In your first year as an Otis College student, you’ll participate in our one-of-a-kind, immersive Foundation program. Our freshman students take a sequence of studio courses designed to teach you the fundamental skills and processes across visual arts and design disciplines.
You’ll become a well-informed maker, discovering new ways of thinking and seeing the world. You’ll learn to ask new questions and develop your own creative practice and vision. Foundation aims to enhance your creativity, refine your voice, and help you transform your ideas into final form.
The studio courses in Foundation, your faculty, and events focused on the majors help you make the best choice for your future major and career beyond Otis College.
Foundation Forward

There are many opportunities during the Foundation year for students to gather information, engage, and meet key people before selecting a Major to join for their remaining three years of study.
First Year Student Guide

Learn more about our first-year Foundation studio program, the supplies, books, and readers you'll be using.
Faculty & Staff

Meet the faculty members of the Foundation program.