The BA program in arts management at Purchase College is designed for students seeking a foundation for further education and for careers in a wide range of creative industries, including dance and theatre companies; symphony orchestras and opera; galleries and museums; presenting and community arts centers; festival and concert venues; and record companies and artist management agencies.
Led by a diverse faculty of arts management educators and field professionals, the BA program prepares a new generation of engaged managers who value the arts and are committed to the creative process. Emphasis is placed on developing critical inquiry, creative thinking, and the business and communication skills necessary to support the arts and entertainment industry in a changing environment.
As of fall 2025, students who major in Arts Management are encouraged to consider pursuing optional concentrations in either the Music Industry or Performing Arts; these concentrations allow for more focused study within these two key areas of contemporary arts and entertainment.
practical business courses focused on building the core knowledge and skills vital to supporting a wide variety of arts-based initiatives
performing and visual arts history, theory, and practice-based courses
exploration of chronic and current factors affecting artists and arts entities
applied learning opportunities to pursue individual career interests and to gain practical insight and experience through internships, interaction with field professionals and organizations, and a yearlong case study in arts management
a broad-based education in the liberal arts and sciences
The program also offers a minor in arts management, which is open to students in all disciplines.
The tradition of artistic excellence and diversity at Purchase College, an accomplished faculty with wide-ranging experience, and the college’s proximity to the vast cultural resources in Westchester County and New York City are among the outstanding features enhancing the arts management program.
Requirements:
Effective Fall 2025, in addition to meeting General Education requirements and other degree requirements, all Arts Management majors must meet the following requirements:
Arts Management Core Requirements (32 credits)
AMG 1100/Introduction to Art, Society, and the Creative Industries (3 credits)
LBS2017/Structured Inquiry Across the Disciplines (3 credits)*
AMG 2200/Finance for the Arts I or AMG3030/Finance for the Arts II (3 credits)
AMG3015/Leadership and Management Techniques or AMG3035/Intercultural Leadership and Management (3 credits)
AMG 3100/Funding the Arts or AMG 4115/Arts Funding and Capital Formation (3 credits)
AMG 3170/Arts and Entertainment Law (4 credits) or AMG4090/Law and the Arts (3 credits)
AMG 3520/Principles of Arts Marketing (3 credits)
AMG 3995/Arts Management Internship (3 credits)
SPJ 4991/Senior Project I (4 credits)
SPJ 4990/Senior Project II (4 credits)
In addition, students electing not to pursue the optional Music Industry or Performing Arts concentrations (see below) must meet the following requirements:
11. Elective courses in literary, performing, or visual arts history, theory, or practice (1000/2000 level, 8 credits) 12. AMG —/Arts Management electives (3000/4000 level, 6-8 credits)
Optional Concentrations in Music Industry and Performing Arts
A complete list of requirements for the optional Arts Management concentrations in Music Industry and Performing Arts are found on the following pages:
Students enrolled in the Arts Management program prior to Fall 2025 are subject to the following requirements:
1. AMG 1100/Fundamentals of Arts Management (4 credits) 2. AMG 2200/Finance for the Arts (4 credits) or AMG3030/Finance for the Arts II (3 credits) or ECO 2085/Arts and Entertainment in Economics (4 credits) 3. AMG 2300/Communicating the Arts or AMG3015/Leadership and Management Techniques (3 credits) 4. Elective courses in literary, performing, or visual arts history, theory, or practice (1000 or 2000 level, 6 credits). At least 3 credits should be completed in the freshman year and before registering for AMG 1100. 5. AMG 3100/Funding the Arts (4 credits) or AMG 4115/Arts Funding and Capital Formation (3 credits) 6. AMG 3170/Arts and Entertainment Law (4 credits) or AMG4090/Law and the Arts (3 credits) 7. AMG 3520/Principles of Arts Marketing (4 credits) 8. AMG 3995/Arts Management Internship (4 credits) 9. AMG —/Arts management elective (3000/4000 level, 3-4 credits) 10. LBS2017/Structured Inquiry Across the Disciplines (3 credits)* 11. SPJ 4990/Senior Project I (4 credits) 12. SPJ 4991/Senior Project II (4 credits)
Additional Notes:
Students must earn a grade of C or higher in all courses required for the major, excluding the internship and senior project. Students who do not meet these standards must repeat the course(s) or complete acceptable substitutes (for example, ECO 2085 instead of AMG 2200), chosen in consultation with the program faculty.
