Arts Entrepreneurship
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Students in this program learn the essential management, marketing, financial and economic principles needed to succeed as entrepreneurs. They also learn how art-based businesses create and capture value in society, as well as how they can start businesses that align with their talents and interests.
In addition to learning essential skills in entrepreneurship and business management, students will put theory into practice as they design, test and execute a business model that correlates with their professional ambitions.
The Undergraduate Certificate in Arts Entrepreneurship must be taken alongside an undergraduate degree program.
- Program Type: Certificate
- Academic Unit: Conservatory
- Standard credit hours: 12
- Delivery Mode: Online
- Typical Program Length: 4 years
- Typical Course Load: 1-2 per semester
- Estimated Program Cost: $5,132
- * All rates or costs are for illustrative purposes only. Estimated cost is calculated by multiplying the appropriate 2025/2026 UMKC academic year resident rate by standard credit hours. Fees are NOT included in the calculation. Your hours and total costs may differ, depending on transfer hours, course choices, academic progress, program- and university-specific fees, and your qualified tuition rate. Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
Why UMKC
Kansas City is our classroom
Our university is deeply integrated into the community, providing students with exclusive opportunities to connect with area employers, gain hands-on experience and make an impact in their areas of interest.
Find career success
From academic and career advising to employment services and community partnerships, our award-winning faculty and staff deliver direction and support to help you succeed in your careers.
Contribute to world-changing research
UMKC faculty and students break ground in key areas of science, technology, healthcare, education, law, the arts and the humanities — bringing in millions in funding in the process. If you want to work on the cutting edge of these fields and set yourself up for a career in innovation, there aren’t many better places to be.
After Graduation
Follow your interests and pursue highly rewarding careers in the arts. Professionals with an arts entrepreneurship background may pursue roles such as gallery managers, arts program coordinators, business owners, and craft and fine artists, contributing to the cultural and economic vitality of the arts industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for craft and fine artists is expected to grow about as fast as the national average for all occupations.
Potential careers
- Entrepreneur
- Gallery Manager
- Graphic Designer
- Independent Artist
- Music Store Sales/Manager
- Performing artist
- Private Studio Owner
- Arts Program Coordinator
- Visual Artist
$26,520
Median salary/year
* Based on data from Lightcast.io for Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators (27-1013.00)
Potential Courses
Principles of Arts Business
Delivered in an online format, this course provides an overview of many different careers and business practices in the arts industries. Course content highlights the variables considered when creatin…
Art Entrepreneurship
This course teaches students how to design, refine and act on art-based business models they develop. Coursework takes students through several models and frameworks that can be used to create new for…
Entrepreneurship Toolkit
This course is designed for non-business majors looking to learn the basic elements of organizational functions, such as management, accounting, finance and economics.
Visit the Academic Catalog for a full listing of courses and descriptions.
Related Programs and Pathways
How to Apply
The undergraduate certificate in arts entrepreneurship is meant to be completed alongside a student’s primary degree plan. Students interested in the certificate should reach out to their academic advisor after being fully admitted to their degree program of choice.
Have questions? Request information to have an admissions counselor contact you about the requirements for this program.
Application Dates
To Start Classes in Fall
Apply by: rolling admissons
Classes begin in August
To Start Classes in Spring
Apply by: rolling admissions
Classes begin in January
Estimated Tuition Per Credit Hour
$428
Resident Rate
(per credit hour)
$628
Heartland Rate
(per credit hour)
$1,116
Nonresident Rate
(per credit hour)