Graduate Advising
BU School of Visual Arts graduate students receive multiple layers of support:
- An assigned faculty advisor within their program of study supports students in their artistic and professional growth, and consults with students on goals and course selections.
- Mackenzie Hill, Assistant Director for Student Support, helps BU SVA graduate students navigate University policies and procedures and connect with academic, student life, and wellness resources on campus. Reach Mackenzie at mhill4@bu.edu or make an appointment.
- Mackenzie collaborates with Faculty Advisors and Graduate Program Chairs on course planning and degree tracking for SVA graduate students.
Visit the CFA Graduate and Professional Student Advising page for resources to help graduate students and their faculty advisors prepare for registration.
Graduate Degree Planning Sheets
Use these worksheets plus the Degree Advice system to plan your schedule and track your degree progress.
Undergraduate Advising
Mackenzie Hill
Academic Advisor for Visual Arts students with last names A-K
Office: CFA 201
Email: mhill4@bu.edu
Book an Appointment
Beth Zerega
Academic Advisor for Visual Arts students with last names L-Z
Office: CFA 502
Email: bzerega@bu.edu
Book an Appointment
Major Requirements and Planning Sheets
The Academic Bulletin is the home for all academic policies and degree requirements at BU. Please refer to it for major requirements.
- Units required for BA in Art: 128
- Units required for all BFA degrees: 132
- Units required for Dual Degree (BFA/BA or BS): 160*
*Students enrolled in a Dual Degree are required to graduate with at least 160 units, effective Fall 2024.
Major Planning Sheets
Make sure you are using the worksheet for your correct entering year, as requirements can change from year to year. Transfer students follow the same degree requirements, but have a modified set of BU Hub requirements.
Students who entered BU School of Visual Arts in Fall 2025:
Students who entered BU School of Visual Arts in Fall 2023 or 2024:
Major and Minor Declaration
Registration
Registration Procedure:
Starting with the Fall 2024 semester, Boston University students register for courses through MyBU Student. Be sure to check the compliance tab on your MyBU portal and resolve any compliance issues before registration opens. If you are out of compliance with any University requirements, you will not be permitted to register until the issue is resolved. Students must be registered for every semester during the academic year until all degree requirements have been met, unless granted a leave of absence.
The Schedule Builder – an online tool that allows you to create and modify your schedule before registering for the courses – enables you to put together a schedule, or several backup schedules, and add them to the MyBU Student Shopping Cart to be ready for your enrollment appointment.
Full versus Part Time
Full time for undergraduates: 12-18 units.
International students are only able to go part time in their final semester.
Students taking under 12 units will pay per credit. Talk with Mackenzie or Beth before dropping to part time—there are considerations as to how this may affect financial aid, housing, and international student status.
Students in MFA programs pay a set full-time rate, but students in the MA in Art Education and MA in Studio Teaching programs pay per-credit, and the rate changes based on whether the course is in the evening or the daytime.
Graduate Tuition and Financial Aid
Internships for Credit
School of Visual Arts students are able to receive two units for an internship by taking CFA AR572 Internship during the semester in which they are completing an internship.
For more information on the requirements for the Internship course, please review the Internships for Credit page.
International students who are offered paid or unpaid off-campus work related to their major can enroll in CFA AR572 in order to receive CPT authorization. For more information on CPT, contact ISSO.
Dual Degree Advising
The School of Visual Arts has many students who pursue a Dual Degree between CFA and other schools at BU.
Students can apply for a Dual Degree after they are already enrolled at BU. If you are interested in doing so, speak with the Director of Undergraduate Student Services in the CFA Dean’s Office and also with an advisor in the COM/CAS department you would like to major in. You must have a 3.0 GPA and sophomore standing in order to apply for a Dual Degree.
Dual Degree Information
Getting Started: A Guide to CFA Advising
All CFA undergraduates benefit from a three-tiered structure of advising and support including a School-specific academic advisor, faculty mentors, and an extended Student Services team in the CFA Dean’s Office. Any questions, we have you covered!
CFA Advising
Other Questions
Mackenzie Hill, Assistant Director of Student Support for SVA, can help with graduate student questions and undergraduate questions for students with last names A-K.
Beth Zerega, Assistant Director of Student Support and Curriculum Management for SVA, can help with undergraduate questions for students with last names L-Z.
Mary Ducharme, CFA Registrar, is a resource for students with records questions including transcripts, transfer credits, and applying for graduation.
Brendan Hoey, Director of Undergraduate Student Services for CFA, is a resource for undergraduate students. He is also the CFA liaison for Dual Degree students and prospective IUT students.
