaigns
• The Arts in Barcelona (international travel study)
• Art History

Learning and assessment: Courses are structured to foster both conceptual understanding and practical administrative skills. Depending on your study plan, you may engage in assignments, case-based learning, and applied projects that enhance professional practice in arts organizations.

Entry requirements

• Application: Completed Application for Graduate Admission
• Letters of recommendation: 3 letters
• Personal statement: A short essay discussing your motivation for study
• Résumé: Current résumé
• Transcripts: Transcripts from all colleges and graduate schools attended
• Application fee: $85 (nonrefundable)

English requirements

• Duolingo English Test: 125
• TOEFL iBT: 90
• IELTS: 6.5

Additional requirements for international applicants

• International Student Data Form
• Authorized financial statement from a bank (original, shown in U.S. dollars)
• Copy of current I-20 and I-94 (if applicable)
• Letter of financial support from a sponsor (e.g., firm, government, parents)
• Notarized English translations of all documents not in English

Career prospects

Graduates of the MSc in Arts Administration may be eligible to work in the country where they studied after completing their degree, subject to immigration regulations and maintaining valid student status. Many students transition from a student visa to post-study work authorization upon graduation, which allows them to gain valuable professional experience in the arts sector.