There’s a special kind of energy that comes from the people here: we’re a passionate community of artists, designers, and educators with big ideas and the drive to make them real.
A world of opportunity awaits
Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) is the nation’s first and only independent public college of art and design. That difference means a lot. It means we’re committed to making a world-class art and design education a reality for every committed student. It inspires us to create a community that’s a true mix of different backgrounds and lived experiences — a place that looks like the world we live in. And it’s why we attract students who bring limitless energy and zero attitude to the work of learning and creating.
want you to succeed. Every day you’ll find new opportunities to take risks and step outside your comfort zone. To hone in on what you love but also dive into something new.
Some people come to MassArt because they want to build a career doing what they love. Others come because they believe that art and design have the power to change the world. For over 150 years, we’ve watched our students do incredible things and go to some truly amazing places. Just imagine where Massachusetts College of Art and Design might take you.
Don’t get us wrong, you’ll work really hard here. But you’ll do it alongside classmates who care and talented, globally celebrated faculty who 18 Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Majors
9:1 BFA Student: Faculty Ratio
BFA Enrollment: 1,741 (Fall 2023)
BFA BIPOC: 31%
ENROLLMENT BY RESIDENCY: Massachusetts: 74%
Other New England states: 11%
Outside of New England: 15%
*BIPOC includes Native American, African American, Latino/a, Asian, Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and multi-racial students
Connected & Supported
Academic advising and support
Every MassArt student works closely with an academic advisor. Think of your advisor as a trusted guide — someone who will talk through things like choosing your major, selecting classes, and completing graduation requirements. And when you need extra support, our Academic Resource Center provides access to advisors, peer mentors, and writing specialists, as well as support around accessibility services and academic accommodations.
“The
jewelry and metals department is a supportive and inspiring environment. The small scale allows for a tight-knit community of talented makers.”
JEWELRY & METALSMITHING
— JULIA GIANGRANDE ’23 BFA
Justice, Equity, and Transformation
Each member of our community matters, and every MassArt student should feel safe and supported during their time here. Our Office of Justice, Equity, and Transformation (JET) provides students from all backgrounds with mentorship, resources, and support. JET hosts events, lectures, and workshops, and never stops doing the important work of building a more just, equitable campus and community.
“MassArt gives me so many opportunities to learn and grow as an artist, and my professors work so hard to help me succeed.”
— MAD BEAUBIEN ’23 BFA SCULPTURE
Health and wellness
Students succeed when they feel healthy and supported in all areas of their lives. The MassArt Counseling Center is here for students in need of a helping hand or a friendly ear. We offer in-person counseling as well as resources, tools, and advice for managing stress, developing healthy habits, and practicing mindfulness. And our modern on-campus health clinic provides high-quality medical care for many different routine and acute health conditions and injuries.
Find your community
There’s a place for everyone at MassArt. Find your community by exploring affinity groups that support and celebrate different cultures and identities. Go deep doing what you love or try something through campus activities and events, or by joining one of our 50 student organizations. Enjoy recreation and team sports at nearby schools through our Colleges of the Fenway consortium. Whatever your interest or passion, chances are good you can do it at MassArt.
Your first year
You’ll dive right in at MassArt, immersing yourself in the fundamentals of craftsmanship, critical thinking, exploration, and idea generation. You’ll build a solid foundation that prepares you to excel when it comes time for you to dig into your chosen major.
FALL SEMESTER
• Studio for Drawing
• Visual Language
• Form Study
• Toward a Global History of Art
• Thinking, Making, Writing: Using Words with Clarity and Flair
SPRING SEMESTER
• Drawing Projects
• Time
• Studio Elective
• History of Art Elective
• First-Year Seminar
Learning unleashed
The Studio Foundation program, a requirement for all first-year students, gives you the tools and experience you need to drive your creative development. It’s a year where you’ll explore the basics of visual language, drawing, time and movement, and three-dimensional design. You’ll also learn how to conduct and apply research, solve problems, set goals, and develop effective work habits. Throughout your Studio Foundation year you’ll meet local, national, and international visiting artists and designers, and spend time visiting studios, museums, and galleries.
Animation
Architecture
Art Education
Ceramics
Communication Design
Fashion Design
Fibers
Film / Video
Glass
History of Art
Illustration
Industrial Design
Jewelry & Metalsmithing
Painting
Photography
Printmaking
Sculpture
Studio for Interrelated
Media (SIM)
Discover endless spaces for exploring your passions and connecting with your community.
The MassArt Art Museum (MAAM), located in the heart of our campus, is an exciting contemporary art space that is free and open to the public.
MAAM
ON-CAMPUS LIVING
Our three on-campus residence halls provide a range of different living options and are staffed by our live-in residence life team.
“MassArt
was my gateway to the world of art. I come from a small town in Texas, so living in Boston and experiencing the culture around the school expanded my horizons in a way that I will be forever grateful for.”
—
MARISSA
VALDEZ ’16 BFA ANIMATION
AND LIVINGSPACE .
“MassArt encouraged me to be ambitious and allowed me to experiment with a variety of media and courses that I wouldn’t fully appreciate until years later in my career.”
