Massachusetts College of Art and Design: A Comprehensive Overview

Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt), a public institution in Boston, Massachusetts, stands as a unique and vital center for visual and applied arts education. This article delves into the college's history, academic programs, campus facilities, and overall significance in the art and design landscape.

Historical Roots and Establishment

Founded in 1873, MassArt holds the distinction of being one of the oldest art schools in the United States, and the only publicly funded independent art school in the nation. Its establishment was driven by civic and business leaders who sought to enhance learning in technology and fine art. These leaders successfully advocated for the creation of institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1860 and the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in 1868.

During its initial years, MassArt operated in rented spaces across Boston, including Pemberton Square, School Street, and the Deacon House mansion on Washington Street. In 1929, the college relocated to its second purpose-built campus at Longwood and Brookline avenues, marking a significant step in its development.

Presidential Leadership

The college has been guided by a succession of presidents:

1997: Dr. Katherine H.
2014: Kurt T.
2017: David P.
2021: Mary K. Grant

Accreditation and Academic Offerings

MassArt is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, ensuring the quality and credibility of its academic programs. The college offers a range of degrees, including:

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
Master of Teaching in Art Education
Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
Master of Architecture (Track I & Track II - Pre-Professional-Professional)
Master of Design Innovation

Furthermore, the Master of Architecture program holds accreditation from the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

Undergraduate Curriculum: A Foundation for Artistic Growth

The undergraduate curriculum at MassArt begins with a Foundation Program, a compulsory year-long experience designed to introduce students to the fundamental principles of 2D and 3D art and design. This program provides a solid base for students to explore various artistic disciplines and discover their passions.

Detailed Breakdown of the Curriculum

The curriculum is structured to provide a balance between studio work, major requirements, and liberal arts studies.

Foundation Year: This year is dedicated to compulsory exposure to the basics of 2D and 3D art and design, setting the stage for more specialized study.

Sophomore Year:

Major Requirements
Studio Electives (15 credits): Students choose courses from three of the following four areas:
- Ancient/Medieval
- Ancient and Native Americas
- Modern/Contemporary
- Renaissance/Baroque/18th Century
Total Credits: 30

Junior Year:

Major Requirements
Studio Electives (12 credits): Students choose a course from the remaining area not covered in the Sophomore year.
- Ancient/Medieval
- Ancient and Native Americas
- Modern/Contemporary
- Renaissance/Baroque/18th Century
Liberal Arts and Art History Requirements:
- LALW - Lit/Writ/Film Elective (3 credits)
- HART - 400-Level Seminar (3 credits)
- HART - History of Art Elective (3 credits)
- LASS - Social Science Elective (3 credits)
- LAMS - Math/Science Elective (3 credits)
Total Credits: 30

Senior Year:

Major Requirements
Studio Electives (12 credits)
Liberal Arts and Art History Requirements:
- HART - History of Art Elective (3 credits)
- HART - 400-Level Seminar (3 credits)
- LA-SS/LW/MS - Soc Sci, Lit/Writ/Film or Math/Sci Electives (9 credits)

History of Art Program

The History of Art program at MassArt encourages students to become scholars and artists, blending thesis research with studio practice. Undergraduates are required to study art history as part of their core curriculum, but majoring in History of Art offers a more in-depth exploration of art, design, and creation across various cultures and historical periods. Graduates from this program find opportunities in museums, auction houses, nonprofits, and the education and publishing sectors.

Read also: Massachusetts Education Standards

Campus and Facilities

MassArt's campus is located at 621 Huntington Avenue in Boston, an area designated as "The Avenue of the Arts". The campus is near the Longwood Medical Area and neighbors institutions like Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (ISGM), the Museum of Fine Arts, the School of the Museum of Fine Arts (SMFA), and the Wentworth Institute of Technology.

Academic Buildings

The academic campus comprises six interconnected buildings: Kennedy, South, Collins, North, East, and Tower. An enclosed courtyard sits at the center of these buildings. The 13-story Tower Building, with its dark glass facade, serves as the campus flagship, housing the Morton R. Godine Library on its top two floors and the President's Office on the 11th floor.

The Design and Media Center serves as the main entrance to the academic campus, featuring a spacious lobby for large art installations and exhibits. It also includes media laboratories, classrooms, meeting spaces, and galleries.

Galleries and Exhibition Spaces

MassArt offers numerous galleries for student exhibitions, including the Arnheim, Brant, Doran, Godine Family, Frances Euphemia Thompson, and Student Life galleries. The Pozen Center, located on the ground floor of the North Building, hosts larger events and performances. Artworks are also displayed throughout the campus in hallways, stairwells, and classrooms.

Residence Halls

MassArt provides three student residence halls: "Treehouse" (578 Huntington Ave.), Smith Hall (640 Huntington Ave.), and "The Artists' Residence" (600R Huntington Ave.). These residences offer 24/7 security, telephone/cable/data connectivity, and meal plans. Smith Hall is exclusively for first-year students in the Foundation Program, while The Artists' Residence ("The Rez") houses freshmen, upperclassmen, and graduate students. Treehouse, a 21-story tower, accommodates mostly first-year and sophomore students.

Read also: Navigating Mass Maritime

Campus Services and Resources

MassArt students have access to a range of facilities, including a cafeteria, café, school store, library, student center, health center, counseling center, auditorium, computer labs, and a fitness center. Through the Colleges of the Fenway consortium, students can also access the resources of five other nearby schools, including libraries, athletics facilities, and theaters.

Accessibility and Transportation

The campus is accessible via the MBTA Longwood Medical Area stop on the Green Line E branch and the #39 and CT2 bus routes. Parking is limited, with paid spaces allocated through an application process. The interconnected buildings feature a mix of stairs, ramps, and elevators to accommodate different floor heights, creating a complex but navigable layout.

MassArt Art Museum (MAAM)

The MassArt Art Museum (MAAM) is a free contemporary art museum located on the campus. Originally the Bakalar and Paine Galleries, the space was renovated and reopened in February 2020 with a new name, branding, and an expanded mission.

MassArt Iron Corps and the "Iron Pour"

The "MassArt Iron Corps" hosts an "Iron Pour" event approximately four times a year. This event involves pouring molten iron into molds for sculpture. While it once included music and dance, safety concerns have led to restrictions on the number of attendees.

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