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.

Watch Video
A large group of people gathers inside the Boston University Joan & Edgar Booth Theatre Yan Luo Lobby, a modern, glass-walled atrium, attentively listening to BU College of Fine Arts Dean Harvey Young. Dean Young is wearing glasses and a dark jacket, and stands near the floor-to-ceiling windows holding a microphone. The audience, consisting of CFA students, faculty, and staff of various ages and diverse backgrounds, is dressed in warm clothing, with some holding plates of food and drinks. The natural light from the windows casts a glow on the space, and reflections can be seen on the glass.

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 Development & Alumni Relations 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

Units within CFA

CFA is home to BU Art Galleries, BU Arts Initiative, BU Bands, BU Tanglewood Institute, and Wheelock Family Theatre. What do they share in common with one another? They create professional, accessible art experiences for all.

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.

Community Engagement

Top 10 Reasons to Give to CFA on BU Giving Day

CFA is a community of fine and performing artists — musicians, visual artists, and theatre-makers — who believe in the power of creativity and creating accessible art experiences for all.

Shared from
News
A digital collage features a deep purple background adorned with floral elements and an array of framed portraits of diverse women. The portraits include historical and contemporary figures, depicted in both color and black-and-white photographs. The ornate frames have intricate gold and pink patterns, giving the collage a celebratory and elegant look. The women in the images appear in various settings, including professional, academic, artistic, and personal environments, showcasing different eras, ethnicities, and roles. The overall design suggests a tribute to women's achievements and contributions, possibly in recognition of Women's History Month.
Theatre

The Women Who Inspire Us

In honor of Women’s History Month, students, faculty, and staff reflect on those who have influenced their lives

Shared from
News
A vibrant scene inside Boston University’s 808 Gallery with people walking and engaging with the displayed artwork. The space has large windows allowing natural light to stream in, highlighting contemporary paintings and drawings on the walls. The floor is a glossy checkered pattern, reflecting the movement of visitors. Overlayed on the image is bold, red and white text reading 'Support CFA here & now!' with 'Giving Day 2025' positioned in the upper right corner.
Community Engagement

Save the Date for BU Giving Day 2025

Join us on Wednesday, April 9 to make a difference in the lives of our artist-scholars and scholar-artists.

Shared from
News
Maithili Rajput, a Boston University graduate sculpture student, with dark hair tied back with a colorful headband sits backward on a wooden chair in an artist’s studio. She wears a black tank top, navy work pants, a red watch, and wireless earbuds, smiling gently at the camera. The background features a white brick wall adorned with sculptural tools and materials, including a large black metal scythe, wooden logs with spikes, and a workstation with various equipment. Sunlight streams in from a window, casting a warm glow on the creative workspace.
CFA Students

How I Made This: Maithili Rajput (CFA’25)

Maithili, an MFA sculpture student, is creating an ornate, human-sized contraption for her thesis project. Part of her final exhibition will include a 24-hour video of herself rotating inside it.

Shared from
News
Read More

Let's Be Social

Follow BU College of Fine Arts on FacebookInstagramLinkedInX, 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

Foundation Drawing: The Legacy of John Wilson

Day: Sunday Mar 30th Time: All Day Commonwealth Gallery
Theatre Arts

STAMP: Bachelorette

Day: Sunday Mar 30th Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm David Copeland Blackbox Theatre
Visual Arts

Foundation Drawing: The Legacy of John Wilson

Day: Monday Mar 31st Time: All Day Commonwealth Gallery
Arts Music Ensembles BU Arts Central

Boston University Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Chorus, and Wind Ensemble at Symphony Hall

Day: Monday Mar 31st Time: 7:30pm - 9:30pm Symphony Hall • 301 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston
Visual Arts

Foundation Drawing: The Legacy of John Wilson

Day: Tuesday Apr 1st Time: All Day Commonwealth Gallery
Visual Arts

Tuesday Night Lecture Series: Tom Thayer

Day: Tuesday Apr 1st Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm FLR, 410/411, 808 Commonwealth Ave
Visual Arts

Foundation Drawing: The Legacy of John Wilson

Day: Wednesday Apr 2nd Time: All Day Commonwealth Gallery
Visual Arts

Foundation Drawing: The Legacy of John Wilson

Day: Thursday Apr 3rd Time: All Day Commonwealth Gallery
View All

CFA In The News

We're making headlines - read all about it!