Arts Management Major

Bring the arts to life with a degree in arts management!

Whether your passion is as an artist or behind the scenes, you will gain essential management skills. Focus on marketing and finance specific to the visual and performing arts industry. You will put the creative arts in context. Learn holistically about the arts management industry.

Why study arts management at the College of Charleston?

The program is uniquely situated in a vibrant city with a flourishing arts community. Students have abundant opportunities for internships, career networking, and special projects. Our faculty members all have strong professional connections and broad experience within the arts. We also have an accelerated program in which students can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Arts Management and a Master of Public Administration within five years.

What will I learn?

You will learn skills from both the arts and business. Explore your creativity while building a foundation in business! You will learn strategic planning, fundraising and grant writing. Study arts marketing and audience engagement. You will pursue experiential learning opportunities. Build your knowledge in business law, accounting and economics. 

View Curriculum: Arts Management

Program Highlights

The Arts Management Program is one of the few undergraduate programs of its kind in the Southeast. This is the only program in South Carolina offering a major and minor. You will understand the business side of creative and performing arts. You have the option of adding the music industry concentration as a pathway to careers in this field. You may even earn a double major or minor in a business, artistic, or other discipline.
  • Hands-On Learning

    Experiential learning is the core of the arts management program. You will work with artists and arts organizations around the world.

    Work with 1770 Records, the arts management program's student-run record label. You'll get hands-on experience by selecting music and releasing singles based on current industry standards.

    You may also volunteer with a number of local arts organizations including Engaging Creative Minds or the Gibbes Museum of Art.

  • Study Abroad

    You may take part in a number of study abroad programs. You may enrich your understanding of culture and art with a global perspective. We offer scholarships and stipends for arts management majors studying abroad.

Careers & Outcomes

You might work in fields like arts administration, music management and more. You will complete an internship during your junior or senior year, which will help you transfer your skills from the classroom to the work place. You may complete our accelerated B.A. + M.P.A. program for additional professional development. You may go on to work with:
  • operas.
  • symphonies.
  • dance companies.
  • record labels.
  • digital streaming companies.
  • marketing.
  • public relations.
  • non-profits.
  • museums.
  • community outreach programs.

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Adapt your dreams for the future.

Ren Dryzer '22 dreamed of becoming an artist while growing up. Now they are ready to have an impact on the arts on a regional and national level.

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About the Minor

The arts management minor is a great option for business and arts majors alike. Combine your creativity with a strong business sense. It will prepare you to understand the business side of the arts. You'll build a more flexible set of skills for the future.

View Curriculum: Arts Management Minor