UMass Boston

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Please review the first-year and transfer apply pages for important information about application requirements, deadlines, and application status check.

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Early action deadline: November 1; Regular Decision Deadline: June 15

Financing Your Education

Become a Beacon and pursue your passion in UMass Boston’s diverse, supportive environment. Many students across our 200+ undergraduate and graduate programs receive financial aid—providing access to an education that’s exceptional and affordable. Click below to learn more about financial aid opportunities and deadlines.

Financial Aid Deadlines & Application Process 

Scholarships for First-Year & Transfer Students

For additional information regarding tuition and fees, please visit the Bursar’s Office or send an email to Bursar@umb.edu.

For detailed course descriptions, please visit the university catalog for Art BA.

Introductory Courses (6 Credits)

Take two courses from the list below.

• ART 101 - Ancient and Medieval Art 3 Credit(s)
• ART 102 - Renaissance to Modern Art 3 Credit(s)
• ART 104L - Introduction to East Asian Art 3 Credit(s)

Art History Requirement (3 Credits)

Take one art history course between ART 305—ART 375.

Studio Courses (9 Credits)

Take two 200-level studio art courses in two different media (drawing, printmaking, painting, sculpture, photography, video, digital, or fiber art) and one 300-level studio art course in any media. Select from:

• ART 208 - Introduction to Contemporary Practices in Fiber Art& 3 Credit(s)
• ART 281 - Drawing I 3 Credit(s)
• ART 283 - Introduction to the Materials, Techniques and Concepts of Painting 3 Credit(s)
• ART 286 - Materials, Processes, and Ideas: Introduction to Contemporary Sculptural Practices 4 Credit(s)
• ART 287 - Introduction to Printmaking 3 Credit(s)
• ART 293L - Photography I 3 Credit(s)
• ART 295L - Introduction to Video 3 Credit(s)
• ART 297 - Introduction to Digital Media Art 3 Credit(s)
• ART 381W - Drawing Workshop 3 Credit(s)
• ART 383 - Painting Workshop 3 Credit(s)
• ART 386 - Sculpture Workshop 3 Credit(s)
• ART 387 - Printmaking Workshop 3 Credit(s)
• ART 393L - Photography Workshop 3 Credit(s)
• ART 395L - Video Workshop 3 Credit(s)
• ART 397 - Digital Media Workshop 3< Credit(s)

Art Electives (15 Credits)

Take five additional art electives. Only one 100-level course may be applied to this requirement. At least three courses must be at the 300-level or higher. Select from:

• Independent study (ART 47 and ART 479)
• field work/internships (ART 488 and ART 489

Independent Study (ART 478 and ART 479), Field Work/Internship (ART 488 and ART 489), and first semester of Honors (ART 491) courses cannot be applied toward the requirements for the Art major. Courses taken pass/fail cannot be applied to the Art major. At least six courses, including all required 300-level courses and capstone course, must be taken at UMass Boston.

Capstone (3 Credits)

Take one art capstone course. This course should be completed during the senior year when the student has earned 90 or more credits.

• ART 481 - Studio Art Capstone 3 Credit(s)
• ART 482: Art History Capstone 3 Credit(s)
• ART 492 - Honors Project 3 Credit(s)

Upon completing their BA as an Art major, students will be able to:

• Describe, analyze, and interpret works of art using basic art historical vocabulary. 
• Identify historic and stylistic periods and their major works of art, artists, and media. 
• Demonstrate awareness of the significance of the original and changing contexts of artworks.
• Employ effective written and oral communication and research skills that demonstrate critical thinking.
• Have experience in working in at least two media within these categories (Painting, Printmaking, Video, Digital Media, Sculpture or Photography)
• Develop a series of artwork for the student’s portfolio.
• Display student artwork in a group exhibition.

Art History Minor

Complete at least 18 credits from six courses including two survey courses and four electives.

Pass/fail: No courses taken pass/fail may be applied toward the minor.
Residency: At least four of the six courses for the minor, including two at the 300 level, must be taken at UMass Boston.

Degree Requirements

If this is the student’s only or primary major, the degree requirements below must be completed for graduation.

See graduation requirements for more information.

University Requirements

College of Liberal Arts Requirements for Bachelor of Arts

Major Requirements

Complete 36 credits from 12 courses including two introductory courses, one 300-level art history course, three studio art courses, five art electives, and one capstone.

Pass/fail: No more than one course taken pass/fail may be applied to major requirements.
Residency: At least six art courses, including the capstone and three 300 or 400-level art electives, must be taken at UMass Boston.