Graduate Certificate in Arts Leadership and Administration

The arts leadership certificate provides a structured pathway for acquiring the essential knowledge and skills necessary to lead and manage arts organizations effectively, making it a valuable investment for individuals passionate about advancing their careers in the arts and cultural sector.

This credential enhances career prospects by making individuals more competitive for management and administrative positions in museums, galleries, theaters, and other cultural institutions. It provides opportunities to build a professional network within the arts community, fosters a deep understanding of arts management principles and fundraising strategies, and prepares graduates to lead effectively, ensuring the sustainability and impact of arts organizations.

Ultimately, a Graduate Certificate in Arts Leadership and Administration empowers individuals to make meaningful contributions to the arts while advancing their own career aspirations in this dynamic field.

The Graduate Certificate in Arts Leadership and Administration requires a minimum of 12 credits.

Required Courses

• Develop and implement sound budgeting and financial management practices, including financial planning, monitoring, and reporting, to ensure the sustainability of arts organizations
• Design and carry out effective fundraising campaigns, utilizing various fundraising techniques and tools to secure financial support from diverse sources
• Create comprehensive marketing plans tailored to arts organizations, leveraging digital and traditional marketing strategies to enhance visibility, engagement, and audience development
• Understand the importance of arts advocacy and develop skills to effectively advocate for arts organizations and the broader arts sector, influencing policy and public opinion
• Develop leadership and administrative skills tailored to managing a wide range of arts organizations, from small community arts groups to large cultural institutions. You’ll understand and apply principles of effective governance and leadership within various types of arts organizations, ensuring ethical and strategic decision-making
• Foster innovation and sustainability within arts organizations, encouraging creative approaches to management and programming that ensure long-term success and impact

Introduction to Creative Leadership (3 credits)

Explore what it means to lead in an arts context, whether you’re running a small community program or contributing to a larger cultural institution. You’ll examine leadership models, practice communication and collaboration strategies, and consider how values, mission, and equity shape decision-making in the arts.

Arts Marketing and Communications (3 credits)

Learn how arts organizations communicate their value, build audiences, and deepen engagement. This course introduces core concepts in branding, messaging, and digital and traditional marketing. You’ll develop sample campaigns or plans that connect programming, audience needs, and organizational goals.

Financial Management and Grant Writing for Arts Organizations (3 credits)

Build practical skills in budgeting, financial planning, and fundraising. You’ll learn how to read and construct basic financial documents, plan for revenue and expenses, and identify funding opportunities. The course also guides you through the elements of compelling grant proposals and donor communications.

Arts Management and Strategy: Navigating Creativity, Impact, and Engagement (3 credits)

Examine how arts organizations set direction, manage resources, and measure impact. Topics may include governance, strategic planning, program design, partnerships, and evaluation. You’ll consider how to balance artistic vision with organizational sustainability and how to align day-to-day decisions with long-term mission and impact.

Application fee: $70

Campus: Online

*NO GRE required

PERSONAL STATEMENT

Please submit a personal statement of no more than 750 words that describes your academic background, professional experiences, and personal motivations that have led you to pursue this graduate program, and how you envision the program helping you achieve your long-term career goals.

REFERENCES: TWO REQUIRED

As part of your application, we require two professional recommenders to complete an Endorsement Form. We recommend choosing individuals familiar with your academic or professional experience and who can speak to your strengths, achievements, and potential for success in graduate school. Recommendations submitted by relatives or friends will not be accepted. Once you have identified your recommenders, you will need to provide their contact information in your application portal. Each recommender will then receive an email with a link to complete the Endorsement Form.

RÉSUMÉ

A current Résumé or Curriculum Vitae is required with your submitted application.

TRANSCRIPTS

Applicants should have a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) or above from all previous degrees held. You can either submit unofficial transcripts in the application portal as a PDF attachment or request official college transcripts to be sent electronically to graduateadmissions@meca.edu or to the following address: Maine College of Art & Design, Attn: Graduate Admissions, 522 Congress Street, Portland, Maine 04101. If admitted, you must request that an official transcript be sent directly to our office from the Registrar's Office of each college/university attended. We accept transcripts both electronically and in hard copy:

• Electronic Transcripts: Please have your institution send the transcript directly to graduateadmissions@meca.edu. Please note that we can only accept copies sent directly from the institution.
• Paper Transcripts: Please send hard copies of transcripts to: Maine College of Art & Design, Attn: Graduate Admissions, 522 Congress Street, Portland, Maine 04101.
• You may request transcripts be sent to us directly from the institution, or you may send them yourself as long as they remain sealed in the original university envelope.

