Senior Seminars

A distinguishing feature of the Montserrat BFA is the required senior seminar in all concentrations. There are three such Senior Programs: Senior Fine Arts Seminar, Graphic Design Seminar, and Senior Illustration Seminar. While the three senior programs differ in content, they share a similar structure and philosophy. Each is either one to two semesters of independent study; they encourage in-depth exploration of a self-designed topic and the development of a cohesive body of work. The project is guided by a faculty advisor(s) and culminates in a public exhibition, organized by the students in collaboration with the Gallery Director. These seminars require and foster a high degree of self-discipline, seriousness and artistic maturity, intended to help students make the transition into professional life or graduate study. Aspects of Professional Practice are addressed in all the seminars, building on the internship completed in the previous year.

Senior Design Seminar

The emphasis in the final year is on mentoring students as they become skilled, informed, creative designers, ready for the real world of work.

Graphic designers enroll in the six-credit Senior Design Seminar and focus on self-defined projects, which are usually client or user oriented. The seminar leader and advisors help students structure their independent work and offer continual feedback. Visiting designers, writers and professionals provide the design students with valuable exposure to outside viewpoints. The required internship, tailored to meet the interests of the individual student, complements the classroom study and independent research.

Entrance requirements