AMG 1100 is a prerequisite for required upper-level arts management courses.
Students are strongly encouraged to take additional courses in the literary, performing, and visual arts and in arts management, beyond those required for the major.
*Effective Fall 2024, LBS 2017/Structured Inquiry Across the Disciplines replaced AMG 3880/Junior Seminar as a program requirement.
Minor requirements:
The minor in arts management is designed for students in all disciplines who are interested in exploring the field of arts management and gaining the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to promote and support the arts.
Students interested in pursuing this minor must submit a completed Declaration of Minor form to the Chair of the arts management program. Upon admission to the minor, the student will be assigned a minor advisor from the arts management faculty.
Academic Requirements for the Minor in Arts Management
Five courses, as follows:
AMG 1100/Introduction to Art, Society, and the Creative Industries (3 credits)
AMG 2200/Finance for the Arts (3 credits)
AMG 3100/Funding the Arts (3 credits)
AMG 3170/Arts and Entertainment Law (4 credits)
AMG 3520/Principles of Arts Marketing (3 credits)
Notes:
Students must earn a grade of C or higher in all courses required for the minor. Students who do not meet these standards must repeat the course(s) or complete acceptable substitutes, chosen in consultation with the program faculty.
AMG 1100 is a prerequisite for required upper-level arts management courses.
A survey course that overviews the historical context, creative forms, business structures, and social impact of contemporary theater, dance, and music industries. Students explore creative processes, production, and presentation models as well as audience development and community engagement through readings, discussion, experiential learning activities, and live event attendance.
Credits: 3
Examines the foundational theories, structures, and practices central to the arts and creative sectors through interdisciplinary and global approaches. Students engage with key historical developments and contemporary issues to explore the tensions between artists, audiences, communities, and organizational and environmental sustainability. Emphasis is placed on developing the communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills necessary for career pathways in arts management.
Credits: 3
A student-centered course in which teams collaborate to explore the creative process by envisioning a nonprofit performing or visual arts organization, conceiving it from mission statement to the first body of work. As projects progress, students develop innovative and critical thinking skills while applying basic principles of arts management to sustain their ventures in today’s cultural environment.
Credits: 4
PREREQ: AMG1100
To do more than survive in a competitive economy, artists and their managers must learn business strategies for the financial side of their profession. Students are introduced to the basics of budgets, financial management, and accounting concepts that translate into usable information with practical significance for financial decision-making.
Credits: 3
The ability to communicate effectively is frequently ranked by business leaders worldwide as the most important skill for achieving success. This course develops the written, presentation, and interpersonal skills needed to advance career and business objectives in arts management. Assignments build familiarity and practice in internal and external communication tools and tactics common for informing, engaging, and influencing diverse stakeholders.
Credits: 3
PREREQ: AMG1100
Communicating the power of the arts to enhance the lives of individuals and transform communities is central to the success of artists, arts managers, and arts educators. Students explore U.S. cultural policy, law, social values, and market forces affecting the arts and entertainment industry as they develop a theoretical framework and advocacy skills to support arts participation as a fundamental human right.
Credits: 3
PREREQ: AMG1100
Students build the skills one needs to be an entrepreneur in an increasingly competitive environment by assessing their personal management tactics, developing their communication styles and needs, learning how to personally organize for success, and building skills and strategies to maximize effectiveness. Human resources principles and laws, governance, effective negotiations, decision making, and managing change are also covered.
Credits: 3
PREREQ: AMG1100
In this service-learning course, students design, plan, implement, and manage a mentoring program in art education for middle or high school students. Activities include designing and developing a curriculum, creating and curating artwork, and managing and evaluating the program. Includes an eight-week residency at a local middle or high school, culminating with a public presentation of artwork created by the students.