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

Prospective international students are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent examination scores. English Language Exams may be waived if English is your first language. We welcome international applicants, but please note that this is an online program. Any program that is conducted primarily online is not eligible for a student visa for study, but students may enroll at a distance or study under a different eligible visa type.

PROOF OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

Non-native English-speaking international applicants must submit proof of English language proficiency. Demonstration of a sufficient level of proficiency is a prerequisite for admission. The following are acceptable forms of documentation and their minimum test scores, if applicable:

• Written TOEFL Test: 550
• Internet TOEFL Test: 79
• Pearson PTE Test: 53
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5
• Duolingo English Test: 100
• Graduation from a US high school with at least two (2) years of high school English, not in conjunction with English as a Second Language (ESL), and documentation of a B average or higher.
• Completion of two (2) consecutive semesters of English Composition taken at a regionally accredited US college while carrying a full-time course load and not in conjunction with ESL. A minimum grade of B is required in each semester.
• Completion of the equivalent of two (2) years at an English-speaking higher education institution and a minimum 3.0 GPA. A school official should provide a written statement that English is the primary language of instruction as documentation.

QUESTIONS

For program-specific application questions, please contact online@meca.edu.

Fall 2026: July 1, 2026

Spring 2027: December 1, 2026

Special: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with priority consideration for applicants who submit applications and supplemental materials by deadlines.

• Select the Graduate Certificate in Arts Leadership and Administration as your intended program.

Prepare your personal statement.

• In up to 750 words, describe your academic background, professional experiences, reasons for pursuing this certificate, and how you hope to use arts leadership and administration skills in your career.

Identify your recommenders.

• Provide contact information for two professional references who know your academic or professional work. Each will receive an email with a link to complete an Endorsement Form.

Upload your résumé or CV.

• Highlight relevant experience in the arts, education, nonprofit work, community programming, or related fields, along with any leadership or project roles.

Submit your transcripts.

• Upload unofficial transcripts in the application portal or request that official transcripts be sent directly to Maine College of Art & Design. A 3.0 GPA or higher from previous degrees is expected.

Pay the application fee.

• Submit the $70 application fee to complete your application.

Provide proof of English proficiency (if required).

• International applicants whose first language is not English should submit approved test scores or documentation as outlined in the admission requirements.

Connect with the admissions team.

• Reach out to online@meca.edu with questions or to discuss your goals, background, and timeline.

Schedule a Call Apply Now

Depending on your experience and interests, this certificate can support pathways such as:

• Arts administrator or arts program manager
• Museum, gallery, or theater manager
• Development or fundraising coordinator/manager
• Marketing and communications professional in arts and culture
• Education or community programs coordinator
• Festival or events coordinator in the arts
• Artistic or program director at a community arts organization
• Consultant or independent producer working with arts and cultural clients

This certificate does not guarantee a specific job title, but it strengthens your preparation for leadership and administrative roles across arts settings.

Graduates apply arts leadership and administration skills in a range of organizations, including:

• Museums, galleries, and cultural centers
• Theaters and performance venues
• Community arts and youth arts organizations
• Nonprofit organizations with arts and culture missions
• Festivals, residencies, and artist-run spaces
• Colleges, universities, and continuing education programs with arts components

Your specific trajectory will depend on your background, network, and the types of organizations you choose to engage with.

The arts leadership certificate builds on Maine College of Art & Design’s longstanding engagement with arts organizations throughout Portland and beyond. Graduates use what they’ve learned to:

• Lead or support strategic planning, program development, and evaluation
• Strengthen development, donor relations, and grant-writing efforts
• Build partnerships between arts institutions and schools, community groups, or municipal agencies
• Design marketing and communications initiatives that reflect organizational values and reach new audiences

While the program does not place students directly into roles, the knowledge, projects, and connections you build can help you contribute more effectively within your current organization or as you pursue new positions.

