Frequently Asked Questions

Watch the video to know more.

A maximum of 20 students will be accepted per year.

Yes, the program is accredited. Graduates will receive two diplomas with both Southern Methodist University (SMU) and HEC Montréal/University of Montréal listed. Both institutions are accredited. 

The Master of Management in International Arts Management (MMIAM) is a one-year intensive graduate program designed to train a new generation of international arts managers. Students study in five arts capitals: Dallas, Montréal, Bogotá, Beijing and Milan, gaining diverse cultural perspectives and management skills.

The MMIAM program is one year and includes:

• Dallas, USA (August to December): Courses at SMU covering topics like cultural entrepreneurship and governance.
• Montréal, Canada (January to June): Courses at HEC Montréal focusing on cultural industries and marketing.
• Bogotá, Colombia (end of February): A 3-week campus abroad at Universidad de los Andes with two courses: Culture and Sustainability, and Consultancy for Arts and Cultural Organizations.
• Beijing, China (May): A 10-day campus abroad.
• Italy (June): One course in Milan on Performing Arts Management and a cultural tour of Italy that will end with one week at Castello Di Potentino.

The program includes theoretical courses, case studies, fieldwork, lectures by world leaders in international cultural management, and visits to well-known cultural organizations and facilities.

Download course list >

Because in today’s world, international exchanges are more and more frequent. Doing business on the global market is different from doing business in your own country because you have to deal with different cultures. By studying and being physically present in five countries, students will be in a better position to understand cultural differences. Furthermore, no country has the market cornered on good ideas. Learning from different models is helpful for all of us.

Our courses focus on arts management concepts that can be applied in any artistic sector. The basic principles are the same in all artistic fields. Courses will be offered in marketing, brand management, cultural policies, legal aspects, management of an arts company (dual management, for instance), running a board of directors, and so forth. A broader education will help you be flexible when you enter the job market and competitive in any arts discipline.

The program does not include an internship, so there is no formal hands-on component. However, several courses feature projects where students will work with real organizations, applying their learning in practical settings. Additionally, in every country we visit, students will engage with guest lecturers from the industry and participate in company visits. Our outstanding international advisory committee members also serve as valuable connections to the field in countries around the world.

You will specialize only at the end of the program, when you start your 6-credit individual project.

No. The program is in English. There will be no language courses.

No. Each faculty member will remain at their own university. As you travel from school to school, you will have an opportunity to meet new faculty members. This said, you will be accompanied in Colombia, China and Italy by at least one of the co-directors from the program.

No. Since the program is only one year, the schedule does not have vacation periods. 

Yes, students can apply for external scholarships and funding opportunities. A list of external funding sources is available on the MMIAM website.

This is entirely your decision. It will be possible to rent an affordable apartment so that your spouse can be with you. But remember, you are responsible for housing costs.

No. Room and board in Dallas and Montréal are not included, nor are travel costs from your city to Dallas and from Milan to your home city. We can direct you to off-campus furnished housing and student residency options. We will help to identify accommodations that keep your costs as low as possible.

You are responsible for full payment of the required tuition fees. If your payment is overdue, you cannot be registered in the program. You will not be eligible to receive results, transcripts, an attestation of studies or a diploma. Failure to pay the tuition fees can lead to your expulsion from the program.

The tuition fee is US $52,800 for the year. This includes: 

• Travel between program cities (e.g., Dallas to Montréal, Montréal to an Asian city, and between this Asian city and Italy.
• Return air travel between Montréal and Bogotá, plus hotel accommodations and transportation in Bogotá.
• Hotel and ground transportation in Colombia, Asia, and Europe.
• Additional costs not included are health insurance, housing, meals, and personal expenses.

Each institution may have fees that are paid directly to that university for things such as transit pass, parking, sports package upgrades, international student fee, transcript and graduation fee.

We estimate to around US $27,037 (+ flights to Dallas and from Milan) the total of the fees that you should add to your tuition fees to cover:

• Insurances: US $2,025 (US$1600 SMU + US $290 HEC + travel insurance for Italy or US$135 if you return to finish your individual project in Montréal after Milan)
• Housing in Dallas: US $5,600 to $9,600 for Aug.-Dec. + $1000 furnishings
• Housing in Montréal: US $3,900 for 4.5 months (shared apt)
• Food and local transportation in Dallas and Montréal: US $5,800 (i.e., 40% of housing costs)
• Food in Colombia and China: US $1,462 (i.e., US $43 x 34 days)
• Food in Italy: US $1,000 (i.e., US $50 x 20 days)
• Visas: US $950
• Books: US $650
• SMU’s miscellaneous fees (international and health center fees, etc.): US $650
• EXTRA: Add at least a 10% buffer (US $2,704)

Alumni have secured various positions, such as:

• Senior Analyst – Strategy and Business Processes at Cirque du Soleil, Montréal.
• Advisor of the Director of Arts at the Ministry of Culture, Colombia.
• Associate General Manager at Alley Theatre, Houston.
• Community Manager at Dallas Museum of Art Friends Program, Dallas.

Graduates have access to career services at HEC Montréal and SMU for lifetime assistance with job placement. The program’s extensive network in the international arts and cultural management world also aids in realizing career aspirations. 

No. The program welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including business, law, and other disciplines, as long as they have a strong interest in arts and culture.

No. GMAT and GRE are not required. However, if you have taken them, you can submit your scores as supplementary material.

 Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent to a North-American Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution.
• Have a passion for the arts. Full time relevant work experience in the arts, cultural industries, or related fields is preferred but not mandatory.
• Demonstrate proficiency in English (if prior education was not conducted in English).

If English is not your first language, you can be asked to submit one of the following:

• TOEFL (Minimum score: 100 iBT). University code for the TOEFL: 4371.
• IELTS (Minimum score: 6.5)
• Duolingo test (Minimum score: 125)

Exemptions apply if you completed a degree in English-speaking institutions.

 Follow these steps:

1. Complete the online application form and send it to MMIAM Admissions, along with a copy of your birth certificate and passport.

2. Pay the US $100 application processing fee.

3. Request two letters of recommendation, to be sent directly by your references to MMIAM Admissions.

4. Write a motivation letter describing your interest in and commitment to arts management.

5. Submit all required documents, including essays (if applicable), transcripts, diplomas, CV, digital photo, and proof of English proficiency.

6. If selected, you’ll be invited to a final interview.

Submit your complete application to mmiam@hec.ca
(or iaec@ceaie.edu.cn for applicants in China).

Submit your application to mmiam@hec.ca (or iaec@ceaie.edu.cn for Chinese applicants).

Read the step-by-step application process here.

The application deadlines for MMIAM are:

• November 15
• January 15
• April 15
• June 1 (for U.S. citizens only)

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, but early applications are recommended due to limited cohort size (max 20 students per year).

You will receive a decision within two weeks of submitting a complete application.

To secure your spot, you must:

1. Send a confirmation letter to HEC Montréal.
2. Pay a non-refundable deposit of US$750.

Visit the Admitted Students section for all the details.