Welcome to Montserrat College of Art! Located in the coastal town of Beverly, MA. Montserrat is more than just a college—it's a tight-knit community of dedicated student artists and professional faculty. With a small student body, you won’t get lost in the crowd. Instead, you'll benefit from a personalized education with an impressive 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring you receive direct attention and mentorship from working artists and designers.
Montserrat's core offering is its Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program, which is designed to be both rigorous and flexible. The curriculum follows an interdisciplinary approach, meaning you’re encouraged to experiment across different mediums and departments. You’ll spend two-thirds of your time in hands-on studio art classes and one-third in liberal arts courses. This balanced approach ensures you develop not only your technical and artistic skills but also crucial competencies in critical thinking, communication, and creative problem-solving. It's about becoming a well-rounded artist and citizen, ready for a career in the booming creative economy.
The college offers a variety of exciting concentrations to choose from, including:
- Animation
- Art Education
- Graphic Design
- Illustration
- Interdisciplinary Arts
- Painting
- Photography, Video, and Film
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
- Writing & Visual Narratives
You can also enhance your studies with a minor in areas like Art History, Creative Writing, or Entrepreneurship in the Arts. Every BFA student completes a required internship and a senior thesis project, giving you invaluable real-world experience and a professional portfolio to kick-start your career.
Life as a Montserrat Student: Beyond the Studio
Life at Montserrat extends beyond the classroom and into a supportive, creative community. The campus is woven directly into downtown Beverly, so you’ll find yourself a short walk from the ocean, local shops, cafes, and galleries. Students live in apartment-style housing with full kitchens, which encourages independence and community cooking. While there isn't a traditional dining hall, this setup allows for a more independent and authentic "artist-in-residence" experience.
Student life is active and engaging, with a variety of clubs and opportunities to get involved. The college is committed to an inclusive environment where you can freely express yourself and collaborate with others who share your passion. You'll be inspired by the art scene right outside your door, and with easy access to Boston, you have endless opportunities to explore world-class museums and cultural attractions. The college also offers a Pre-College Summer Program, which is a great way to get a taste of art school life, earn college credits, and build your portfolio before you even apply.
Montserrat College of Art provides a unique and personalized educational experience that prepares you to succeed both as a creative artist and a professional in your field. It's a place where you can refine your skills, find your voice, and build a creative life that works for you.