The Bachelor of Fine Arts concentration in Design and Technology at UMass Amherst focuses on the creative uses of technology in art, media, and design. Courses cover the diverse techniques, skills, and concepts that are important to artistic work in digital image creation, coding and interaction, typography, visual communication, and motion media. Students learn a variety of research and concept development methods, design and production processes, professional standards and ethics, and digital tools. This studio area engages students with the experience and skills needed to excel in creative industries and as independent designers, artists, researchers, and creative technologists.
After completing first-year Foundations courses, students choosing to pursue an education in design and technology begin with Digital Imaging, Digital Design, and Art & Code. Here, students study visual design for print and screen, raster and vector-based image editing, and design for interactivity, while learning industry standard software and programming languages. Over the next two years, students take intermediate and advanced courses to explore various areas of interest, including publishing, service-learning, community engaged and client-based coursework, digital fabrication, motion graphics, interactive installations, websites, and interfaces, and graphic design.
In their fourth year, students have the option engage in a semester-long independent or collaborative thesis project in any medium or theme of their choosing, building skills in all aspects of creative design and production while honing their individual styles and interests. As preparation for entering the working world, the Portfolio Practicum course covers written and oral presentation skills, to refine and organize work samples and job search materials, and involves extensive research.
BFA students who complete a senior thesis project in their final year, combine a cohesive exhibition or presentation, a significant piece of writing, and an oral defense, all directed by a faculty committee. Faculty also provide support to students wishing to engage in practicums and internships, both inside and outside the university.
Semester and year long design projects have recently been offered with U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Paperbark Magazine, Baystate Health, and Mass 4-H.
Please click here to view the Design and Technology Discipline Requirements sheet.
Internships and Careers
Students may pursue internships and practicums on- or off-campus as part of their studies at UMass. A maximum of 12 Independent Study and/or Practicum credits can be applied toward BFA degree requirements.
Students have interned and collaborated with the University Museum of Contemporary Art, Herter Art Gallery, Department of Theater, and with cultural institutions, marketing and design firms, among others. Graduates are currently working in the non-profit, publishing, and technology sectors, as social media and communications associates, graphic and motion designers, project managers, user experience / user interface designers, makers, educators, and more!
Each semester the Arts Extension Service offers an Arts & Humanities Internship Fair. Visit the HFA Careers Office for more information about jobs and internships in the field.