Art — Art and Entrepreneurial Studies Concentration

Program Type
Undergraduate Major
Degree
Bachelor of Art (BA)
Modes of Study
Blended;In person

Tuition & fees

Costs include tuition, fees, & other costs such as books. New England residents may qualify for a tuition break. See cost details

Financial aid

On average, 92% of enrolled students who file a FAFSA receive an offer. 91% of offers include scholarships, grants, waiver, and/or work-study. Explore aid

Program duration

Typical completion time: 4 years. Flexible options may save time. Explore options

Admissions

SAT & ACT scores optional. Early action & year-round admissions. View application process & deadlines

Program highlights

  • Tailor your studies to your interests and talents: Combine courses in small business and entrepreneurship with a Studio Art concentration in ceramics, photography and digital art and design, painting and drawing, or sculpture.
  • Gain real-world experience with local businesses, community art organizations, practicing artists, galleries, museums, studios, and non-profit organizations through our internship program.
  • Prepare for a wide range of creative arts careers in the commercial, non-profit, or small business development sectors.
  • Enjoy a low student-teacher ratio, mentorship, and peer learning from dedicated and attentive faculty, who are all practicing artists or art historians.
  • Study in dedicated studio spaces and a state-of-the-art digital lab designed for art and technology courses.
  • Study in a program that is nationally accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
Four art students and a faculty member stand around a table and view samples during a field education trip.

Enhance your growth

Field education is at the heart of our program, and it’s an integral part of putting creativity into practice while achieving individualized academic goals. We provide opportunities with local businesses, community art organizations, practicing artists, galleries, museums, studios, and non-profit organizations.

A small business owner talks to a student about her product.

Discover your artistic potential

Our program prides itself on giving students a rigorous studio experience, historical understanding of the complexity of art practices, and the critical skills needed to become informed visual artists, entrepreneurs, or small business owners.

An artist presents details about his large-scale artwork on display at the USM Art Gallery.

Dedicated exhibition spaces

Students have access to dedicated exhibition spaces that include the USM Art Gallery, where you can participate in an annual Juried Student show, and view professional exhibitions by world-class artists.

Alaina Marie, Founder of Bait Bags out of Portland Maine, stands next to one of her purses.

Program requirements

The art and entrepreneurial studies major combines an in-depth studio experience with courses in small business and entrepreneurship for students interested in starting their own company. Our program is for students who wish to pursue a creative arts career in the commercial or non-profit sectors.

Several students work on their pieces during a still-life drawing session.

Enjoy a sense of community

You’ll benefit from individualized mentorship, low student-teacher ratio, and peer learning from dedicated and attentive faculty, who are practicing artists or historians. Plus, you’ll develop projects that address community and environmental needs.

Visiting Artist Ryan Adams and an art student stand on ladders and paint a mural on the outside of a building.

Visiting Artists

Each year, visiting artists and scholars, one of whom is the long-term artist-in-residence, from international, national, and regional locations engage in activities ranging from student art critiques, demonstrations, art exhibitions and lectures.

Visiting Artist Veronica A. Perez talks with a student at her exhibition of shadow / echo / memory.

Creativity in practice

The USM Art Gallery is known for its rich blend of contemporary art exhibitions, lectures, events, and Artist-in-Residence community projects. In addition, it regularly showcases art students’ multidisciplinary projects in a range of media.

Exterior shot of the USM art department.

National accreditation

Our program is nationally accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), which is a special recognition for art college programs.

A student in a graduation cap and gown gazes upward.

Scholarship opportunities

Scholarships offer valuable financial aid that doesn’t need to be repaid. You’ll be automatically considered for Merit Scholarships when you apply for admission by the deadline. Additional opportunities are available.

A rocky river with mountains in the background and, bordered by tree with autumn-colored leaves.

Do you live in New England?

You may be eligible for a reduced tuition rate, as part of the NEBHE Tuition Break Program.

Check eligibility
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Next steps

Our helpful admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services. We also invite you to explore the many ways to visit campus or to engage with us through online experiences.

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