Art Major at Harvard: Is it a good choice?

Hey everyone, I'm passionate about art and really considering applying to Harvard as an art major. Can anyone chime in on the reputation of the art program at Harvard? What kind of opportunities and resources do art majors get? Is Harvard's art program as strong as its other programs?

Harvard University does not have a specific "art major" per se, but they do offer a concentration in Art, Film, and Visual Studies (AFVS), which allows students to focus on various disciplines within the arts. While Harvard may not be known for its arts programs like it is for its reputations in sciences, social sciences, or humanities, the AFVS program still provides a solid foundation for students who are passionate about the arts.

Within the AFVS concentration, students can choose from three main tracks: Film/Video, Studio Practices (focused on more traditional forms of art like painting, drawing, and sculpture), or Critical Studies (centered on the theoretical aspect of arts and media). Harvard offers extensive resources for AFVS students, including state-of-the-art facilities like the Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts, film and video editing labs, and various art studios. Students also have access to the esteemed Harvard Art Museums, which offer research and internships opportunities.

Though the art program at Harvard may not be as huge or renowned as those at specialized art schools like the Rhode Island School of Design or California Institute of the Arts, students in the AFVS program are surrounded by the broader intellectual community at Harvard. This allows for a more interdisciplinary approach, where exploration across different fields can enrich one's art practice. Many AFVS graduates have gone on to successful careers in art, filmmaking, or academic research.

Lastly, as with any program at Harvard, students benefit from the wide network of alumni and connections provided by the university. This can lead to valuable internship and job opportunities.

So while Harvard's art program may not have the same reputation as its other programs, it still offers a robust and interdisciplinary approach to the study of arts. If you're passionate about art and also desire the academic resources and broader intellectual community that Harvard offers, considering the AFVS concentration could be a worthwhile choice.