Credits: 4
PREREQ: AMG1100
A study of fundraising and philanthropy for the nonprofit sector, which includes soliciting charitable donations from individuals and seeking grants, and capital formation for commercial entities, which includes issues of self-financing, bank loans, and investors. Focusing on relationship fundraising and research techniques for identifying prospects, this course also explores the rapidly expanding world of crowdfunding and digital fundraising.
Credits: 3
Covers accounting principles, procedures, and internal controls; forecasting, balance-sheet analysis, and budgeting procedures; financial reporting for both nonprofit and commercial entities; and the development of pro forma budgets for start-up enterprises.
Credits: 3
PREREQ: AMG2200
Students explore communication, collaboration, creativity, and flexibility as the hallmarks of effective management practices, disrupting hidden assumptions and entrenched biases. Coursework critically examines organizational and leadership theory in intercultural perspective to reimagine ethical approaches that are inclusive, adaptive, and transformative. Students explore how to lead and manage enterprises across industries and global landscapes, using critical theories.
Credits: 3
Provides an overview of the business models, structures, stakeholders, practices, and issues that shape today’s dynamic and complex music industry. Students engage in creative problem-solving activities and collaborative projects to develop entrepreneurial and managerial skills for non-profit and commercial music settings. Topics include live performance and touring, recording, publishing, licensing, artist management, and career development.
Credits: 3
What a creative entrepreneur wants to achieve and how to achieve it are fundamental questions at the heart of strategic planning. This course covers a survey of the theory and practice of planning and evaluation, with topics including: the development of critical issues, goals, and strategies; outcomes research planning; protocol development; and strategic planning from individuals, companies, and cities.
Credits: 3
The most successful arts-based enterprises require collaborations with public and private sectors in diverse fields, including healthcare, education, community development, and social justice. To find relevance in an increasingly competitive world that demands evidence and results, students learn how to structure projects that transcend the insular art world and strengthen the places where people live, work, and play.
Credits: 3
Provides an overview of the principles and purpose and practices of public relations. The history of the field will be explored along with present day messaging, tools and tactics utilized by PR professionals and entrepreneurs supporting projects and events in film, music, fashion, beauty, and otherentertainment industries. Areas of focus will include crisis communications, branding, and buzz generating strategies.
Credits: 3
An introduction to fund development for growing and sustaining businesses in the arts. Topics include prospect research, proposal development, special events, corporate sponsorship, capitalization, and internet-based fundraising. Students also examine the history of U.S. arts and cultural philanthropy. Guest speakers and/or case studies give students an opportunity to apply concepts and techniques to real-world arts organizations.
Credits: 3
PREREQ: AMG1100 And (AMG2200 Or ECO2085 )
An introduction to fundamental legal and business concepts that affect artists and arts managers, with an emphasis on copyright protection and infringement. Students learn the basics of copyright and contract law, analyzing both contracts and case law relevant to the creative industries. Additional course topics include privacy, defamation, moral rights, and free speech protection.
Credits: 4
PREREQ: AMG1100 Or LEG1520
A practicum course in which students engage in negotiations involving artistic activities and creative enterprises. Focuses on legal and ethical questions, with an emphasis on collaborative endeavors. Students develop proficiency in reading and interpreting contracts, as well as basic contract drafting skills, exploring negotiation theory alongside practical considerations such as labor unions, employment law regulations, and intellectual property licensing.
Credits: 3
PREREQ: AMG1100
Students are introduced to StatueFest, a theatrical project inspired by discourse on monuments and the dearth of statues reflecting the lives of women. Exploring the notion “Who deserves a statue?” students research, write and produce monologues celebrating the contributions of statue-worthy women. Guest speakers include librarians, historians and artists from previous StatueFest productions. The course culminates with a public performance.
Credits: 3
PREREQ: WRI1110
Through hands-on experience, students explore roles and responsibilities related to Front of House (FOH) management for performing arts venues. Designed to prepare students to work FOH positions in the Conservatories, PAC and other venues, the course introduces students to FOH strategies and duties before, during and after a performance. Focus is on ensuring the safety and well-being of every patron.
