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 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)

CFA is home to BU Art Galleries, BU Bands, BU Tanglewood Institute, and Wheelock Family Theatre. CFA also works closely with BU Office for the Arts. 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

Creatives in Practice: Mary Y. Yang

The Assistant Professor of Art, Graphic Design at BU is the co-founder of Radical Characters, an educational and curatorial platform that explores graphic design, typography, and culture through Chinese characters

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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 BU Art Galleries

Ni de Aquí, Ni de Allá (Not From Here, Not From There) Exhibition

Day: Friday Nov 7th Time: 11:00am - 5:00pm Faye G., Jo, and James Stone Gallery
CFA Student Events

It's Brunch O'Clock Somewhere - CFA First Gen Breakfast

Day: Friday Nov 7th Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm CFA Student Lounge
Arts BU Office for the Arts

First Friday: Sun Catchers & Sweet Buns

Day: Friday Nov 7th Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm BU Office for the Arts
Arts Music

Having It All: The Art of the Portfolio Career

Day: Friday Nov 7th Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm 855 Commonwealth Ave, Room 154
Visual Arts

Open Studios Fall 2025

Day: Saturday Nov 8th Time: 10:00am - 6:00pm 808 Commonwealth Ave.
Visual Arts BU Art Galleries

Ni de Aquí, Ni de Allá (Not From Here, Not From There) Exhibition

Day: Saturday Nov 8th Time: 11:00am - 5:00pm Faye G., Jo, and James Stone Gallery
Visual Arts BU Art Galleries

Ni de Aquí, Ni de Allá (Not From Here, Not From There) Exhibition

Day: Tuesday Nov 11th Time: 11:00am - 5:00pm Faye G., Jo, and James Stone Gallery
Visual Arts

Tuesday Night Lecture Series: Stephen Lordan

Day: Tuesday Nov 11th Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm 808 Commonwealth Ave
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CFA In The News

We're making headlines - read all about it!