Cal State LA’s new Arts Management Certificate Program is now available in a fully online format, allowing students to attend class virtually from anywhere. Launching on Saturday, April 11, the Arts Management Certificate Online Program prepares arts leaders to innovate, adapt, and lead with purpose.  

This one-year certificate program is designed to be completed in sequence, with four core courses followed by two electives. However, classes may be taken individually or out of order to accommodate learners’ professional goals and schedules.

The virtual format features live Saturday classes taught by Los Angeles arts and cultural management professionals who bring real-world expertise into the classroom.

As arts organizations navigate rapid change and shifting operating models, the online program supports working practitioners seeking to upskill, current undergraduates, artists looking to boost their business knowledge, and individuals interested in the management side of the arts sectors.

Drawing from the region’s vibrant cultural landscape, the program is taught by Los Angeles arts leaders from BroadStage, Center Theatre Group, The Ebell of Los Angeles, LA Opera, Create CA, the Entertainment Community Fund, and the Pasadena Symphony and POPS.   

The program centers on change management, positioning learners as forward-thinking leaders equipped to build sustainable, ethical careers while strengthening the organizations and communities they serve.  

Coursework emphasizes:  

• Mission-driven leadership and organizational design that advance sustainability, equity, and impact.  

• Financial management within the complex ecosystems of arts organizations.  

• Data-informed marketing, audience engagement, and digital outreach strategies.  

• Fundraising, grant writing, sponsorship development, and public funding navigation.  

• Core leadership and human resources practices for building and sustaining strong teams.  

The program is also designed as a resource for cultural organizations seeking to support their high-potential, high-performing employees, providing an affordable professional development option tailored to the arts management field. 

The first class begins on Saturday, April 11, 2026. To enroll, please visit the program’s website.  

Cal State LA’s College of Professional and Global Education provides flexible, relevant, and practical educational pathways that prepare individuals and organizations to engage, serve, and succeed in their local and global communities. The college is housed within the Cal State LA Downtown campus, which is located in Downtown Los Angeles’ Financial District.  

For more information, including arts employment data and how arts organizations can sponsor employees, please contact Program Consultant Camille Schenkkan at cschenk@calstatela.edu. 

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California State University, Los Angeles is the premier comprehensive public university in the heart of Los Angeles. Cal State LA is ranked number one in the United States for the upward mobility of its students. Cal State LA is dedicated to engagement, service, and the public good, offering nationally recognized programs in science, the arts, business, criminal justice, engineering, nursing, education, and the humanities. Founded in 1947, the University serves more than 22,000 students and has more than 260,000 distinguished alumni.