Students completing the B.A. need to fulfill the foreign language and other requirements of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, which include University General Education courses in addition to departmental requirements. Students completing the B.F.A. degree must meet University General Education course requirements and departmental requirements, but not the foreign language requirement.

The B.F.A. in Art degree offers nine concentrations: Animation, Art Education, Ceramics, Digital Imaging, Interdisciplinary, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, and Sculpture.
During the first year all majors take courses in the Foundations Program. This two-semester experience evolves through a weekly seminar which provides concepts, art history, demonstrations, guest artists, and field trips to major museums in New York City, Boston, and throughout the area. The Foundations Program helps students develop their proficiency in drawing, two- and three-dimensional design, and color, while providing an introduction to a variety of media and techniques basic to all the upper-level major disciplines. 

All Art majors are required to take a minimum of four courses in the History of Art and Architecture. It is recommended that students take introductory survey courses in the History of Art and Architecture while they are taking Foundations courses.
Art students are encouraged to take advantage of course offerings and faculty beyond the boundaries of the Department. The University and the Five College consortium offer rich opportunities for expansive study in the arts.