MFA, MAT, and graduate certificate programs

Maine College of Art & Design offers a Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art (MFA), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), and a Salt Graduate Certificate in Documentary Studies. MECA&D’s community is diverse, and each new student adds immeasurably to the vibrancy of our community. Applications are evaluated individually, with consideration given to the strength of the portfolio and academic achievement.

Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art
Supported by renowned local, national, and international faculty, visiting artists and carefully selected graduate advisors, the MFA in Studio Art curriculum emphasizes the intersection of production, individual research, and critical analysis. Students choose either a Low or Full Residency option. MECA&D’s Full Residency MFA provides 24/7 access to private studios and fabrication facilities where students work alongside peers and with local faculty. Among the first programs in the country, MECA&D’s low residency MFA combines intense periods of on-campus instruction with the freedom and independence of working from any home location, anywhere in the world. 

Master of Arts in Teaching
For six years running, MECA&D’s 10-month Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program has enjoyed 100 percent job placement for its graduates. The MAT program prepares artists to become effective art educators who learn to translate their ideas and personalities into creative teaching practices. The program is divided into three phases: a one-month summer intensive where theory-based courses are taught in an institute-like setting with field experiences beginning on the very first day; a fall semester of courses that include studio art, teaching methods & curriculum building, work in alternative settings, and a consideration of how to manage a classroom for all students; and a spring semester that culminates with a 15-week student teaching experience that can take place almost anywhere, enhanced by an action research seminar. The program starts early and ends early so candidates graduate in time to apply for teaching positions as they open.

Salt Institute for Documentary Studies
The Salt Graduate Certificate in Documentary Studies at MECA&D is a unique 15-week program focused on navigating the world of documentary storytelling. During this rigorous, intensive learning experience, students take the time to create and critically examine their own work and the work of classmates in a collaborative peer environment. They leave with a professional quality body of beautifully crafted, in-depth stories in Radio + Podcasting or Short Film formats. Since 1973, the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies has taught students from all over the U.S. and around the world to become truthful, thorough, creative, and responsible storytellers and documentarians. 

Application deadlines:

Master of Fine Arts, summer 2022
Full tuition scholarship deadline: Friday, January 21, 2022
Priority deadline: Friday, February 25, 2022
Rolling admissions: Accepting applications through Monday, May 2, 2022 as space permits

Master of Arts in Teaching, summer 2021
Early action deadline: Friday, January 21, 2022
Priority deadline: Friday, February 25, 2022
Rolling admissions: Accepting applications through Monday, May 2, 2022 as space permits.

Salt Graduate Certificate in Documentary Studies, spring 2022
Diversity Fellowship* and early action deadline: Friday, November 12, 2021
Priority deadline: Friday, December 3, 2021
Rolling admissions: Applications received after December 4 will be reviewed as space is available for the Spring cohort.

Salt Graduate Certificate in Documentary Studies, fall 2022
Diversity Fellowship* and early action deadline: Friday, April 1, 2022
Priority application deadline: Sunday, May 1, 2022

*The Salt Diversity Fellowship
As part of Salt at MECA&D’s commitment to training the next generation of storytellers, MECA&D is pleased to offer the Salt Diversity Fellowship. The Fellowship supports the work of students from underrepresented communities—such as Black, Indigenous, People of Color; ethnic and religious minorities; individuals across the gender spectrum; variously-abled people; the LGBTQIA community; low-income learners; and others who would thrive at Salt. To be eligible, the Fellowship applicant must also be accepted into the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies Graduate Certificate Program at MECA&D.