5 Best Mfa Programs In Boston, MA (2022 Updated)

I would have loved going there, but as a transfer student my options are limited. I honestly should have known that I would've been fighting an uphill battle the moment I tried to transfer into the Illustration. It's a popular major, and there's no room for someone like me. The people I met there are wonderful and have given me a lot of help, but it's unfortunate that they have no room for me. I only wish I knew sooner.Jessie Radgowski

I did the illustration program after getting my AA at community college. It was an amazing experience and totally worth it, with in-state tuition. Amazing professors in the design and illustration departments, the student community is creative and inspiring everyday. I continue to draw and paint and love remember my time at MassArtMichael G

Have worked at Massart for 28 yrs. Second home and I love it there. Get back open. Come for a visit. Awesome student work. Back open now. Events and tours are happening. College opening next week we are ready. College is open now tours are going onCraig Anthony Evans

MFA 1999 Ok, better late than never. Like can thing else, the SMFA MFA program is what you make it. You can skate through, or you can challenge yourself, experiment, take advantage of the opportunity to work in any media you please (even if it terrifies you) – and change your life & yourself. I don't mean that you will come out a famous artist, but you will come out a better artist. The fact that you are not required to concentrate in any discipline or media (although of course you can), offers you the freedom the experiment, to discover cross-pollination – how practice in one area can influence another. Don't balk at the acedemic requirements, they're important. My one complaint – and this may have changed (I hope), is the availability of adequate studio and storage space. The graduate studios – basically ridiculously small cubicles – were located in a building on Mission Hill. Sort of the equivalent of 'Dilbert Goes to Art School'. In the late '90's, affordable off-campus studio space could still be found in the surrounding communities & neighborhoods. I doubt very much this is still the case. Take a campus tour, and keep this in mind. Other than the studio space issue, I couldn't give this program a higher recommendation. It offered me the freedom and support to take risks. I came out a better artist than when I entered the program. I spent my first semester feeling like I was going to throw up, but the rewards were well worth the self-induced anxiety.Davis Bliss

I haven’t been to the MFA since 2010, so I was excited to go. We went on a Sunday of a holiday weekend and got there a little after opening. If you don’t mind holding your coat, you can skip the long coat check line. I recommend checking out the Asian and Middle Eastern galleries on the first floor before going upstairs as these galleries are far less crowded and you can meander through, not to mention of course, the beautiful art. We read most of the descriptions before heading upstairs. The impressionist wing was packed – elbow-to-elbow and yes, people are required to wear masks, but who wants to read a description with someone right at their hip? There’s no flash photography. I enjoyed the Monet gallery very much, which was also packed. Backpacks are allowed and there’s parking $$. I opted to take the commuter rail in so I could be car free. It was a lovely experience and I know I’ll be back. ❤️J W

Huge art museum with an array of styles. Came here during the first weekend of the month, as they participate in Bank of America’s Museums on Us, so we got free entry as a result of being cardholders. There is public transportation line with the museum as a stop, but it also was a nice walk to get here from our hotel. Masks were recommended but not required. There is a cafe inside if you need food. You can easily spend an entire day here looking through all the exhibits. We spent an afternoon until the museum closed at 5, and I wish we were able to spend more time. No flash photography. There were water bottle refilling stations by restrooms. Coat check is available. You’re in for a good time here. Visited on
Weekend

Wait time
Up to 10 minShanelle S

Included in the Boston Go City pass. Absolutely stunning. So many beautiful pieces new and old. I was unable to walk this day & the staff assisted with retrieving a wheelchair. Everything about this museum felt intentional and well thought out (except for the odd placement of the wheelchair accessibility door buttons). Overall, such a nice experience – I could have spent days here. If you visit, make sure to take a look at the beautiful benches between the ancient societies exhibit and the American exhibit right near the old 1700s door. Also, the baby head statues. 👶 Need a quiet place to relax? Take a break under the large shady trees out front on the lawn.Diana Hernandez

My son was unhappy in the dormitory and moved back home, had to pay in full ($7000) for the 2nd semester even though he had moved out with 3 months notice, even paid for the food he didn't eat. Lesley Office of Residence Life said they would refund if they could fill the bed but I do not believe they made any effort as they charge a nonrefundable late fee if you do not apply for a dorm 4 months in advance. Lesley University takes advantage of 18 year olds signing likely their first contract clearly cares about money more than the welfare of their students! Footnote: I placed a similar review the schools facebook page, it has been 2 months and still does not show up as the most recent, seems reviews on facebook can not be trustedKurt Smith

***Do NOT be fooled by the new building at the "art" school*** A facility is only as good as the people using it. Most of the professors don't have the necessary art skills or communication ability to teach any artistic fundamentals. I transferred to MassArt with no regrets. You should go there instead if you can. DO NOT GO TO THIS SCHOOL!Nicky Hernández

I was in the LCAD (Adult Learner) program specializing in Expressive Arts Therapy. I loved it, but my student loans are preventing me from finishing. Somewhat to very expensive for a private, for-profit school. I'll be back! Gotta finish the ol' degree. Damn the debt!Jeremy Valadez