Art
- Bachelor of Art (BA)
- Undergraduate Major
Modes of study:
Challenge yourself as an Art major at the University of Southern Maine (USM). Your program centers on extensive time in the studio, honing your skills and creating new work. Gain inspiration from renowned practicing artist faculty and celebrated visiting artists. Deepen your practice by exploring the rich and complex history of art. Our home within a broad university offers intellectual depth as well as career opportunities within and beyond the visual arts.
Focus your craft
Concentrate in ceramics, photography and digital art and design, painting and drawing, or sculpture
Professional visual arts community
We match your career goals with an internship with an individual artist, scholar, institution, or organization
National accreditation
Study in a program accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
Academic catalog
Our engaging curriculum offers an integrative and rigorous liberal education.
Program duration
Typical completion time: 4 years. Flexible options may save time.
Department
Admissions
SAT & ACT scores optional. Early action & year-round admissions.
Expansive opportunities on campus
Our home on USM’s Gorham Campus is Robie-Andrews Hall, where you access studio spaces that are available all day, nearly every day of the year — so you can experiment, create, and collaborate whenever inspiration strikes. Your work is showcased in dedicated exhibition spaces such as the USM Art Gallery, where you can participate in the annual Juried Student Exhibition, and view professional and contemporary exhibitions by world-class artists.
Ignite your growth as an artist
Field education is at the heart of your Art BA program, and it’s an integral part of putting creativity into practice while achieving your academic goals. We provide opportunities with practicing artists, galleries, arts-related businesses, museums, nonprofits, and cultural institutions.
Engage with prominent visiting artists
Immerse yourself in the creative experience and engage with visiting artists and scholars, including our annual artist-in-residence. These celebrated international, national, and regional artists bring their expertise to campus, offering student art critiques, demonstrations, art exhibitions, and thought-provoking lectures.
Creativity in practice
Just a short walk from Robie-Andrews, visit the USM Art Gallery for ever-changing immersive experiences. View contemporary art exhibitions, attend inspiring artist lectures, and explore innovative Artist-in-Residence community projects. Your work takes the spotlight during annual student exhibitions — an exciting opportunity to share your talent. Celebrate with family and friends at the opening reception!
Where can you go with a bachelor’s degree in art?
Cultivate your artistic potential
USM art graduates are qualified for a range of careers that maintain dynamic creative practices. You’ll be prepared for roles in visual art and design, art therapy, illustration, arts administration, and museum studies as well as esteemed graduate programs with prestigious artist residencies.
We’re here to help answer questions about costs
A view into the Art major experience
What will you make next? Who will inspire your work? The possibilities are waiting to be explored.
What to expect when you major in Art at USM
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.
Sense of community
As an Art major, you benefit from individualized mentorship and low student-teacher ratios with expert faculty. You learn the critical skills needed to become an informed visual artist and visually literate member of society.
Do you live in New England?
You may be eligible for a reduced tuition rate, as part of the NEBHE Tuition Break Program.
Next steps
Our undergraduate admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services.
Request information
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