RICHARD
—
STREITMATTER-TRAN ’03 BFA STUDIO FOR INTERRELATED MEDIA (SIM)
GALLERIES
Our seven on-campus galleries allow students to learn and explore through lectures and visiting artists, as well as student and student-curated exhibits.
FACILITIES
Our world-class facilities give students the space and tools they need to master their craft and push their creative boundaries.
Life in Boston
MassArt is located on the Avenue of the Arts, one of Boston’s many cultural hubs. With endless galleries, museums, and performance spaces — not to mention amazing dining, shopping, and outdoor activities — there’s no better place to be a college student.
Career Success
Maybe you know exactly where it is you want to go. Maybe college is where you plan to figure it out. Either way, you’ll find what you need to turn your passion, talent, and drive into a rewarding and meaningful career.
Ready for the real world
When it comes to making your mark in today’s Creative Economy, practical experience matters. That’s why you’ll find our students immersing themselves in internships that empower them to apply what they’re learning at MassArt in a range of professional settings. They make meaningful contributions to the organizations they work for while also gaining crucial realworld experience, building their professional networks, and exploring career opportunities.
Up your career game
Exploring where an art and design career can take you is exciting, but can be overwhelming, too. Our Career Development team will help you navigate every step of the process with tools that include:
• Resources for exploring and researching different career paths
• MassArt Portfolios, a site for showcasing your best work to potential employers
• Internship and job search listings, events, and databases
• Resume, cover letter, and interview tips
• Webinars and workshops
• One-on-one advising with our Career Development team
NOTABLE CAREERS
Arts Administrator
Architect
Art Historian
Brand / Identity Designer
Community Art Coordinator
Costume Designer
Creative Director
Curator
Designer / Builder
Editorial Photographer
Educator / Instructor
Entrepreneur
Event Producer
Fashion Designer
Filmmaker / Cinematographer
Film Editor / Video Editor
Furniture Designer
NOTABLE ALUMNI
Christian Marclay
Sam Durant
William Wegman
Kelly Wearstler
Arne Glimcher
Brian Collins
Steven Smith
Nancy Haigh
Momo Schafer
Justine Silva
Khiem Kguyen
Prajje Oscar
Erin Robertson
Maya Luz
Emily Trotochaud
Charlie Hides
Katya
K. Lenore Siner
Ekua Holmes
Steve Locke
Silvia Lopez Chavez
Lavaughan Jenkins
Sabrina Dorsainvil
Elisa Hamilton
Genaro Ortega
Cedric Douglas
Jon Friedman
Graphic Designer
Graphic Novelist
Industrial Designer
Inventor
Illustrator
Jewelry Designer
Lead Animator
Motion Graphic Artist
Object Designer
Producer
Product Designer
Studio Artist
Television Producer / Director
User Experience Designer (UX)
Video Game Designer
Web / Interactive Designer
2,035
Transfer to MassArt
Thinking of transferring to MassArt? You’re not alone. Each year, nearly 25 percent of our incoming class is made up of students who transfer from other colleges and universities. Join us — you’re welcome here!
Understanding the process
Your placement level as a transfer student is determined by your transferable credits and an evaluation of your portfolio. To enroll as a sophomore or above, you must successfully complete MassArt’s Foundation Program curriculum or comparable coursework at your previous school.
MassArt accepts up to 60 transfer credits: 36 can count toward Studio Art credits and 24 towards Liberal Arts/History of Arts credits. To earn a BFA from MassArt, students must attend the college for at least two years and complete 60 credits.
First-year prerequisite equivalencies
MASSART COURSE
SFDN 181: Studio for Drawing
SFDN 182: Visual Language
SFDN 183: Form Study
SFDN 191: Time
SFDN 185: Drawing Projects
SFDN Elective: Any studio art or design elective
LALW 100: Thinking, Making, Writing
FRSM 100: First-Year Seminar
HART 101: Toward a Global History of Art
HART Elective: Any History of Art/Design elective
Intro to Drawing, Drawing I, Basic Drawing, Drawing from Observation, Figure Drawing
Color and Design, 2D Foundations, Elements of Design, Digital Design Concepts
3D Design, 3D Foundations, Elements of Form, Sculpture, Ceramics
Intro to Animation, Intro to Video, Audio Media, Bookmaking, Motion Graphics
Drawing II, Advanced Drawing, Figure Drawing, Drawing electives
Any 100 level or higher studio art or design elective
English Composition I, College Making, Writing
English Composition II, College Writing II
Art History I, Art History II, Prehistoric to Early Renaissance Art, Renaissance to Contemporary Art
History of Modern Art, History of Graphic Design, Asian Art, African Art, Latin American Art
Note: To transfer course credit, students must earn a letter grade of C or above and courses need to be at least 100 level and worth three credits. Transfer credits are subject to approval.
Ready for what’s next?
Ready to learn more about life at MassArt? Come for a visit, speak with a student and get to know a member of our admissions team. We’re excited to tell you more about our community, and all the exciting places MassArt can take you.
Application requirements
• Common Application and $70 application fee
• Essay
• Portfolio of 15 – 20 examples of visual artwork
• Official high school transcripts
• Official college transcripts (transfer students)
• Letter of recommendation
• Résumé / list of activities
• English proficiency exam scores (non-native English speakers only)
2024 – 2025 annual tuition and mandatory fees (full-time)
