Internships
Internships are available in the BFA program in a wide range of studio, design and administrative settings, and provide opportunities for students to explore first-hand the different venues in which their art knowledge and skills may be applied. Internships are only available to BFA students. To be eligible, a student must be in good academic standing (BFA students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0,). Students may receive course credit while gaining professional, hands-on experience and building relationships with practicing professionals. Not infrequently, internships lead to summer or post-graduation employment opportunities, and become the basis for life- and career-defining decisions.
If you are interested in doing an internship, contact the Artists at Work Office for information on available placements. All internship applications must be submitted to the Director of Artists At Work, who then makes a recommendation for approval or denial to the Dean of Undergraduate Studies. Ideally, internships are approved prior to the semester in which they will be performed; deadlines are published in the Academic Calendar. Upon receipt of appropriate approval, the Office of Registration and Academic Advising will automatically register the student in the internship course and provide documentation to the student. Internships taken in the summer are applied to the fall semester. A lab fee will be applied for all internships.
Independent Study
Students have the opportunity to design their own independent study course in order to explore areas of interest not currently offered in our curriculum. To be eligible, a student must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (B). BFA students must hold at least second-year status (i.e., 30 credits minimum); graduate students will need approval from their Program Chair. Interested students must complete an Independent Study Application form, available at the Office of Registration & Academic Advising. The completed application should be delivered to the Dean's Office by the posted deadline. A subcommittee of the faculty Curriculum Committee will review all independent studies for approval or denial in the first week of the semester they will be performed; the committee then makes a recommendation to the Dean of the College, who either approves or denies the proposal. The Dean’s decision is final. Deadlines are strict and are noted on the Academic Calendar. Upon receipt of approval, the Office of Registration & Academic Advising will automatically register the student in the independent study course and provide documentation to the student. Independent Studies taken in the summer are applied to the fall semester. A lab fee will be applied. For more information about independent study proposals, please see the Office of Registration & Academic Advising, registrar@meca.edu.