Credits: 2
Provides a global overview of the field of museum education and community-based learning. Museum education is examined in relation to its constituent learning communities, including K-12 classes, tourists, and life-long learners, among others. Topics include: the educational role of museums; participatory approaches to learning; teaching from objects; program creation, implementation, and assessment; and exhibition tour development and execution.
Credits: 3
Provides students with an understanding of the occupations and career paths associated with managing creative artists, structures and processes in talent management, and strategies for developing and maintaining an artist/manager business relationship. Geared toward students with an interest in launching an agency or working within an existing firm, and toward individual artists with an interest in self-management.
Credits: 3
PREREQ: AMG1100 And AMG3170
Provides an overview of fundamental concepts and strategies necessary to build diverse audiences for a variety of arts experience. Topics include market research, audience segmentation, and application of the “4 P’s” of marketing strategy in an arts context. Students develop the knowledge and communication skills to conceive, develop and report a strategic plan to promote an arts event or business.
Credits: 3
PREREQ: AMG1100 Or COM1500
A survey of the theory and practice of planning and evaluation as they relate to social and creative entrepreneurship. Topics include lean start-up principles, minimum viable product, goals, strategies, and research and development for social enterprises.
Credits: 3
PREREQ: AMG1100
Social media is integral to effective business communication and marketing. Students develop and analyze social media strategies, content and campaigns while gaining a better understanding of how to build individual and organizational brands utilizing social platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Snapchat. Other topics include influencer campaigns, budgeting, analytics, and split testing.
Credits: 4
Using a hands-on approach, this course explores digital marketing campaigns in the arts. Topics include Facebook, Twitter, blogging, microblogging, video and photo sharing, search engine optimization (SEO), mobile/location-based platforms, virtual realities, and social media integration, strategies, and tactics. Viral theories, trends, and case studies are also explored.
Credits: 3
PREREQ: AMG1100
Presents legal issues that have an impact on entity creation and maintenance in the arts and culture sectors. Issues include copyright and fair use, contracts, patents and trademarks, employment, ethics, and compliance. Students identify and express an understanding of legal issues in crucial areas of the law that affect arts management, arts professionals, and the arts generally.
Credits: 3
It is critical for students in the arts to imagine new cultural landscapes and develop fresh ideas for revitalizing the impact of the arts in society. In this course, students explore and shape innovative, creative ideas; learn how to develop and mold them into feasible forms; and then build both linear and nonlinear business plans for their new projects and enterprises.
Credits: 3
PREREQ: AMG1100
The most successful arts-based enterprises require collaborations with public and private sectors in diverse fields, including healthcare, education, community development, and social justice. To find relevance in an increasingly competitive world that demands evidence and results, students learn how to structure projects that transcend the insular art world and strengthen the places where people live, work, and play.
Credits: 3
PREREQ: AMG1100
Examines nonprofit fundraising and capital formation for commercial entities, including the rapidly expanding world of crowdfunding and digital fundraising, with focus on relationship building and techniques for identifying sources of both earned and contributed revenue. Students learn accounting principles and financial reporting for both nonprofit and commercial entities and develop pro forma budgets for startup creative enterprises.
Credits: 3
PREREQ: AMG1100 And (AMG2200 Or ECO2085 Or AMG3030 )
Students explore the creative process by envisioning and developing a visual or performing arts project. Participants build innovative and critical thinking skills while applying basic principles and practices of arts management including fund development and marketing needed to connect and sustain their ventures in today’s challenging marketplace. The course culminates with a public presentation of individual and team projects.
Credits: 3
Audiences are increasingly seeking creative experiences that are multi-disciplinary, thematically constructed, actively engaging and convenient. Students explore the curatorial process for the live performing arts across the non-profit and commercial sectors. Resources, internal and external factors and strategies that guide artistic planning are among topics examined and applied to a range of real-world scenarios and projects.
Credits: 4
Audiences are an integral, but often overlooked community in the arts, heritage, and cultural sectors. Who are audiences? And what are their roles as participatory and receptive agents of arts and culture? Coursework includes theories and methods of audience research, including hands-on data collection and reporting. For the final, students design and conduct an evaluation for a cultural organization.
