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Massachusetts College of Art and Design

Boston, MA

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

1873
Founded
Public art school
Type
1,939
Total Students
1,682
Undergrad
257
Graduate
Special Focus Four-Year
Classification
President: Mary K. Grant

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Massachusetts College of Art and Design

MassArt: Pioneering art education and design innovation since 1873.

Massachusetts College of Art and Design, or MassArt, stands as a beacon of artistic and design education with a rich history dating back to 1873. As the nation's first publicly funded art school, MassArt was originally established to provide drawing teachers for public schools and to train professional artists, designers, and architects, deeply influencing the long-term development of Massachusetts. Today, it remains a vibrant public art school dedicated to fostering creativity and innovation. Its prime location on Boston's "Avenue of the Arts" places students amidst world-class cultural institutions like the Museum of Fine Arts, enriching their artistic journey.

MassArt's academic strengths are diverse, offering a wide array of programs that include Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in design and fine arts, a Master of Science in art education, and pioneering Master of Fine Arts degrees in two- and three-dimensional fine arts, and design. The college further expanded its graduate offerings with a Master of Architecture in 2007 and a Master of Design in Innovation in 2016, reflecting its commitment to contemporary practices and emerging fields. Notable for its interdisciplinary approach, MassArt founded the Studio for Interrelated Media (SIM) in 1969, one of the earliest programs of its kind in the country, encouraging students to explore new artistic boundaries.

The student experience at MassArt is deeply integrated with Boston's vibrant artistic landscape. From guaranteed housing for first-year students in the Artists' Residence to state-of-the-art facilities like the Design and Media Center, the college provides a supportive and inspiring environment. Graduates include renowned artists and innovators, with alumni developing globally recognized systems like the Munsell color system and faculty creating iconic public sculptures. MassArt continues to prepare the next generation of creative leaders, designers, and artists, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the arts.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1873 as the Massachusetts Normal Art School, it's the nation's first publicly funded art school.
  • Pioneered art education by becoming the first art school in the country to grant a Bachelor of Science degree in art education in 1924.
  • Located on Boston's esteemed "Avenue of the Arts," surrounded by premier cultural and educational institutions.
  • Home to the Studio for Interrelated Media (SIM), established in 1969 as one of the earliest interdisciplinary college art programs.
  • Offers a diverse range of graduate programs, including Master of Architecture and a Master of Design in Innovation.
  • Guarantees housing for all first-year students through its Artists' Residence, opened in 2002.
  • Supports a student body of 1,939, fostering a vibrant and focused artistic community.

Timeline

1873
Founded as the Massachusetts Normal Art School
1924
Becomes the first art school in the U.S. to grant a Bachelor of Science degree in art education
1929
Renamed Massachusetts School of Art
1959
Renamed Massachusetts College of Art
1969
Studio for Interrelated Media (SIM) is founded
1983
Relocated to its current campus on Huntington and Longwood Avenues
2007
Renamed Massachusetts College of Art and Design; Master of Architecture program approved
2016
Opens the Design and Media Center; launches Master of Design, Innovation
🏛️
153 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

2 notable schools within Massachusetts College of Art and Design

🏫

Dynamic Media Institute

A Master of Fine Arts program founded in 2000, focused on new uses of media in communication design.

🏫

Studio for Interrelated Media (SIM)

One of the earliest interdisciplinary college art programs in the country, founded in 1969.

Leadership

Mary K. Grant
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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