Does Boston University's College of Fine Arts Offer Online Programs?
Updated
Yes — Boston University's College of Fine Arts (CFA) maintains a dedicated online programs presence, as reflected in the site title "Online Programs | College of Fine Arts." That title confirms that online study options exist within CFA, but the homepage evidence available here does not list specific degrees, certificates, or course names. To see what is currently offered, you need to check the official online programs page directly, since program rosters change by term.
What the evidence does and does not tell you
The available page evidence shows:
- The site is titled "Online Programs | College of Fine Arts" — a clear signal that CFA organizes online learning under its own section.
- The broader Boston University homepage describes BU as "a leading private research institution with two primary campuses in the heart of Boston and programs around the world."
- The excerpt surfaces university-wide news and resources (MyBU portals, BU Today headlines, safety notices, rankings), not a catalog of CFA online offerings.
What is not in the evidence: tuition figures, credit counts, application deadlines, degree names, or delivery formats. Any of those details would need to come from the live program pages.
Who online CFA programs typically serve
Based on how arts schools structure online study, these programs generally target:
- Working arts professionals who want to advance skills without relocating to Boston.
- Students outside the Boston area who need flexible scheduling around jobs or caregiving.
- Educators and practitioners in music, visual arts, or theater seeking continuing study.
Treat this as a general pattern, not a confirmed list — verify against the actual program pages.
Online vs. on-campus at CFA
| Dimension | Online programs | On-campus programs |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Remote, typically asynchronous or scheduled live sessions | Boston campuses |
| Access to facilities | Limited; depends on program | Studios, performance spaces, equipment |
| Typical fit | Flexible schedules, distance learners | Students wanting in-person studio critique and ensemble work |
For studio-intensive disciplines, on-campus study usually provides resources that online formats cannot replicate. Online options tend to work best where coursework is seminar-, portfolio-, or pedagogy-based.
How to confirm what is currently offered
- Go to the CFA online programs section of bu.edu.
- Look for a program list or degree/certificate catalog.
- Check each program page for format, duration, and admission requirements.
- Confirm application deadlines and any residency or portfolio requirements.
- Contact the program office directly for details not published online.
The key takeaway: online programs do exist under CFA, but the specific offerings, costs, and requirements must be verified on the official site — the homepage alone does not provide them.