Arts Management Degree at MCLA
MCLA is one of the few institutions in the nation to offer an undergraduate Arts Management degree. Located in the Berkshires, a major arts and cultural hub, the program connects students with internships, professional networks, and hands-on experience across museums, theatres, festivals, and nonprofit arts organizations.
Study arts and culture management. Build creative leadership skills. Prepare for careers across the cultural sector.
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Arts Management (B.A.)
Program Delivery: On Campus
Next Term: Fall 2026
Why Choose Arts Management at MCLA?
Studying Arts Management at MCLA gives students the tools to create, develop, facilitate, and evaluate cultural programs and organizations. The program combines coursework in visual arts, music, theatre, marketing, fundraising, finance, leadership, and strategic planning while connecting students to the Berkshires’ world-class arts community.
One of the Few in the Nation
MCLA is one of the few colleges in the country offering an undergraduate Arts Management degree, giving students a specialized credential directly aligned with careers in arts and culture organizations.
The Berkshires as Your Classroom
Students gain direct access to institutions including Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA), The Clark Art Institute, Tanglewood, Jacob’s Pillow, Shakespeare & Company, and Barrington Stage Company through internships, partnerships, and field-based learning opportunities.
$8,400 Tuition Reduction for Regional Residents
Residents of Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont who major in Arts Management may qualify for an $8,400 tuition reduction through MCLA’s regional tuition. program.
Career Outlook and Program Value
Arts and cultural organizations continue to generate demand for professionals with management, fundraising, marketing, and community engagement skills.
Where This Degree Takes You
Arts managers work across museums, theatres, orchestras, dance companies, festivals, foundations, arts councils, galleries, and nonprofit cultural organizations. Others apply these skills to manage their own artistic practices or entrepreneurial ventures.
Career Opportunities
- Museum Program Coordinator
- Performing Arts Manager
- Festival Coordinator
- Development and Fundraising Associate
- Gallery Manager
- Arts Marketing Specialist
- Community Arts Director
- Public Programs Coordinator
- Artist Manager
- Grant Writer
- Cultural Events Manager
- Arts Education Coordinator
Explore Our Programs
Skills You Will Develop
Spotlight Courses
Faculty
Meet Your Mentors
Arts Management in the Field
Berkshire Hills Internship Program (B-HIP)
B-HIP provides intensive internship opportunities that connect students with cultural organizations across the Berkshires, combining professional experience with career development in arts and culture management.
Sm[ART]Commons
Sm[ART]Commons is a student-run platform featuring interviews, reviews, articles, and resources for current and prospective students, alumni, artists, and the surrounding community.
Berkshire Cultural Resource Center (BCRC)
The Berkshire Cultural Resource Center is a collaborative initiative between MCLA, Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, and the City of North Adams that supports cultural programming, creative partnerships, and community engagement throughout the Northern Berkshires.
FAQs
Residents of Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont majoring in Arts Management may qualify for the regional tuition reduction program.
Graduates work in museums, theatres, arts councils, galleries, dance companies, orchestras, festivals, foundations, and nonprofit cultural organizations.
The two fields are closely related, though Arts Management often emphasizes strategic planning, leadership, fundraising, marketing, and organizational development alongside arts administration practices.
Looking for More Information on MCLA's Arts Management Program?
Reach Out to Us
We’ll share helpful information and student stories, and we promise not to flood your inbox.