Massachusetts College of Art and Design, commonly known as MassArt, is the oldest publicly funded independent art and design college in the United States. Founded in 1873, MassArt has established itself as a leader in art and design education, offering a transformative learning experience that combines rigorous academic study with hands-on creative practice. Located in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, the college provides students with access to a vibrant cultural hub, state-of-the-art facilities, and a diverse community of artists, designers, and educators. MassArt is renowned for its commitment to fostering innovation, creativity, and social responsibility, making it a top choice for aspiring artists and designers worldwide.

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Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt):
A Premier Institution for Art and Design Education

History and Mission

MassArt was founded with the mission of making art education accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic background. As the first and only public independent college of art and design in the U.S., it has remained dedicated to this mission for over 150 years. The college was established by the Massachusetts legislature to provide professional training in the arts and to contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of the state. Today, MassArt continues to uphold its founding principles by offering affordable, high-quality education that prepares students for successful careers in the creative industries.

Academic Programs

MassArt offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs designed to meet the needs of students at all stages of their artistic and professional development. The college is organized into several academic departments, including Fine Arts, Design, Architecture, Art Education, and Media and Performing Arts.

• Undergraduate Programs: MassArt offers Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees in disciplines such as Animation, Architecture, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Painting, Photography, Sculpture, and Studio for Interrelated Media. The curriculum emphasizes both technical mastery and conceptual development, encouraging students to explore their unique artistic voices.
• Graduate Programs: The college offers Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees in Fine Arts, Design, and Film/Video, as well as a Master of Art in Teaching (MAT) and a Master of Architecture (MArch). These programs are designed for students seeking advanced training and professional development in their chosen fields.
• Continuing Education: MassArt’s Professional and Continuing Education (PCE) programs provide opportunities for lifelong learning, including certificate programs, workshops, and courses for artists, educators, and professionals.

Campus and Facilities

MassArt’s urban campus is located in Boston’s Fenway Cultural District, a dynamic neighborhood known for its museums, galleries, and cultural institutions. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities that support a wide range of artistic practices, including:

• The Tower Building: A historic landmark that houses classrooms, studios, and administrative offices.
• The Design and Media Center: A cutting-edge facility equipped with digital labs, fabrication studios, and collaborative workspaces.
• The Bakalar & Paine Galleries: These on-campus galleries showcase contemporary art and design exhibitions, providing students with opportunities to engage with professional artists and curators.
• The Artward Bound Residence Hall: A modern, sustainable living space designed specifically for MassArt students, fostering a sense of community and creativity.

Faculty and Community

MassArt’s faculty comprises accomplished artists, designers, and scholars who are leaders in their respective fields. The college prides itself on its low student-to-faculty ratio, which ensures personalized attention and mentorship for students. The MassArt community is diverse and inclusive, with students and faculty from a wide range of cultural, socioeconomic, and geographic backgrounds. This diversity enriches the learning environment and encourages cross-cultural collaboration.

Career Preparation and Alumni Success

MassArt is committed to preparing students for successful careers in the creative industries. The college’s Career Development Office provides resources and support, including internships, job placement services, and portfolio reviews. MassArt alumni have gone on to achieve remarkable success in fields such as fine arts, graphic design, fashion, animation, and education. Notable alumni include award-winning animator and filmmaker John Hubley, fashion designer Nicole Miller, and contemporary artist Shepard Fairey.

Commitment to Social Responsibility

MassArt is deeply committed to using art and design as tools for social change. The college’s Center for Art and Community Partnerships (CACP) facilitates collaborations between students, faculty, and community organizations to address pressing social issues. Through initiatives such as public art projects, design for social innovation, and community-based learning, MassArt students and faculty are making a positive impact on society.

Admissions and Financial Aid

Admission to MassArt is competitive, with applicants evaluated based on their artistic talent, academic achievement, and potential for growth. The college offers a range of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and work-study programs, to ensure that students from all backgrounds can afford a MassArt education.

 Massachusetts College of Art and Design stands as a beacon of creativity and innovation in the world of art and design education. With its rich history, world-class faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to accessibility and social responsibility, MassArt continues to inspire and empower the next generation of artists and designers. Whether you are a prospective student, a working professional, or an art enthusiast, MassArt offers unparalleled opportunities to explore, create, and make a difference in the world through art and design.

For more information, visit MassArt’s official website.

Academic Programs Offered at Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt)

Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) offers a comprehensive range of academic programs designed to nurture creativity, technical skill, and critical thinking. These programs are categorized into Undergraduate Programs, Graduate Programs, and Professional and Continuing Education (PCE). Below is a detailed list of all programs, including descriptions, details, and duration.

Undergraduate Programs

 MassArt offers Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees across a variety of disciplines. These programs typically take 4 years (8 semesters) to complete and emphasize hands-on learning, technical mastery, and conceptual development.

