Exploring Creative Horizons: A Guide to MassArt Continuing Education Courses

Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) offers a wealth of opportunities for individuals to explore and expand their artistic skills through its Professional and Continuing Education (PCE) program. Whether you're a seasoned artist, a design professional, or someone just beginning to explore your creative potential, MassArt's PCE provides a supportive and enriching environment to learn, grow, and connect with a vibrant community of artists and designers.

The Essence of MassArt New England

Built on the understanding that time and focus for creative work are rare and precious, MassArt New England fosters a supportive environment where serious studio art enthusiasts can connect with like-minded peers, learn from expert faculty, and pursue innovative projects. For over 40 years, MassArt New England has been one of the nation’s top summer residency programs. MassArt New England welcomes participants of all levels. Classes are kept small so instructors are able to work with students individually.

The Residency Experience

To enjoy the full residency experience of MassArt New England, stay on MassArt’s campus. Most MassArt New England participants stay on-campus and choose single rooms. Dorm rooms are in air conditioned suites with simply furnished rooms: a bed (linens are provided) and desk. Rooms are in shared suites. Each suite is air conditioned and has two to four bedrooms, a shared bathroom, and a kitchen. Linens, blankets, pillows and towels are provided. You may also share a bedroom (double). Some participants choose to stay off-campus and will not have access to the dorms.

Before you arrive we send a packet of information which includes a list of things you need or may wish to have for your stay (desk lamp, all toiletries, hangers, multi-strip electric cords, etc.). Most participants choose single rooms; bathrooms in the suites are shared by three to four participants.

Dining and Amenities

Meals may be purchased at the cafeteria with cash. All participants receive Sunday night dinner as part of the program. The cafeteria is all-you-can-eat style, with a variety of options. MassArt New England participants can access the Wentworth College gym, which is in Beatty Hall across the street from MassArt.

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Important Information for Participants

A letter of attendance is sent to all MassArt New England participants. You can also request a transcript in early September, and a transcript may be requested at any time in the future. MassArt New England classes are given the designation COM (completed) or DNC (did not complete).

MassArt New England is a popular program and class sizes are limited. Please register for lodging by June 1. For those registering anytime in February, it may be four weeks. If someone drops, we will call the first person on the list and ask them to let us know (within 48 hours) if they want the class. If that person does not want it we will continue down the list.

Accessibility

Massachusetts College of Art and Design is committed to fostering the academic, personal, and professional growth of our students. We are especially committed to ensuring that students with documented disabilities, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA), are provided equal access to all campus resources and opportunities. While vaccination is not required, we urge everyone at MassArt New England to avail themselves of this valuable tool.

A Wide Array of Courses and Workshops

MassArt's Professional and Continuing Education (PCE) offers over 100 courses and workshops in fine art and design, professional design certificates, summer immersive programming and more. Taught on MassArt's campus. PCE offers courses and workshops primarily during evenings and on weekends during the fall, spring, and summer semesters and during the winter intersession.

Design Certificates: Mastering Skills for a Creative Career

MassArt's Fashion, Furniture, Graphic and Industrial design certificates allow you to master the technical and artistic skills for a fulfilling career in design without committing to the cost or time needed to obtain a full degree. Design Certificate classes are taught by faculty with professional experience in an environment that values both peer and faculty review.

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Graphic Design Certificate

Ready to make a career move into graphic design?

Visual Storytelling and Comic Arts Certificate

From children’s stories to visual journalism to narratives on education and health. Information Sessions are an opportunity to learn about our certificate programs and ask questions about how they are structured, what alumni are doing, and how to apply or begin. When we have upcoming info sessions, they will be listed below.

Interior Design Certificate

MassArt's new Interior Design Certificate takes a hands-on, practical approach to developing essential interior design skills.

Creative AI certificate

Learn about the new innovative MassArt and CalArts partnership Creative AI certificate designed for aspiring creative professionals. MassArt New England and furniture certificate spotlighted.

Matriculated Undergraduate Students and PCE

Matriculated undergraduate students may register for PCE classes during the Add/Drop period often at no additional charge for tuition. PCE credits will be added to your state supported credits and one charge will be calculated from the combined total credits based on the undergraduate tuition and fee rates. However every PCE class contains a class specific fee that will be added to your total charges.

Matriculated undergraduate students who register for courses in both the undergraduate program and PCE are responsible for the fees associated with each. They must obtain approval from their advisor for their PCE course selection before registering for classes if they wish to transfer the credits to their degree program. Add/Drop policies, as well as class schedules are different from undergraduate college policies and calendars.

Matriculated BFA students with outstanding tuition and other charges are not eligible to register for PCE classes or workshops. Continuing Education classes may be canceled if under-enrolled. PCE classes have independent schedules and meet on faculty/staff days, registration days, and during day school vacations, review boards, or examination periods. To drop a PCE class, BFA students must complete an Add/Drop Form and obtain the signature of their faculty advisor. Students are encouraged to inform the instructor of the course. Failure to drop a course officially results in a NC (No Credit) grade.

Community Engagement and Outreach

MassArt partners with public libraries to offer free summer workshops, giving children hands-on experience in sculpture, casting, and creative art-making. A new mural in Northbridge showcases the work of a 17-year-old teen who has used art as a crucial part of his recovery from stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma. Later this month, he will attend MassArt’s pre-college summer studios program, where he’ll be able to take a big step toward living out his dream of a life in the arts. Sherman discusses how students’ creativity rubs off on each other (including when it comes to hat-making). MassArt students and Professor Cara Tuttle visit the Tatum Robotics team at MassRobotics. Photo by Amy Fink.

Getting to MassArt

Boston is a compact and accessible city. The local Green Line E train stops right in front of MassArt, as does the #39 bus. There are Commuter Rail and Orange Line stops at Ruggles station, a few blocks away. Logan Airport is approximately 20 minutes from MassArt. Parking will be available for a fee, both for daily commuters and those staying on campus for the week.

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