Credits: 3
Exploring the exhibition within new museology, students are introduced to key concepts and practices in museum and exhibition interpretation. Coursework examines the history of exhibitions, what it means to be “exhibition literate,” and how interpretive meaning is inscribed onto museum objects or exhibition content. Students gain hands-on collaborative experience creating interpretation for an exhibition.
Credits: 3
Students examine and interrogate commonsense distinctions between ‘traditional’ museums and other spaces of cultural-historical exhibition. The aim is to partner with local communities to mount shows that resonate with community aesthetic, political, social and ecological concerns and, in the process, teach apprenticing curators how cultural institutions might become more inclusive and achieve relevance in the daily lives of their patrons.
Credits: 3
A survey course that reviews economic and financial aspects of the film, music, performing arts, sports, radio, and broadcasting industries.
Credits: 4
This course emphasizes the importance of integrating interdisciplinary perspectives in problem-solving, as well as combining academic and experiential learning in confronting real-world challenges. Students will reflect on the meanings and purpose of higher education as a community of learners, will engage in a variety of activities designed to strengthen academic skills, and will address contemporary social issues from cross-disciplinary perspectives.
Credits: 3
Examines the intersections between culture, art and coloniality, with emphasis on freedom movements and abolition. How are the arts used as a tool to decolonize the spaces we inhabit and uncover blind spots of colonial legacies? Students explore world settings where art figures prominently in decolonization efforts, contemplating the role of archival documentation, museum collections, and exhibitions for reproducing colonialities.
Credits: 3
Examine the histories and meanings of public art from interdisciplinary perspectives. How does artistic expression intersect with public planning to cultivate civic space and democratic participation? Coursework explores how artists, urban planners and architects of the built environment come together to inform the publics, engage in civics, and create public realms that reflect diverse communities of belonging.
Credits: 3
Examines copyright law in artistic practice from a global and multidisciplinary perspective. Students examine rules that govern the protection of creative work and explore the role law plays in mediating questions of authorship, attribution, and creative control. Coursework covers applications of copyright in music, visual art, performance, literature, video games, fashion, and social media. Students engage in legal analysis and artistic experimentation in parallel.
Credits: 3
An introductory course designed for non-music majors that provides an overview of music theory and forms in global perspective. Students build music appreciation and explore basic vocabulary, including pitch, melody, tempo, rhythm, instrument families, styles, and social uses. Coursework examines the evolution of music composition, recording, and production, including the impact of new tools, technologies, and approaches.
Credits: 3
An introductory course designed for non-music majors that overviews the origins and evolution of music across time and place. Students explore the genres, artists, composers, and innovators that have shaped music, its functions, and its social impact. Coursework examines seminal music visionaries and milestones within their relevant historical periods.
Credits: 3
An introduction to stage management, production, and company management. Students who successfully complete this course may be allowed to take TDT 2600.
Credits: 3
Explores the sociopolitical dimensions of the arts across diverse creative outlets. Students examine and make art in relation to the politics of power in society and engage the activist dynamics of artistic expression with regards to persistent forms of inequality and oppression.
Since actual course offerings vary from semester to semester, students should consult the myHeliotropecourse schedule to determine whether a particular course is offered in a given semester.
Information Changes
In preparing the College Catalog, every effort is made to provide pertinent and accurate information. However, information contained in the catalog is subject to change, and Purchase College assumes no liability for catalog errors or omissions. Updates and new academic policies or programs will appear in the college’s information notices and will be noted in the online catalog.
It is the responsibility of each student to ascertain current information (particularly degree and major requirements) through frequent reference to current materials and consultation with the student’s faculty advisor, chair or director, and related offices (e.g., enrollment services, advising center).
Notwithstanding anything contained in the catalog, Purchase College expressly reserves the right, whenever it deems advisable, to change or modify its schedule of tuition and fees; withdraw, cancel, reschedule, or modify any course, program of study, degree, or any requirement or policy in connection with the foregoing; and to change or modify any academic or other policy.
