Art: Studio Art

Program Type
Undergraduate Major
Degree
Bachelor of Fine Art (BFA)
Modes of Study
Blended;In Person

Full-time tuition

In-state: $8,910;
Out-of-state: $26,250 (30 credit hours per year). New England residents may qualify for tuition breaks. See details and other costs

Financial aid

Average offer covers a large portion of tuition & fees.
In-state: nearly 100%;
Out-of-state: nearly 70%.
May include scholarships, grants, waiver, & 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.
An instructor leans over the shoulder of a student working on a digital illustration on the computer, to point out details.

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.

A student shows off her recently completed piece on a large table.

Discover your artistic potential

Our students are ready for independent art practice upon graduating. Other graduates go on to earn MFA degrees from competitive programs, attend prestigious artist residencies, exhibit their work nationally, hold teaching appointments, and establish their own businesses.

Two students pose in front of a series of art pieces.

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 student works on a painting in a studio.

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.

Students gather around a table to listen to an instructor explain the pieces they're looking at.

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.

Patrons of an art museum look at various paintings on the wall.

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 special reduced tuition rate, as part of the New England Regional Student Program (RSP).

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