Art: Studio Art

Program Type
Undergraduate Major
Degree
Bachelor of Fine Art (BFA)
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: Concentrate in ceramics, photography and digital art and design, painting and drawing, or sculpture.
  • Gain real-world experience with professional artists and designers, businesses, museums, galleries, and non-profits through our internship program.
  • Take advantage of dedicated studio spaces for printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, painting and drawing, design, bookmaking, photography, and a state-of-the-art digital lab.
  • Learn from world-class faculty who are accomplished practicing artists and scholars with diverse areas of expertise in fine arts.
  • Study in a program that is nationally accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
  • Showcase your work in a capstone BFA exhibition at the USM Art Gallery and work with prestigious contemporary visiting artists.

Expected career outcomes

Four art students and a faculty member stand around a table and view samples during a field education trip.

Enhance your growth as an artist

Field education is at the heart of our Studio Art BFA program, and it’s an integral part of putting creativity into practice while achieving individualized academic goals. We provide opportunities with individual professional artists and designers, businesses, museums, galleries, and nonprofits.

Students sit on the floor of the gallery and listen to a presentation during an exhibition opening reception.

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 and contemporary exhibitions by world-class artists.

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

Expert, accomplished faculty

Learn from faculty who are accomplished practicing artists and scholars who exhibit, publish, and present their work nationally and internationally. You’ll also benefit from individualized mentorship and low student-teacher ratios.

A group of art students leans over a studio table drawing and cutting.

Program requirements

Our program is for students who seek a focused, intensive studio art program or who wish to continue their education at the graduate level. Prepare for professional skills and a personal aesthetic philosophy with an emphasis in ceramics; photography and digital art & design; painting and drawing; or sculpture.

Visiting Artist Ryan Adams paints a mural on the outside of a building with help from USM art students.

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.

A student sits and writes as part of an interactive art exhibition.

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
You may also be interested in…
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.

Get info
Visit
Apply