JMU’s New Program, Entrepreneurship & Leadership in the Arts and Design Graduate Certificate, Expands on New Ideas

The Entrepreneurship & Leadership in the Arts and Design Graduate Certificate is JMU’s new interdisciplinary graduate program that equips students with the skills needed to turn their artistic visions into successful ventures.

This online asynchronous graduate certificate prepares individuals for the ever-changing creative industries by developing skills such as leadership, networking, community development, business management, marketing and more. “We want to be able to help students find the skills that they’re looking for,” Professor and Program Director Dr. Karin Tollefson explains, “The arts and culture sector is filled with all different types of interests and disciplines.” The graduate certificate welcomes any individual with a bachelor’s degree or a graduating senior who wants to develop a business idea within the arts and design field or would like to expand their knowledge on arts entrepreneurship.

During the program, potential students will build professional relationships with their cohort, faculty and industry professionals through various course work and projects. Students will complete the course with a polished business proposal that can be used for their career or business venture. “This is an environment of support,” says Dr. Tollefson, “our experienced and dynamic faculty are leading classes and bringing in outside professionals to support and develop students’ new or budding ideas.”

Students looking to improve their skills within the art industry have the opportunity to participate in the program during the Fall, Spring, and Summer. Entrepreneurship & Leadership in the Arts and Design Certificate students must complete 12 credits, which can be completed within one academic year. All 4 core courses are great for individuals who want to thrive in their artistic ventures and make waves in the industry.

If you have a business idea or simply want to learn some useful skills for the future, then this is the program for you. Applications began September 1st, 2025 for the spring semester’s first cohort. Please contact Program Director Karin Tollefson at tollefkl@jmu.edu for more information.

Learn more about the Entrepreneurship & Leadership in the Arts and Design Certificate.