By completing the Graduate Certificate in Arts Leadership and Administration, you will gain:

• A 12-credit graduate-level credential focused on arts leadership and administration
• Practical experience with budgeting, fundraising, marketing, and strategic planning tools tailored to arts organizations
• A stronger understanding of governance, leadership, and ethics in nonprofit and cultural contexts
• Strategies for fostering innovation, equity, and sustainability in programs and organizations
• Increased confidence in your ability to guide teams, initiatives, and collaborations in the arts
• A foundation you can build on through further graduate study, including a Master of Arts in Education

Maine College of Art & Design is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The College’s accreditation status was renewed in 2016.

The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) is the regional accreditation agency for colleges and universities in New England, as well as international schools. NECHE accreditation attests to a school's high quality and integrity.

Accreditation, which is voluntary, indicates that an institution has met an external set of criteria for the programs it offers and adheres to threshold standards as a foundation for academic strength and operational integrity. It can be helpful in the transfer of credits from one institution to another.

Inquiries regarding the College’s accreditation should be directed to Melissa Sullivan, Executive Assistant to the President, telephone 207.699.5043 / email msullivan@meca.edu.

Contact

New England Commission of Higher Education
3 Burlington Woods Drive, Suite 100
Burlington, MA
01803-4514
781.425.7785
info@neche.org

As part of the College’s online graduate offerings, the Graduate Certificate in Arts Leadership and Administration follows established academic policies, including minimum GPA expectations, clearly defined credit requirements, and standards for satisfactory academic progress. These structures help ensure that your certificate reflects rigorous, graduate-level study in arts leadership and administration.

Maine College of Art & Design is a member of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD), a consortium of leading art and design schools in the United States and Canada. This membership connects the College’s students and alumni to a broader network of creative institutions, educators, and arts professionals.

Founded in 1882, Maine College of Art & Design is the oldest art school in Maine and a recognized leader in art and design education. Located in Portland’s Arts District, the College is known for its intimate scale, strong faculty mentorship, and commitment to community-engaged arts practice. The Graduate Certificate in Arts Leadership and Administration extends this tradition into an online format, supporting emerging and current arts leaders wherever they live and work.

The Graduate Certificate in Arts Leadership and Administration is part of Maine College of Art & Design’s evolving portfolio of online graduate programs. The College regularly reviews curriculum, academic policies, and student feedback to keep courses relevant, rigorous, and responsive to the needs of arts professionals. High expectations, engaged faculty, and ongoing program evaluation support a strong learning experience from your first e-term through completion of the certificate.

Tuition and fees:

Cost Per Credit: $720

Technology Fee: $100 per e-term

Click HERE for additional information.

Financial Aid Office: Click HERE or email finaid@meca.edu

*This program is eligible for Federal Financial Aid

No, you do not need a prior degree in business or formal management experience to apply. The Graduate Certificate in Arts Leadership and Administration is designed for artists, arts workers, educators, and creative professionals who want to build or strengthen their leadership and administrative skills. The courses introduce key concepts in finance, marketing, and strategy in ways that are tailored to arts and cultural organizations.

The certificate provides graduate-level preparation in areas like budgeting, fundraising, marketing, and governance, all essential for leadership and administrative roles in the arts. While Maine College of Art & Design cannot guarantee specific job outcomes, the skills, projects, and knowledge you gain can help you pursue roles such as program coordinator, manager, or director in museums, galleries, theaters, community arts organizations, and other cultural institutions.

The program allows for flexibility in regard to course offerings. Students can request to transfer in a maximum of one graduate-level course (3 credits) taken outside of Maine College of Art & Design from an accredited college or university (to use towards a Graduate Certificate), with the program director’s approval. Students must have earned at least a “B” in the course. This course cannot have been used in obtaining another degree.

Yes, typically, one required course is offered each e-term. This program has a course offered in four of the five e-terms. E-terms are different from the traditional Maine College of Art & Design academic calendar. The e-term schedule includes intensive eight-week courses. There are two e-terms in the Fall, two in the Spring, and one in the Summer. Each course is typically three credits and is an accelerated version of a typical 15-16 week semester course. In other words, the same amount of material is covered, but in a shorter time span.

Students are not required to register for each e-term, and many choose to register for one course each Fall and Spring semester. This means you can register for e-term 1 OR 2 in the Fall and e-term 3 OR 4 in the Spring. However, this will lengthen the time to program completion.

Link to the Online Academic Calendar: HERE