Enhance your artistic skill set and advance your career through an art course, certificate, or workshop at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University.

SMFA Continuing Education's art classes and certificates for adults range from graphic design to virtual reality to painting and much more. The offerings are designed to help beginning and advanced artists alike to cultivate their passions, find inspiration, and learn new techniques and conceptual skills that will help them stay ahead of their peers.

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Take the next step toward growing your skill set with the SMFA.

Courses for artists at all skill levels

Our courses and certificates align with where you want to go next – whether you’re new to the field of illustration or are looking to grow your abilities as a creative professional.

Technique-based art education taught by seasoned artists

The artists who teach at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University are masters of their techniques.

Their skills span painting, portrait drawing, typography, digital animation, web design, illustration, virtual reality, and much more.

Offerings that integrate theory and practice

Learning at the SMFA won’t just give you new skills – hands-on projects, speakers, and portfolio development integrated into courses will prepare you to take the next step in your career.

Ready to enhance your career in the arts? Explore our Certificates.

Our certificates in virtual reality, graphic design, and illustration are a great way for all artists to gain practical skills without the time or financial investment required to obtain a degree.

Virtual Reality Certificate

Classes: 6

Cost: $795 per course

Modality: Online Asynchronous

The Certificate in Virtual Reality is comprised of six short online courses through which students will be given the skills to tackle virtual reality environment design for application in a variety of fields and careers. Become well-versed in techniques like scripted interactivity, UV mapping and programs like C++, C#, Blender, and Unity.

Graphic Design Certificate

Classes: 4

Cost: $995 per course

Modality: Hybrid

The Certificate in Graphic Design provides you with the practical and theoretical skills of a design professional. You will learn the skills needed to succeed as a graphic designer while mastering theoretical design frameworks.

Illustration Certificate

Classes: 4

Cost: $995 per course

Modality: Hybrid

The Certificate in Illustration provides you with a solid foundation for creating illustrations, learning illustrative techniques, and understanding an illustrator's creative process. Explore types of illustration, such as editorial illustration for newspapers and magazines, children's book illustration, concept illustration for ads and video games, and more.

Why SMFA Continuing Education?

Education rooted in a storied, dynamic, and highly-respected art school
Flexible virtual and in-person classes that fit your needs and schedule
20+ open enrollment courses per semester
20+ renowned artist-faculty members

Potential Jobs

Our offerings allow you to advance in your current industry or explore positions like:

Graphic Designer
Illustrator
Digital Animator
Painter
Virtual Reality Developer
Art Director
Creative Director

I took two SMFA courses before officially enrolling in the certificate program and was impressed with the teachers and course content in those courses. The courses were also very affordable and a convenient location for me to get to from my job at the time.

SMFA Graphic Design Certificate Alumni

The teachers all seemed really approachable and very giving of their time, and very encouraging, and just wanting to help mentor you, and that's really nice to have as someone who's just getting started.

SMFA Illustration Certificate Alumni

The teachers all seemed really approachable and very giving of their time, and very encouraging, and just wanting to help mentor you, and that's really nice to have someone who's just getting started.

SMFA Continuing Education Alumni

I was really impressed by the quality of the course descriptions and by the instructors. It seems like the folks who are teaching continuing education courses are a lot of the same staff that are teaching in the main school and are folks who have had a lot of direct industry experience.

SMFA CE Student

Questions about SMFA Continuing Education?

Send an email with your questions or to schedule a call with our Admissions Team. We’re here to help you succeed.

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