The Bachelor of Fine Arts program at UMass Amherst provides students with the experience and skills needed to excel as artists and designers.
All students entering the program after May 2024 enter a "General Track" to complete the degree. This interdisciplinary approach gives students maximum flexibility to develop the content and direction of their work while exploring various contemporary media.
After completing a year of Foundations and Art History, BFA students go on to a range of intermediate and advanced courses across studio areas of their choice, alongside Art History and Visual and Critical Studies (VisCrit) courses throughout the Colleges of Humanities & Fine Arts and Social & Behavioral Sciences.
In their fourth year, students may earn a distinction in the following disciplines: Animation, Ceramics, Design & Technology, Intermedia, Painting, Print Media, and Sculpture, if requisite courses are completed.
As preparation for entering the art world, the Professional Practice course covers the basics of finding and applying for grants and open calls for art, writing a resume and artist statement, researching professional opportunities, and participating in an official group exhibition on campus.
Students also 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 their chose media while honing their individual styles and interests. 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.
Please click here to view the General Track (Interdisciplinary) check sheet.
Studio Area Distinctions (aka "Concentrations")
The BFA curriculum policy has recently been updated.
All first year BFA Art & Design (formerly BFA Studio Arts) students entering the program after May 2024 enter a "General Track" to complete the degree. This interdisciplinary approach gives students maximum flexibility to develop the content and direction of their work while exploring various contemporary media.
In their fourth year, BFA Art & Design students may earn a "Distinction" in the following disciplines: Animation, Ceramics, Design & Technology, Intermedia, Painting, Print Media, and Sculpture, if requisite courses are completed with passing grades and a 2.0 has been maintained. Students interested working towards a distinction should take the studio requirements outlined in each studio area check-sheet. Students who do not earn a distinction receive a BFA in Art & Design.
Note: Distinctions are not guaranteed and are subject to faculty and course availability and successfully completing requirements by graduation.
Requirements As Per Program Entry Date:
Students enrolled in the BFA Art & Design (formerly BFA Studio Arts) before May 2024 declare a "Concentration" by the start of their third year and follow the former check-sheets: Animation, Ceramics, Intermedia, Painting, Printmaking (now Print Media), and Sculpture
Students enrolled in the BFA Art & Design (formerly BFA Studio Arts) before May 2024 who declared or switch their "Concentration" after May 2024 declare a "Concentration" by the start of their third year and follow the new check-sheets: Animation, Ceramics, Design & Technology, Intermedia, Painting, Print Media, and Sculpture
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.
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.