M.S. in Computer Information Systems
The M.S. in Computer Information Systems at NEC is a 36-credit program that can typical...
B.F.A. in Fine Arts
Henniker, New Hampshire
INTAKE: Jan, Aug & Oct
Program Overview
The B.F.A. in Fine Arts at New England College is a four-year, 120-credit program that focuses on developing students' creative voices and technical mastery across various artistic mediums. The curriculum strikes a deliberate balance between acquiring fundamental skills in a broad range of artistic styles and mediums, and delving into historical and contemporary concepts. Students engage in rigorous formal training and participate in continuous personal and group critiques, fostering self-awareness and critical evaluation of their own work and that of others. The program emphasizes "learning by doing," providing abundant studio time and opportunities for students to build a cohesive and professional portfolio, which is essential for entry into the art world.
Curriculum: The 120-credit B.F.A. in Fine Arts curriculum at NEC is structured with a robust Art Core, specialized Fine Arts Concentration courses, and a Liberal Arts & Sciences Core. The Art Core (44+ credits) includes foundational courses such as "Introduction to 2D Design," "Drawing I," "Introduction to 3D Design," "Imaging with Digital Tools," and "Cross Cultural Connections in Visual Art." Students also take "Professional Practices in Art" and culminate their studies with "Senior Thesis I" and "Senior Thesis II" and a "Senior Exhibition." The Fine Arts Concentration (28 credits) allows students to specialize in areas like Painting and Drawing ("Painting I"), 3D Studies ("Sculpture/Ceramics Elective"), or Printmaking. Students also take Art History electives and an Art course outside their chosen discipline, ensuring a well-rounded artistic education.
Research Focus: The B.F.A. in Fine Arts at New England College centers its research focus on critical inquiry and the development of an informed artistic practice. While not involving traditional scientific research, the program explicitly aims for students to "Research art historical sources to write critically and creatively about the Art and Design in terms of formal analysis, iconography, and cultural context." This emphasizes understanding the historical and theoretical underpinnings of art. Students are also expected to "Develop a cohesive, competent body of work" and "Analyze, interpret, and evaluate their own and others' artworks," which involves a continuous process of artistic research, experimentation, and critical reflection. Faculty members, as practicing artists, often bring their own research interests in areas like creative community building, contemporary craft, and art history into their teaching, fostering a research-informed studio environment.
Industry Engagement: New England College's B.F.A. in Fine Arts program demonstrates strong industry engagement primarily through its faculty of "practicing professionals" and its emphasis on experiential learning. The program's proximity to major art hubs like Boston, New York, and Montreal facilitates "exploration and engagement of broader artistic trends." Students gain "experiential opportunities" to "engage with the professional world of art and design," including through "fieldwork and internships." The curriculum includes a "Professional Practices in Art" course, which prepares students for the realities of a career in the arts, covering topics like portfolio development, marketing, and self-promotion. The program culminates in a "Senior Exhibition," providing students with a professional platform to showcase their work, a crucial step for aspiring artists.
Global Perspective: The B.F.A. in Fine Arts at New England College inherently fosters a global perspective by exploring "key historical and contemporary concepts" in art and design across cultures. The core curriculum includes "Cross Cultural Connections in Visual Art" and requires an "Art History Elective," ensuring students engage with diverse artistic traditions and their global significance. The program's proximity to major art centers allows for exposure to international art movements and exhibitions. By encouraging students to "understand and articulate the interrelationship between the arts" and to critically engage with art's role in shaping "cultural beliefs, values, and philosophies," the program naturally cultivates a global understanding of artistic expression and its impact on the human experience. The broader Liberal Arts & Sciences Core Curriculum also includes a "Global Perspectives" course, further broadening students' international awareness.
Location
Henniker, New Hampshire
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 40178
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 65 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
New England College (NEC) is supporting talented international students by offering a range of merit-based scholarships designed to make quality education more accessible and affordable. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership, and other achievements, helping to reduce the financial burden of studying in the United States.
Merit-Based Scholarships: All international applicants to NEC are automatically considered for merit scholarships during the admission process. Awards vary based on the student’s academic record, test scores, extracurricular involvement, and leadership qualities.
Presidential Scholarship: One of the most prestigious awards, the Presidential Scholarship, is granted to exceptional international students with outstanding academic credentials.
Athletic Scholarships: NEC offers athletic scholarships to international students who demonstrate exceptional skill and commitment in NCAA Division III sports. These scholarships are awarded based on athletic performance, team needs, and coach recommendations, providing support while balancing academics and athletics.
Specialized Program Scholarships: Certain academic departments at NEC may offer scholarships targeting high-achieving students pursuing degrees in fields such as Business, Cybersecurity, Education, Creative Writing, and Health Sciences. These targeted awards help attract top talent and support focused areas of study.
Graduates of New England College's B.F.A. in Fine Arts develop a powerful combination of creative vision, technical proficiency, and critical thinking skills. Their rigorous studio training, coupled with an understanding of art history and theory, prepares them not only for direct artistic pursuits but also for a diverse array of careers that value innovation, visual communication, problem-solving, and project management.
Fine Artist: Creates original artworks in various mediums (painting, sculpture, printmaking, drawing, mixed media) for sale, exhibition, and commission, building a professional practice.
Gallery Assistant/Manager: Works in art galleries, handling art sales, exhibition coordination, artist relations, marketing, and general gallery operations.
Museum Technician/Preparator: Assists with the handling, installation, de-installation, and maintenance of artworks within museum collections and exhibitions.
Art Educator/Teacher: Teaches art to students in K-12 schools, community art centers, or private settings, fostering creativity and artistic skill (often requires additional teaching certification).
Art Restorer/Conservator (with further education): Specializes in preserving and restoring damaged or aged artworks, requiring advanced knowledge of art history, chemistry, and specialized techniques (typically requires a master's degree).
Graphic Designer: Uses artistic skills and digital tools to create visual concepts for branding, advertising, websites, and other marketing materials across various industries.
Illustrator: Produces visual content for books, magazines, websites, advertising campaigns, and other media, often working as a freelance artist.
Exhibition Designer: Plans and executes the layout and presentation of art in galleries or museums, considering lighting, flow, and thematic coherence to create impactful displays.
Art Therapist (with further education): Uses art-making processes to help individuals explore emotions, reduce stress, and improve well-being in therapeutic settings (requires a master's degree and licensure).
Custom Fabricator/Art Technician: Works in studios or workshops to bring artists' large-scale or complex conceptual designs to life, specializing in specific materials like metal, wood, or ceramics.
