The Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art (MFA) at Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D) presents an interdisciplinary framework that encourages students to cross traditional academic limits, broaden their artistic practices, and stimulate intellectual curiosity.
Our six-term curriculum highlights the convergence of studio work, personal research, and critical thinking. With a focus on personalized mentoring from esteemed faculty, visiting artists, critics, and curators, MECA&D’s MFA program provides a vibrant and nurturing environment for artists aiming to forge a sustainable and transformative artistic vision.
Within our MFA program, students can opt for either Full or Low Residency, offering a degree of flexibility. The Full Residency path grants 24/7 access to private studios and fabrication facilities, promoting collaboration among peers and faculty. Meanwhile, the Low Residency option, one of the first of its kind in the U.S., blends intense on-campus periods with the liberty of remote work from any location globally. Regular group sessions are integrated throughout the two-year program to unite all MFA students for research, travel, and dialogue.
Each summer, all MFA candidates convene in Portland, Maine, for an eight-week residency. These Summer Intensives, marking the first and fourth terms of the six-trimester program, serve as catalysts for community building and idea exchange. Faculty, visiting artists, and critics engage in public lectures, studio visits, and group discussions with graduate students during these sessions.
Important application dates include a Full-Tuition Scholarship deadline on January 18, 2026, Priority Acceptance on February 22, 2026, and the program commencement on June 15, 2026. For more information and to apply, visit meca.edu/mfa.
