Expand your knowledge and perspective through coursework in literature, writing, philosophy, film studies, history, musicology, civic engagement, and more.

MassArt’s undergraduate curriculum is designed to maximize every student’s learning. Through diverse coursework that spans the full spectrum of creative and academic disciplines, our students become well-rounded artists and designers with practical skills to support and foster their creative practice. Along the way, they gain analytical, critical thinking, and communication competencies that serve them well after graduation in whatever career path they choose.
Studio Foundation Drawing class. Video: In the Car
Visual Language Color Class in the Library with faculty Greg Wallace and Louis Perez.
During their first year of study, all MassArt undergraduates take part in the required Foundation Year curriculum. The Foundation Year allows students to develop the technical skills and artmaking knowledge that will act as the framework for their future learning. It’s also a valuable opportunity to explore and experiment with a variety of creative media before declaring their major during their sophomore year.
Your first year at MassArt will open your eyes to things you never saw coming.Marc Holland Department Chair, Studio Foundation & '00 BFA
After the Foundation Year, students continue taking Humanities, Integrative Sciences and Biological Arts, and History of Art courses, which comprise one-third of MassArt’s Bachelor of Fine Arts program. In addition to helping students foster new perspectives and a deeper understanding of the world, this coursework is designed to enhance and complement the creative work happening in our studios, labs, and workshops.
To earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from MassArt, students are required to complete a total of 120 credits, or 30 credits per year over four years of study. (The Art Education tracks that prepare students for licensure require students to complete as many as 126 credits by graduation).
Curriculum Breakdown | Credits |
---|---|
Drawing (Figurative/Breadth) — two semesters | 6 |
Visual Language (2D) | 3 |
Time (4D) | 3 |
Form Study (3D) | 3 |
Studio Elective | 3 |
Thinking, Making, Writing | 3 |
Freshman Seminar | 3 |
Intro to Western Art | 3 |
History of Art Elective | 3 |
Total | 30 |
Curriculum Breakdown | Credits |
---|---|
Major requirements | 12 |
Studio/Open Elective* | 6 |
Humanities/Integrative Sciences and Biological Arts/History of Art Electives | 12 |
Total | 30 |
Curriculum Breakdown | Credits |
---|---|
Major requirements | 12 |
Studio/Open Elective* | 6 |
Humanities/Integrative Sciences and Biological Arts/History of Art Electives | 12 |
Total | 30 |
Curriculum Breakdown | Credits |
---|---|
Major requirements | 12 |
Studio/Open Elective* | 6 |
Humanities/Integrative Sciences and Biological Arts/History of Art Electives | 12 |
Total | 30 |
The MassArt community aspires to prepare our graduates with the following undergraduate learning goals.
Each department has also prepared learning outcomes for their programs. These departmental goals link back to some or all of the college-wide learning goals. They derive from the learning happening in departments’ course offerings.
The MassArt community aspires to prepare our graduates to achieve the following:
Each academic department has also created specific learning goals for specific majors that can be found under each BFA program. These departmental goals link to some or all of the undergraduate learning goals, and derive from the learning happening in departments’ course offerings.
Learn what makes a MassArt education unique, and how we’re preparing students for a lifetime of success.
Learn More