MFA Program
Professional Certificate in Photography
Professional Certificate in Filmmaking
Professional Certificate in Multimedia
Course Catalog
Master of Fine Arts Degree
The low-residency program at Maine Media College is for those interested in pursuing an MFA degree in the fields of photography, filmmaking and multimedia. Candidates structure their programs with the aid of faculty advisors and complete degree requirements in three to five years. Two MFA retreats are held each year, one in November and the other in April. During retreats candidates meet with faculty for critiques of projects, discussions covering topics in visual culture and aesthetics and to assess their progress in the program.
During the semesters between retreats candidates work with members of the Maine Media College faculty or other approved mentors to complete studio and academic projects. Projects are presented at retreats for evaluation and credit. Candidates are required to complete at least four weeks in residency during their program, either as two, two-week or one four-week period. These periods of intense study allow candidates to work with resident faculty away from the distractions of daily life. Candidates may elect to earn up to nine credits by taking master classes offered by the Workshops. Candidates are required to complete five- credit penultimate projects and nine-credit thesis projects prior to receiving their degree.* The MFA culminates with the presentation of final thesis exhibitions or screenings.
Other opportunities for learning are open to MFA Candidates. Candidates may apply for teaching assistantships or other support positions during the workshop season and/or during the school year in the Professional Certificate programs. Opportunities are highly competitive and no positions can be guaranteed to MFA candidates.
* For more detailed information on credit options and requirements please see the MFA Handbook.
MFA Degree Requirements
To earn an MFA degree at Maine Media College candidates must complete 60 graduate credits. As the MFA is a studio degree, candidates must earn a majority of credits through the creative process of making art. Of the 60 credits, at least 65% (39 credits) must be earned through projects or residencies where the primary focus is on producing creative work. At least 25% (15 credits) must be earned in independent studies or residencies where the primary focus is academic. The remaining 10% (6 credits) may be creative, academic, or any combination of the two as will be most beneficial. Candidates with the guidance of their advisors shall determine the appropriate distribution of elective credits.
Candidates must fulfill several specific requirements, both academic and creative, for which he or she will earn graduate credit. These requirements are indicated where applicable in the chart that follows.
| Credits Granted | Type of Credit | Requirements | |
| MFA Weekend Retreats | 1 per Retreat | Academic | 4 required, maximum for credit |
| Workshops | 1.5 each | Studio | 9 maximum |
| Mentored Projects | 2 - 5 each | Academic | 11 maximum |
| Mentored Projects | 2 - 5 per project | Studio | 18 maximum |
| On-Campus Residency | 2, 4 per residency | Either | 4 required |
| Penultimate Project | 5 | Studio | 5 required |
| Thesis | 9 | 3 Academic 6 Studio |
9 required |
Entrance Requirements
In addition to extensive experience in making art, applicants for the MFA Program must meet at least one of the following criteria for admission (except in extraordinary circumstances as determined by the MFA Committee):
• B.F.A., B.A., or B.S. degree from an accredited college or university
• Diploma from a recognized professional art school
• 120 semester hours from one or more accredited colleges or universities with a grade point average of at least 2.0
It is necessary that an applicant has at least 36 semester hours of undergraduate studio art and art history courses, except in the case of an applicant interested in pursuing an MFA in screenwriting. A screenwriting applicant’s transcripts should indicate courses in creative writing and literature.
MFA Application Procedures*
Applicants must provide the following items to complete application:
• Completed application form and application fee
• Official transcripts showing 36 credits of undergraduate art and liberal art courses and completion of a Bachelors degree, or suitable documentation of the equivalent in experience.
• Resume
• Personal statement of intent
• Two letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional colleagues and associates.
Applicants are formally reviewed at MFA retreats. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Prospective candidates may audit weekend retreats to gain insight into the structure of the program, meet with faculty for individual portfolio reviews and receive counsel on application to the program.
* See "Application Procedures" for complete information on the admissions process
MFA Costs & Fees
Application fee: $75.
Tuition is $475 per credit hour; not including lab, production, equipment fees, materials or room and board for retreats, workshops and residencies. The MFA is a 60 credit hour program. Total program tuition cost is $28,000.
Additional Fees & Costs
Lab fees, production fees, equipment fees, materials, meals, and housing costs are not included in tuition. Different fees may apply depending on the length of a project and/or the equipment and materials required.
MFA Weekend Retreat Costs
| Retreat | $575 (includes meals) |
| Retreat (not for credit) | $225 (includes meals) |
| Auditor fee | $285 (includes meals)* |
*A potential applicant may audit a retreat. Should an applicant return for a subsequent retreat to complete the application process the auditing fee is credited towards attendance at the application retreat)
Please send questions to info@mainemedia.edu
