This webpage is designed to simplify the Master of Fine Arts program at Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D) as much as possible with accessibility in mind.
Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
The MFA program is a two-year graduate degree with a concentration in Studio Art.
Ideal MFA students should have an independent art practice and an interest in deepening their relationship with their practice visually and conceptually.
Full residency students and low residency students share the same program. There are no differences to the curriculum or application process.
Studio Art
A concentration in Studio Art means students can work in any combination of art mediums and incorporate non-art research into their studies.
Full Residency
Full Residency students will complete all courses on campus in Portland, Maine. They will also have a studio space on campus and access to our facilities during the academic year.
Students may transition into being low residency during their second year with approval by the program chair.
Low Residency
Low Residency students will complete summer courses on campus in Portland, Maine. Fall and spring courses are completed in the student’s personal studio with a mentorship arranged by the program. The mentor will do studio visits and critiques in person on behalf of the program.
Students may transition into being full residency during their second year with approval by the program chair.
Timeline
The MFA program runs once a year. All students start in the summer (June) and continue their classes throughout fall (August) and spring (January). Second year students graduate in May at the end of their second spring term.
Applicants can apply starting September 2024. We will accept applications as late as May 2025.
Classes begin June 2025.
Apply to the MFA program
A complete application for the MFA program consists of:
- A complete application
- A digital portfolio
- A personal essay
- A current résumé or curriculum vitae
- College transcripts
International students
International applicants need to submit additional materials to be offered admission and successfully obtain a Student Visa to study in the United States.
Read our Viewbook
Our MFA viewbook contains all the information above and stories from faculty and students in print form.
Applicants in the US and Canada can request a physical copy. Everyone can access the digital version on our website.
Visit us
We encourage students who are interested in the MFA program to visit our campus in Portland, Maine. You can schedule a tour on our website.
Who to contact
Email Graduate Admissions at graduateadmissions@meca.edu if you have questions about the admission process.
Email the MFA program at mfa@meca.edu if you have questions about the MFA program unrelated to admission.
Email Financial Aid at finaid@meca.edu if you have questions about funding or cost of attendance.