academic programs

All members of our community engage in a rigorous creative learning process grounded in multidisciplinary educational philosophy. Our professional baccalaureate and graduate degree curricula, together with our continuing studies programs, educate artists and designers in all stages of creative development.

BFA Undergraduate Program

Our four-year Bachelor of Fine Arts program begins with two years of Foundation study followed by two years in one of the 12 majors offered at the College. Every major has their own studio and 24/7 access to facilities. With under 400 students, the program allows for intimate class sizes and access to our faculty of artist educators. Read more …

MFA Graduate Program

The MFA in Studio Arts at MECA is an innovative and pioneering program that rethinks graduate education across the disciplinary spectrum, from painting to new media. The MFA program is centered on an integrative approach to studio practice and theory. We believe that art is an experimental transdisciplinary practice and that our low-residency program is unique in its ability to encourage students to be engaged makers in the world and in their own communities. Students divide the year between on campus intensives and mentored home studio practice with a Non-Resident Studio Instructor. Read more…  

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program in Art Education

Passionate artists discover the best practices in art education today. Become skilled art educators in MECA's intensive 10-month post-baccalaureate program. Begin your teaching career, working side-by-side with certified Maine art educators in real classrooms in public and private schools, in the Institute of Contemporary Art at MECA, and in community settings. Immersed in Portland's contemporary art scene, you will benefit from an extraordinary array of opportunities, including collaborations with practicing artists. Read more…

Continuing Studies

The Continuing Studies Department of MECA offers open enrollment courses for adults and teens. Class sizes are intimate and most are held in the professional studio classrooms of the College. There are three semesters: fall, winter/spring and summer. Students are members of the community who take courses for personal enrichment and professional development. Instructors are practicing artists; some of whom also teach in the College’s degree program. Most courses can be taken for credit or non-credit. Read more…