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Art, BFA

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program at the University of Maine at Presque Isle is a four-year degree program intended to provide the student with an extensive, studio-oriented education.

The student's development in both conceptual and technical competence is of interest to the faculty in Art, who believe that creative vision and technical expertise are equally necessary for the practicing artist. Courses in art history and film complement the studio courses, enriching the student's experience of art in its varied forms. The encouragement of excellence in critical inquiry and experimentation is an important feature of the program.

Highlights of the BFA program are the Senior Show, the rich variety of art experiences, the availability of the New York Study Tour and the European Art Study Tour, and the opportunity to work with practicing artists.

Admission to the BFA program

To gain admission to the BFA program, the prospective candidate should submit to the faculty in Art, before February of the sophomore year, a portfolio of previous work and a written statement of intent. Review of portfolios will be undertaken during the final two weeks of February in each year.

Students will choose a major emphasis at this time. An emphasis requires that the student take three courses (9 credits) from one of the following sequences: Ceramics/Sculpture, Painting/Drawing, Photography, or Printmaking/Digital Media.

This sequence must be completed before Art 499 Fine Art Senior Exhibition. Art 499 is designed to clarify and establish a personal direction in the student's major emphasis. The student will formulate an in-depth study of an advanced program in his/her major emphasis. Written and oral defense of the student's artwork will terminate in a one-person exhibition. Fall and spring enrollment in the same calendar year is required.

The candidate for the BFA is required to maintain a 2.80 average in all art courses and a 2.50 average in all other academic courses.

All candidates for the bachelor's degree must complete the General Education Curriculum.

View Program Requirements (PDF)