Harvard University

Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Art, Film, and Visual Studies at Harvard University offers a unique blend of studio practice and critical theory. This program empowers students to analyze and create visual media while exploring the historical, technical, and cultural significance of images in film, photography, animation, and the built environment. Spanning four years, the program is conducted on-campus and is delivered in English, providing a rich learning environment for aspiring artists and scholars.

What you'll study

In this program, students engage in a structured course of study that marries practical studio work with academic inquiry into visual culture and media analysis. The curriculum includes:

• Studio and production courses: Hands-on training in essential visual media, including drawing, photography, video, and animation.
• Seminars and theory: In-depth study of the history of film and visual culture, critical methodologies, and interpretive frameworks.
• Electives: A variety of courses that expand knowledge across related topics and media.
• Capstone project: A significant culminating project or senior work where students synthesize their studio practice with critical analysis, tailored to their academic focus.

Course themes may include drawing and visual form, still photography, nonfiction filmmaking, animation, the art of film, the language of modern art, sculpture, painting, and video production.

Typical progression

• Early years: Focus on foundational studio skills and introductory theory/history courses.
• Middle years: Expand production practice and participate in advanced seminars.
• Final year: Concentrate on advanced electives and work on a culminating project that integrates creative making and critical analysis.

Entry requirements

Admission to the program typically requires the completion of high school education. Specific GPA and other academic requirements can vary, so prospective students should consult Harvard's admissions office for detailed guidelines.

For non-native English speakers, proficiency in English is essential. Applicants may be required to submit scores from the TOEFL or other accepted English proficiency tests. Details regarding minimum score requirements and alternative tests can be found on Harvard's admissions pages.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Art, Film, and Visual Studies program are well-equipped for a variety of career paths in the creative and cultural industries. Potential careers include roles in film production, visual arts, media analysis, museum curation, and arts education. The interdisciplinary nature of the program fosters critical thinking and creative skills, making graduates competitive in a wide array of fields related to visual culture and media. Additionally, many graduates pursue further studies in graduate programs across art, film, and related disciplines.