Studio Pre-Semester is a remote, 2-week course offered to all first-time college students and first- year (studio foundation) transfers enrolling at MassArt for fall 2025. Led by faculty who teach in first-year programs,  it will be your specialized introduction to MassArt and our community of artists and designers.

The course is not required, but we encourage incoming students to take advantage of this no-cost, credit-bearing program!

Pre-Semester will be offered online, Monday, August 11- Friday, Aug 22, 2025. Hours are 9am to 3pm, Monday- Friday, with a one hour lunch break from 12-1pm. Class time will include both on-camera and off-camera activities using Zoom. Each day will vary, and you’ll have dedicated time to complete assignments or tasks off-camera.

Please indicate your interest in Pre-Semester on the Pre-Semester Sign-up Form, located in the applicant portal. The deadline to register is July 11, 2025.

Pre-Semester will be available to first time college students and first- year (studio foundation) transfer students enrolling at MassArt for fall 2025. 

Yes! Various drawing processes of gesture and value, along with drawing as notation and journaling, will be explored. The sketchbook will play a vital role in this process, as one of the most important tools in your arsenal. Both representational and abstract viewpoints will be examined. A variety of media will be employed in making your work.

Yes! All students who complete the Pre-Semester course will earn 3 credits of studio elective towards their MassArt degree.

Yes, attendance is mandatory for each class session, August 11-22, 9am-3pm.

Yes. This course is offered online only and you will need access to a computer or tablet with a webcam, and internet access. A laptop is preferred, as we will be working on some design projects, but a tablet will be fine if that is what you have!

The course is offered at no cost to you. Some materials are also included (see below).

MassArt will provide a materials kit. These kits can be picked up prior to the start of the course; you will receive details from the Studio Foundation department over the summer on this. If you do not live locally, we can make arrangements to have it mailed to you prior to the first day of class.

Please Note: You will also be required to purchase a small amount of additional materials for the course. The materials are things that are readily available at a craft, hardware or dollar store, as well as an art supply store.

If you have any additional questions, please reach out directly with specific questions — we’re happy to help.

Please email Marc Holland, Chair of Studio Foundation, at marc.holland@massart.edu or Lauren Wilshusen, Dean of Admissions at lwilshusen@massart.edu.