University of Maine

What you'll study

The programme combines intensive studio practice with contextual and technical studies. First‑year courses typically cover observational drawing, 2D and 3D foundations, and introductory digital media to establish basic techniques. As students progress they choose concentrations and advanced electives across painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture and installation, photography, and time‑based and digital media.

Core components commonly include:

• Studio sequence — progressive studio courses that deepen material knowledge and personal practice.
• Portfolio development — workshops and critique seminars that prepare work for public presentation and professional use.
• Art history and theory — courses on historical movements, contemporary theory and criticism to situate practice within broader cultural contexts.
• Technical labs — access to print studios, wood and metal shops, ceramics facilities, digital labs and photo darkrooms for skill development.
• Digital practice — instruction in photography, digital imaging, video and basic graphic design for contemporary art-making.
• Capstone / exhibition — a senior thesis project and public exhibition or professional portfolio required for graduation.

Students are encouraged to undertake collaborative projects, internships and off‑campus opportunities to broaden experience and professional networks.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a secondary school diploma or equivalent and meet the University of Maine’s general admission standards. Specific requirements for the Fine and Studio Arts major typically include:

• Art portfolio — a curated selection of original work (digital images or physical portfolio) demonstrating technical ability, creative exploration and thoughtfulness; guidance on format and content is provided by the programme.
• Academic transcripts — records showing successful completion of secondary‑school academic work.
• Personal statement — a short statement outlining artistic interests, influences and goals.
• References — one or two letters of recommendation, ideally from teachers or mentors familiar with the applicant’s creative work.

Some applicants may be invited to a portfolio review or interview. Preparatory coursework in art, design or visual studies is helpful but not always required; the portfolio carries significant weight in admissions decisions.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a broad range of creative and cultural careers. Typical pathways include work as professional studio artists, illustrators, photographers, designers, and makers; positions in galleries, museums and cultural organisations as curators, registrars or exhibition technicians; roles in arts education and community arts programming; and careers in creative industries such as set and prop-making, visual merchandising, or digital media production.

Many alumni also pursue graduate study in fine art, art education, museum studies or related disciplines, or combine studio practice with freelancing, residencies and entrepreneurial activity.

Why study at University of Maine

The University of Maine offers a hands‑on, studio-focused education with access to well‑equipped facilities and small class sizes that enable sustained critique and mentorship from faculty. Its location provides connections to regional arts communities and cultural institutions, creating opportunities for internships, exhibitions and public programming. Students benefit from cross‑disciplinary collaboration across campus, supported career services and a programme emphasis on building a sustainable, professional practice alongside experimental and community‑engaged work.