The college accepts a maximum of 69 transfer credits toward the BFA degree: 39 maximum in the studio areas and 30 maximum in Critical Studies.

Students must have received a grade of C or better in courses acceptable for transfer. Courses taken through the college's Continuing Education Program before admission are subject to transfer credit review and restrictions.

Enrolled students who wish to take courses at other institutions or through the Division of Continuing Education as part of their degree program must gain prior approval from the appropriate department chair or the Director of Academic Advising.

Studio Transfer Credit

Students accepted to Massachusetts College of Art + Design are placed in studio courses based on the strength of their application portfolios. The number of possible transfer credits does not necessarily determine a student's class level. All studio transfer credit is based both on portfolio review and transcript review.

Studio courses not used to fulfill specific Studio Foundation or departmental requirements are evaluated for elective credits based on the level of acceptance and faculty recommendations.

Critical Studies Transfer Credit

The Advising Office determines which credits students can transfer, commensurate with the level the student reached at the previous college:

Completion of freshman year: 15 credits Completion of 3 semesters: 18 credits Completion of 4 semesters: 24 credits Completion of 5 semesters: 27 credits Completion of 3 or more years: 30 credits

Portfolio Credits

A maximum of 15 portfolio credits may be granted for exceptional experience outside the classroom as evidenced by portfolio or resume. Credits granted for portfolio are applied to the 39-credit maximum allotment for studio courses.

Life Experience Credit for Critical Studies

Students with exceptional life or work experience, documented by sample writings, published or unpublished texts, or resume, may apply for a maximum of nine credits to be transferred toward Critical Studies requirements. Credits granted are included in the 30 Critical Studies maximum transfer credits.

College Board Advanced Placement Program

A student who has received a score of 4 or 5 in the Advanced Placement examinations in academic subjects may receive transfer credit for an appropriate course. Elective studio credit is granted for scores of 4 or 5 in the Advanced Placement exams for General Studio or Drawing.

Articulation Agreements

Massachusetts College of Art + Design has developed articulated transfer paths for students from three of the Commonwealth's community colleges: Greenfield, Holyoke, and Massasoit. Students in specific programs at these community colleges who earn associate degrees with grade-point averages better than 3.0 have simplified transfer procedures. Because space is limited, only a very few transfer spaces are guaranteed each year. For specific information on the Articulation Agreements, see the transfer coordinator or department faculty in the community college or contact the MassArt Admissions Office.