We offer a major and minor in art, which introduces students to the languages and techniques of art, both in practice and in history. Students must take a minimum of 12 courses consisting of both art history and studio art, with a minimum of at least three in one or the other.
The Art History Track (BA)
The UMass Boston Art Department offers a general major in Art leading to a B.A. Students intending to pursue graduate or professional work in a particular area of art may choose to declare an optional track at any point after having declared an art major. Information about the specific requirements for the individual tracks in art history and in studio art is available in the Art Department.
The Studio Art Track (BA)
The faculty of the Art Department includes both scholars and professional artists, and the curriculum aims to combine their differing approaches to the visual experience. The creative/studio curriculum provides a sound basis in the creative process, in visual thinking, and in certain technical skills.
The structure of the major thus guarantees that all students encounter both breadth and depth in both art history and studio art. Students may elect to concentrate their courses in art history, or in studio, or they may elect to balance between the two.
While internships/fieldwork, and independent studies are encouraged, these cannot be counted toward the minimum twelve courses required for the major. The option to take a two-semester sequence toward an honors thesis is available; the second semester of honors work fulfills the capstone requirement.
Courses at the 400 level in art history (including seminar offerings at the Museum of Fine Art) and a new studio capstone course which will be implemented for the first time in the Spring of 2006 can also be used to fulfill the capstone requirement.