Undergraduate application to the Studio Programs in Fine Arts and in Architecture+Design in the Department of Art, Architecture and Art History at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst is a two-part process.

First Year applicants should submit an application to Undergraduate Admissions and submit a portfolio directly to the Department of Art, Architecture and Art History.

For acceptance into the Studio Programs of Fine Arts and Architecture and Design, both the Undergraduate Admissions Office and the Portfolio Review Committee of the Department of Art, Architecture and Art History must accept applicants. After the University Admissions Office has reviewed academic performance and the Department has reviewed the portfolio, the University Admissions Office will notify the applicant of the admission decision.

If you have any questions regarding this procedure, please call the Department of Art, Architecture and Art History's main office (413) 545-1902 or e-mail the Director of Undergraduate Programs at mainoffice@art.umass.edu

Prospective students are invited to visit the Department during one of the open-informational sessions offered each semester. Applicants are especially encouraged to attend the November Open House where faculty from all disciplines will be available for portfolio review and consultation.

For information on the Freshman and Transfer Application process...

First Year Students
Early Action: November 1, 2007
Regular Decision: January 15, 2008

Transfer Student Admission
Fall 2008: April 15, 2008
Spring 2008: October 1, 2007

On Campus Admissions
Spring 2008: October 1, 2007
Fall 2008: March 1, 2008

Portfolio Review Policy and Procedures

Applicants may submit their portfolios by mail to the Department of Art, Architecture and Art History 353 Fine Arts Center University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003.

For a web site portfolio, e-mall the URL address to the Director of Undergraduate Programs at mainoffice@art.umass.edu Be certain to include in the subject line of your email portfolio application. All portfolios must be submitted by January 15, 2008

General Portfolio Guidelines:

A portfolio of 12-15 pieces should represent your best artwork, and it should also demonstrate independent thought and the diversity of your experience in visual arts.

The portfolio may include drawings from direct observation. If you have worked from photographs or other flat media, you can greatly enhance your portfolio with drawings from observation.

The portfolio also may include works in 2-D media ( painting, photography, printmaking) 3D media (fibers, ceramic, jewelry, metalwork, sculpture, and installations), and time based media (animation, motion graphics and video) that convey your strengths.

The portfolio may also include architectural designs and models, stage designs, fashion or costume designs, or anything else that you have made in art class, a summer exploration program, or on your own.

Your portfolio can include finished pieces, work in progress, and sketchbooks.

If your portfolio consists of slides of artwork, you must provide a reference sheet or key to the slides. Include your name and address. For each slide list media, scale, date, and when the work was completed. Please number your slides to correspond to the reference sheet.

You may choose to submit your portfolio in a digital format instead of 35mm slides. Please organize your digital files on the -R disk, preferably as a slide show or PowerPoint, so that the viewing order is clear. Be sure to include for each work the title, scale and media as well as a small thumbnail image for each piece represented in your digital portfolio. Your digital portfolio files can be Macintosh or PC compatible, on CD-R or DVD-R with the following formats: PDF files, Photoshop, PowerPoint, or JPEG. CD or DVD digital portfolios must not require installation of software. Web portfolios can also be reviewed; be sure to send your URL. Video or time based pieces (no longer than 10 minutes) may also be submitted if on a DVD-R. The Department of Art, Architecture and Art History is not responsible for reviewing materials that are not readily accessible. Please test and retest your CD-R or DVD-R on multiple playback devices before mailing. Include a self-addressed mailer with sufficient postage if you want the portfolio returned.

Please include with your portfolio a copy of the 1-2 page personal essay, which you prepared for the University Admissions Office Application (noted above).

Admission without a Portfolio:

Applicants who are interested in becoming BFA candidates in the Department of Art, Architecture and Art History, but who do not currently have a portfolio, should apply for admission to the University Undecided: Humanities and Fine Arts. Undecided students who then successfully complete two first-semester Foundations Courses (ordinarily Drawing 110 and Design Investigations), with a grade of B (3.O) or better, as well as one Art History survey course, may petition the Department for admission to the BFA program.

Admission to a Discipline within the BFA Program:

Once admitted to the Department of Art, Architecture and Art History, students gain entrance to a discipline in one of the BFA Studio Programs through a subsequent review process that addresses specific discipline requirements.

About our Undergraduate Program:

There are 3 Divisions within the Program: Studio Art, Architecture and Art History

Bachelor of Fine Arts:

Studio Art

Architecture & Design

Bachelor of Arts:

Studio

Art History

Disciplines within the Studio Art Program:

Animation
Art Education                                    
Painting           
Printmaking                                   
Photography
Digital Media: Still Imagery
Digital Media: Time Based
Sculpture
Ceramics
Interdisciplinary
                                  
Disciplines within the
Architecture & Design Program:

Architectural Studies
Interior Design

Students should contact the faculty within a given discipline for specific information or refer to the website link for that discipline at: http://www.umass.edu/art