Fine Arts

1. Animation: Focuses on 2D, 3D, and experimental animation techniques, storytelling, and character design.
2. Ceramics: Explores functional and sculptural ceramics, including wheel-throwing, hand-building, and glazing techniques.
3. Fashion Design: Covers garment construction, textile design, and fashion illustration, preparing students for careers in the fashion industry.
4. Film/Video: Combines filmmaking, video production, and screenwriting with a focus on narrative and experimental approaches.
5. Glass: Teaches glassblowing, kiln-forming, and cold-working techniques for creating sculptural and functional glass art.
6. Illustration: Focuses on traditional and digital illustration techniques for editorial, publishing, and commercial applications.
7. Jewelry and Metalsmithing: Explores the design and fabrication of jewelry and metal objects using traditional and contemporary techniques.
8. Painting: Emphasizes color theory, composition, and conceptual development in both traditional and experimental painting.
9. Photography: Covers digital and analog photography, including studio lighting, editing, and fine art printing.
10. Printmaking: Focuses on techniques such as screenprinting, lithography, etching, and relief printing.
11. Sculpture: Explores a wide range of materials and processes, including woodworking, metal fabrication, and installation art.
12. Studio for Interrelated Media (SIM): An interdisciplinary program that combines performance, sound, video, and interactive media.

Design

1. Architecture: A pre-professional program focusing on design, sustainability, and urban planning.
2. Communication Design: Combines graphic design, typography, and branding for print and digital media.
3. Industrial Design: Focuses on product design, user experience, and manufacturing processes.

Art Education

1. Art Education (K-12): Prepares students to teach visual arts in public and private schools, combining studio practice with pedagogical training.

Media and Performing Arts

1. Animation: (See Fine Arts section)
2. Film/Video: (See Fine Arts section)
3. Studio for Interrelated Media (SIM): (See Fine Arts section)

Graduate Programs

 MassArt’s graduate programs are designed for students seeking advanced training and professional development. These programs typically take 2-3 years to complete, depending on the degree.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

1. Fine Arts (2D or 3D): Focuses on advanced studio practice and critical theory in disciplines such as painting, sculpture, and photography.
2. Design Innovation: Explores design thinking, sustainability, and social impact through interdisciplinary projects.
3. Film/Video: Advanced training in narrative and experimental filmmaking, including post-production and distribution strategies.

Master of Architecture (MArch)

1. Master of Architecture: A professional degree program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), focusing on design, technology, and urban planning.

Master of Art in Teaching (MAT)

1. Art Education: Prepares students for careers as K-12 art educators, combining studio practice with teaching methodologies.

Low-Residency Programs

1. Low-Residency MFA in Visual Arts: A flexible program designed for working professionals, combining online coursework with on-campus intensives.

Professional and Continuing Education (PCE)

MassArt’s PCE programs are designed for lifelong learners, including working professionals, educators, and hobbyists. These programs vary in duration, from short workshops to multi-year certificate programs.

Certificate Programs

1. Graphic Design: Covers design principles, software skills, and portfolio development.
2. Interior Design: Focuses on space planning, materials, and design aesthetics.
3. Photography: Teaches technical and creative skills in digital and analog photography.
4. Web Design: Explores user experience (UX), coding, and responsive design.

Workshops and Short Courses

1. Drawing and Painting: Short-term courses focusing on foundational skills and advanced techniques.
2. Digital Arts: Workshops in animation, video editing, and digital illustration.
3. Jewelry Making: Hands-on classes in metalsmithing and jewelry design.
4. Creative Writing: Courses in poetry, fiction, and non-fiction writing.

Youth Programs

1. Young Artists Studio: Summer programs for high school students to explore various art and design disciplines.
2. Teen Portfolio Prep: Prepares high school students for college applications with a focus on portfolio development.

Interdisciplinary and Collaborative Opportunities

MassArt encourages students to explore interdisciplinary approaches to art and design. Programs such as Studio for Interrelated Media (SIM) and Design Innovation allow students to collaborate across disciplines and engage with real-world challenges.

Why Study Art and Design at MassArt?

Massachusetts College of Art and Design offers a diverse array of academic programs tailored to meet the needs of aspiring artists, designers, and educators. With its emphasis on hands-on learning, technical skill development, and conceptual exploration, MassArt provides students with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in the creative industries. Whether you are pursuing an undergraduate degree, a graduate degree, or continuing education, MassArt offers a supportive and inspiring environment to help you achieve your artistic and professional goals.

For more details, visit MassArt’s Programs Page.

Contact Information for Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt)

Address:
Massachusetts College of Art and Design
621 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
USA

Phone:
Main Phone: +1 617 879 7000
Admissions Office: +1 617 879 7222
Financial Aid Office: +1 617 879 7849
Career Development Office: +1 617 879 7900

Email:
General Inquiries: admissions@massart.edu
Admissions: admissions@massart.edu
Financial Aid: financialaid@massart.edu
Alumni Relations: alumni@massart.edu

Website:
https://massart.edu

Social Media:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/massartboston
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/massartboston
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/massart
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/school/massart