The Major
The major in Art leads to a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) or the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.).
Requirements
During the first year all majors take courses in the Foundations Program. This program helps students develop their proficiency in drawing, two- and three-dimensional design, visual communications, literacy in creative software, and color theory, while providing an introduction to a variety of media and techniques basic to all the upper-level major disciplines. All Art majors are required to take a minimum of four courses in the History of Art and Architecture and/or courses in the critical study of visual culture in allied departments across the College of Humanities and Fine Arts and the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. It is recommended that students take introductory survey courses in the History of Art and Architecture while they are taking Foundations courses.
The B.F.A. in Art & Design degree offers a "General Track" - an interdisciplinary pathway that gives students maximum flexibility to develop the content and direction of their work while exploring various contemporary media. Students looking to take a deep dive into a particular studio area may choose from one of seven concentrations by the start of junior year: Animation, Ceramics, Design & Technology, Intermedia, Painting, Print Media, and Sculpture. B.F.A. students may pursue thesis project in their final semester.
The B.F.A. in Art Education prepares reflective and knowledgeable visual art educators who will be vital and inspiring teachers in diverse educational settings. Students graduating from the program are prepared for Massachusetts Initial Licensure in the Visual Arts at the elementary and secondary levels. The Art Education program includes in-depth coursework in art and design, art history, art education and education. Field experiences in art education settings are an integral component of the program, including student teaching in both elementary and secondary school settings during the senior year. Interested students are encouraged to begin Art Education coursework in the sophomore year or by the first semester of the junior year the latest.
Students completing the B.F.A. degree must satisfy University requirements, which include General Education courses, in addition to departmental requirements, but not the HFA foreign language requirement.
The B.A. Studio Art degree major incorporates more courses outside the Department of Art and is designed to provide an aesthetic and historical knowledge of the visual arts while affording an opportunity to develop creative ability in several media. Students completing the B.A. need to fulfill the foreign language requirement of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, as well as University requirements, which include General Education courses, in addition to departmental requirements.
Art students are encouraged to take advantage of course offerings and faculty beyond the boundaries of the Department. The University and the Five College consortium offer rich opportunities for expansive study in the arts.