Art Degree Programs
Build your practice through an affordable, hands-on program grounded in drawing, painting, design, sculpture, and art history. Expand into figure drawing, book arts, printmaking, digital media, and more as you develop as a working artist.
Create original work. Build your portfolio. Connect with a working arts community.
Degree: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Program Delivery: On Campus
Next Term: Fall 2026
Why Choose Art at MCLA?
MCLA's Art program offers intimate, studio-focused classes where practicing artist-faculty teach and mentor students directly. Located in the arts-focused Berkshires, the program connects students to exhibitions, internships, and professional networks through a well-established regional arts community.
MASS MoCA & the Clark: Your Extended Campus
MCLA sits steps from MASS MoCA and the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute. Students can pursue internships at both institutions while engaging with exhibitions and professional art environments.
Senior Exhibition Experience
Art majors complete a final exhibition, selecting and presenting work in a public setting as a portfolio milestone.
Public Art Exhibitions
Students create and install public artwork on campus and throughout North Adams, gaining experience presenting work in public and building a real-world portfolio before graduation.
Career Outlook & Program Outcomes
Creative fields continue to offer a wide range of opportunities across business, media, education, and cultural organizations.
Where This Degree Takes You
An Art degree extends far beyond traditional expectations. The visual, technical, and creative skills developed in this program are valued by design studios, advertising agencies, tech companies, schools, and cultural institutions.
Career Opportunities
- Graphic Designer
- UX/UI Designer
- Art Director
- Museum Curator
- Illustrator
- Art Educator
- Gallery Manager
- Public Art Coordinator
Explore Our Programs
Students can complete a Bachelor of Arts in Art or expand their studies through minors in Art, Art History, or Design. Arts Management can be combined as a double major or minor.
Skills You Will Develop
Spotlight Courses
Faculty
Meet Your Mentors
Your Gallery, Your Community
MCLA's art community extends beyond the classroom through a public gallery, artist residencies, and ongoing engagement with the Berkshires arts network.
MOSAIC is MCLA’s community-serving cultural events program and presents public cultural events in the form of exhibitions, performances, workshops, readings, lectures, and discussions. Gallery 51, located on Main Street in North Adams, exhibits work from emerging to mid-career contemporary artists and gives MCLA students hands-on experience in exhibition planning and gallery operations.
MCLA brings professional artists to campus through programs such as the Artist Lab
Residency, which invites artists to create and exhibit work at Gallery 51, and the
Benedetti Teaching Fellowship, where a visiting artist teaches and works within the
department.These experiences are further supported by the Campagna Kleefeld Center,
where students will engage directly with visiting artists and creative practice.
Faculty Spotlight
Faculty Spotlight
"In a world where convenience and consumption rule, living lightly can be difficult. As an artist and educator, I actively resist that tide."
FAQs
Yes. The program provides a foundation for graduate study in fine arts, design, art education, and related disciplines.
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