About

Boston University College of Fine Arts (CFA) is a community of fine and performing artists — musicians, visual artists, and theatre-makers — who believe in the power of creativity.

While artistic and academic rigor are signatures of the program, education within BU College of Fine Arts extends beyond the walls of the practice rooms and studios. Students also benefit from the rich centers of art and culture throughout the city of Boston, international opportunities through the study abroad program, and a worldwide network of alumni and connections to professions.

Here at CFA, we are thought leaders and arts innovators. We are diverse and inclusive. We are international. We’re committed to excellence. Our artists work with award-winning faculty, practice in top-notch facilities, thrive in the spaces of creative experimentation, and pursue the many opportunities available at one of the world’s best universities.

The Schools of CFA

CFA brings together the School of Music, the School of Theatre, and the School of Visual Arts and offers professional training in the arts in conservatory-style environments for undergraduate and graduate students.

Who are we?

Three Schools. In one College. In one top-tier University. Intimate arts school. World-class research institution. A diverse community of creators, advocates, change-makers.

Let us introduce ourselves to you.

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Our Community of Artists

From University resources to one-on-one advising questions, the CFA Student Services team, academic advisors, and faculty are here to support all students.

Our faculty and staff are dedicated to the academic success and well-being of our students, but they too are equipped with the tools and resources they need for success in their roles as artist-scholars, scholar-artists, and administrators.

Once a Terrier, always a Terrier. The CFA Advancement team welcomes alums' questions about benefits, events and performances, giving back, and much more. We also love receiving updates from our alums, and getting to celebrate their successes.

Read the latest news on our students, faculty, and alumni

Arts Units at CFA (and across BU)

Expanding the arts on campus and beyond.

CFA Rankings

Did you know Boston University College of Fine Arts is one of the best fine and performing arts colleges in the world?

Ranked #6 in Graduate Painting Programs (US News & World Report), CFA has also been counted among the Best Drama Schools (The Hollywood Reporter), and Best Colleges for Music in America (Niche), with graduates making waves in the arts and entertainment industry for decades.

Read more about our prestigious programs, outstanding opportunities, and amazing alums!

Learn More

Latest Stories

Explore what's new in the ever-expanding world of CFA student, faculty, and alumni news and work.

In a modern gallery space, a bearded man wearing glasses, a brown blazer, and jeans points to and discusses artwork displayed on white walls. Several visitors—seen from behind—observe the exhibition, which includes photographs and mixed-media pieces. The geometric floor features tan and dark tones, and natural light illuminates the contemporary art installation.
CFA Faculty

Creatives in Practice: Marc Schepens

The Boston University School of Visual Arts Director recently had his work displayed at the David Shelton Gallery in Houston, Texas

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A close-up portrait of a man with curly dark brown hair styled up and to the sides, and a full dark beard. He wears a navy or black t-shirt and looks directly at the camera with a neutral expression. Behind him, a brick building and ivy-covered greenery create a soft, blurred background, suggesting an outdoor campus or institutional setting.
CFA Students

Beyond the Classroom: Oliver Perry (CFA’27)

As the sole art teacher at a Brookline school, BU art education graduate student Oliver Perry teaches visual art and art history to K-12 students

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Music

The Renaissance Man

After decades as a touring jazz musician, community leader, and world-class educator, Victor Goines is back in school

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Let's Be Social

Follow BU College of Fine Arts on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.

Events

There's always something going on at the College of Fine Arts! Check out all upcoming concerts, productions, exhibitions, lectures, and community events.

Visual Arts Music BU Art Galleries

Gallery Drum Performance with Gareth Dylan Smith

Day: Thursday Oct 1st Time: 11:00am - 12:00pm Faye G., Jo and James Stone Gallery
Visual Arts Music BU Art Galleries

Drum performance with Gareth Dylan Smith

Day: Thursday Oct 1st Time: 2:00pm - 3:00pm Faye G., Jo and James Stone Gallery
Arts Music Ensembles

Boston University Wind Ensemble - America 250: Part 1

Day: Thursday Oct 1st Time: 7:30pm - 9:00pm Tsai Performance Center
Arts BU Office for the Arts

First Friday Pumpkin Painting & Pastries

Day: Friday Oct 2nd Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm BU Office for the Arts
Arts Music Ensembles

Resonancias: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Through Latin American Music

Day: Friday Oct 2nd Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm CFA Concert Hall
Arts Music Ensembles

Handel’s Messiah: A Graduate Conducting Showcase

Day: Saturday Oct 3rd Time: 1:30pm - 3:00pm Marsh Chapel
Arts Music BU Office for the Arts

Music Mondays Salon Series

Day: Monday Oct 5th Time: 4:00pm - 5:30pm BU Castle
Arts Music

Composer Forum: Rodney Lister Presentation

Day: Tuesday Oct 6th Time: 9:30am - 11:00am CFA Room 156
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CFA In The News

We're making headlines - read all about it!