Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Boston, MA
Quick Facts
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Pioneering public art and design education in Boston since 1873, shaping creativity.
Massachusetts College of Art and Design, or MassArt, stands as a beacon of public art and design education in the heart of Boston's renowned "Avenue of the Arts." Founded in 1873 as the Massachusetts Normal Art School, its original mission was ambitious and forward-thinking: to not only train skilled artists, designers, and architects but also to equip public school teachers with the foundational drawing skills mandated by the Massachusetts Drawing Act of 1870. This pioneering spirit continues to define MassArt today, making it a pivotal institution in shaping creative talent for generations.
MassArt has a rich history of academic innovation, being the first art school in the nation to grant a degree – a Bachelor of Science in art education in 1924. This commitment to groundbreaking programs evolved, leading to the introduction of Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in design and fine arts in the 1950s, and later, Master of Fine Arts degrees in various disciplines. The college is particularly known for its interdisciplinary approach, exemplified by the establishment of the Studio for Interrelated Media (SIM) in 1969, one of the earliest programs of its kind. More recently, the Dynamic Media Institute offers an MFA in communication design, and the college expanded its offerings to include a Master of Architecture and a Master of Design in Innovation, reflecting its dedication to evolving artistic and design practices.
Located on Boston's vibrant Huntington Avenue, MassArt provides students with an immersive urban experience amidst a thriving cultural landscape. The campus has evolved significantly, culminating in the 2016 opening of the state-of-the-art Design and Media Center, a testament to its commitment to modern learning environments. The student experience is further enhanced by guaranteed housing for all first-year students in the Artists' Residence, fostering a close-knit and supportive creative community. With its deep roots in history, innovative academic programs, and dynamic Boston location, MassArt offers an inspiring environment for aspiring artists and designers to hone their craft and define their future.
Key Highlights
- ✦Established in 1873 as the Massachusetts Normal Art School, a pioneering public art institution.
- ✦First art school in the U.S. to grant a degree (Bachelor of Science in art education) in 1924.
- ✦Home to the Studio for Interrelated Media (SIM), one of the earliest interdisciplinary college art programs founded in 1969.
- ✦Offers diverse programs including BFA, MFA in fine arts and design, a Master of Architecture, and a Master of Design in Innovation.
- ✦Located on Boston's "Avenue of the Arts," amidst major cultural institutions.
- ✦Guarantees housing for all first-year students in the Artists' Residence.
- ✦Opened the 40,000 sq ft Design and Media Center in 2016, enhancing modern learning spaces.
Timeline
Find Scholarships at Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.
Start Your Free Search