Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Boston, United States • Founded 1873
Overview
Founded in 1873, the Massachusetts College of Art and Design is a non-profit public specialized higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Boston (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), Massachusetts.
Officially accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MCAD) is a very small-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MCAD) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in several areas of study.
This 150-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 70-79% making this US higher education organization a moderately selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
MCAD also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
The geographic and contact details below cover where Massachusetts College of Art and Design is and how to reach its administrative offices. Campus emergency contact is typically distinct from general inquiries.
Academic Details
Key statistics on Massachusetts College of Art and Design's student population, faculty size, and external recognition. International vs domestic student split is often missing from these figures but matters for campus culture.
Programs Offered
The programme finder below covers every degree Massachusetts College of Art and Design currently offers. Programme codes here often map to international classification systems used for credential recognition abroad.
Bachelor's Degree
8 programmes
There are 8 programmes to choose from at Massachusetts College of Art and Design for undergraduates. A bachelor's degree builds the broad disciplinary foundation most employers and postgraduate courses expect.
Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry Visual Arts
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Film/Video and Photographic Arts Film & Animation
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Architecture Architecture
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Architectural Sciences and Technology Architecture
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
7 programmes
Massachusetts College of Art and Design offers 7 programmes at master's level — postgraduate programmes that deepen a specialism, usually over one to two years after a bachelor's degree.
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Film/Video and Photographic Arts Film & Animation
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Architectural Sciences and Technology Architecture
Architecture Architecture
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
6 programmes
Massachusetts College of Art and Design lists 6 programmes outside the standard bachelor-to-doctorate ladder — vocational and pathway awards that often carry credit toward a later full degree.
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Woodworking General Engineering
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Massachusetts College of Art and Design
A short guide to applying to Massachusetts College of Art and Design — five steps covering the path from programme selection to confirmation of receipt.
- 1 Identify the right programme
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Massachusetts College of Art and Design runs 21 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
- 2 Check entry requirements
Before applying to Massachusetts College of Art and Design, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United States.
- 3 Prepare your application documents
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Massachusetts College of Art and Design's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
- 4 Submit via the institution
Lodge your application through the official website (www.massart.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
- 5 Get in touch with admissions
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (617) 879 7000. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Below are the key facts most prospective students ask about Massachusetts College of Art and Design, drawn directly from institutional records.
In what year was Massachusetts College of Art and Design established?
Massachusetts College of Art and Design was founded in 1873 (approximately 153 years ago).
In which city is Massachusetts College of Art and Design?
Massachusetts College of Art and Design is based in Boston, United States.
Is Massachusetts College of Art and Design public or private?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How many students study at Massachusetts College of Art and Design?
Massachusetts College of Art and Design has approximately 1,000-1,999 students.
Is Massachusetts College of Art and Design officially recognised?
The institution holds recognition from New England Commission of Higher Education.
Where can I learn more about Massachusetts College of Art and Design?
Massachusetts College of Art and Design's official website is www.massart.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Below: the United States's top-ranked universities, providing benchmarks for Massachusetts College of Art and Design's academic standing. National rankings reflect a mix of research output, teaching quality, and graduate outcomes.
Members of Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD)
Joint research grants among Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD) members create funded collaborations that often extend to graduate-student opportunities. The network listed below collaborates regularly with Massachusetts College of Art and Design.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Industry placements and co-op programmes around Massachusetts College of Art and Design draw on the same regional employer base. The nearby universities listed below often compete for similar internship slots.
Where Else to Study Visual Arts
Beyond Massachusetts College of Art and Design, several other universities in the United States deliver focused Visual Arts programmes worth exploring before you commit to a single application. Programme depth and elective range vary significantly between institutions.
Universities Often Compared with Massachusetts College of Art and Design
When students choose Massachusetts College of Art and Design, they typically weigh it against institutions of similar standing. These universities sit at a comparable level — useful comparisons before committing to a final choice, especially when programme content is similar across the options.