Choose from a professional Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art, or a liberal arts Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History, Studio Art, or Art and Entrepreneurial Studies, which combines study of studio arts with courses in business, financial management and marketing.

FOCUS YOUR STUDIES – You may choose from studio concentrations in Ceramics, Painting and Drawing, Photography and Digital Art & Design, and Sculpture, or major in Art History.  You may also add a minor in Book Arts, Art History, or Studio Art to complement your studies.  All our degree programs offer low student-teacher ratios, mentorship, and peer learning, emphasizing your ability to think creatively and independently to become informed visual artists and art historians.

REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE – You’ll intern with local businesses, community art organizations, artists, workshops, studios, galleries, and museums, including Portland Museum of Art, SPACE Gallery, Victoria Mansion, Mayo Street Arts, Portland Pottery, and installation artist Amy Stacey Curtis.

ACCLAIMED ARTISTS – USM ART Galleries regularly present the work of nationally acclaimed artists, such as Natasha Mayers, James Luna, Muhsana Ali, and Daniel Minter.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS – Faculty and students are deeply engaged with the local community, and you’ll have many opportunities to develop and participate in art projects that address community and environmental issues.

EXPERTS ON CAMPUS – The Artist in Residence program and the Lecture Series in the Visual Arts bring prominent artists, scholars, and critics to campus every semester.  Recent guest artists include Gideon Bok, Traci Malloy, Astrid Bowlby, and Ólöf Nordal.

“My work in painting and drawing considers feminist thought, contemplative practices, and painting’s role in society. These principles guide me in creating a compassionate and student-centered classroom. I believe artists can serve as critical foils to dominate ideas and that our contributions shape culture.”
—Hannah Barnes, Associate Professor of Art – Art Department Chair

Rutgers State University, MFA

Testimonial Headshot of Hannah Barnes

ART DEGREES & PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:

ADD A MINOR TO YOUR DEGREE

BFA student, Lucy Freeman ’22, hangs work for the BFA Capstone Exhibition