BFA Graduation Requirements

Maine College of Art & Design believes that commencement is a degree granting ceremony. Therefore commencement is strictly reserved for students who have completed all degree requirements. Though MECA&D informs students about their status through annual degree audits, ultimately it is the student who is responsible for identifying requirements and completing necessary courses. Students are responsible for the selection of courses, the completion of all degree requirements, and familiarization with all regulations pertaining to their degree status. Students who have not completed all degree requirements cannot walk at commencement

Formal commencement ceremonies are held every year in May. Only students who have completed all BFA graduation requirements will be permitted to participate in commencement. Students who complete degree requirements after May obtain their diploma from the Registrar’s Office; these students may also participate in the formal commencement ceremony the following May. Exceptions to this policy will only be made in extreme circumstances that are clearly beyond the student's control. Appeal for an exception should be made in writing to the Dean of the College no less than ten days before commencement.

The BFA degree is awarded “with honors” to those who have a cumulative grade point average (GPA of 3.5 or better) for the years of study at Maine College of Art & Design.

A 3-credit studio course meets each week for six hours and assumes a minimum of another three hours will be spent outside of class to complete assignments. A 3-credit liberal arts or art history course meets each week for three hours and assumes a minimum of another six hours will be spent outside of class to complete assignments.

The BFA Graduation Plan is a map outlining the path of a BFA at MECA&D.

At the end of each semester the Office of Registration & Academic Advising updates each student’s degree requirement control sheet with completed coursework, course numbers, semesters completed, and credits earned. Any questions about the accuracy of your control sheet should be directed to the Office of Registration & Academic Advising. Questions regarding course selection can be directed to your Academic Advisor or Faculty Mentor.

Please keep your control sheet handy when making enrollment decisions. Tracking your courses in relationship to your requirements is critical in both following the sequential learning necessary to successfully complete all course work and assuring one graduates on time.

1. Achieved Satisfactory Academic Progress with a minimum GPA of 2.0 (C)
2. Completed their first two years (60 credits)
3. Completed a minimum of two semesters of electives in your chosen major department with a grade of at least 2.7 (B-) in your second semester major studio elective.

Exceptions to this policy may be made by the appropriate Program Chair and Dean of the College. Students seeking an exception should make this request in writing (email is fine) to the Program Chair and Dean of the College.

The Registrar will continue the approval process after the spring term grades are recorded. The Registrar will then send a report to the appropriate Program Chair regarding the academic standing of the incoming majors. Program chairs can decide to allow a student into a major on a probationary basis. This student then must achieve a GPA of 2.0 (C) or better within the studio major in the first term of majoring. Enrollment in a studio major may occur before the last four semesters if all prerequisites are met and departmental permission is obtained.

A minimum of nine major credit hours per semester is required while majoring. Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 (C) GPA each semester in the major studio courses. However, if a student’s major GPA falls below 2.0 (C) during the first semester of the first year of majoring, the student may remain in the major on probation. Failure to maintain a 2.0 (C) major GPA in any other semester will result in the student’s ineligibility to continue in that major.

MECA&D students have the opportunity to design their own independent study course and explore areas of interest not currently offered in our curriculum. To be eligible, a student must be at least a sophomore and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B). Interested students must complete an Independent Study application form, available on the Office of Registration & Academic Advising Google site. Completed application should be delivered to the Dean's Office.

A subcommittee of the Curriculum Committee and the Dean of the College will review all independent studies for approval or denial in the first week of the semester they will be performed; deadlines are strict and are printed in the Academic Calendar. Upon receipt of appropriate approval, the Office of Registration & Academic Advising will automatically register the student in the course and provide documentation to the student. Internships and Independent Studies taken in the summer are applied to fall term. A lab fee will be applied.

Internships are available in a wide range of both studio and art administrative settings, and provide opportunities for students to explore first-hand the different venues in which their art knowledge and skills may be applied. To be eligible, a student must be in good academic standing (cumulative GPA of at least 2.0). Students may receive course credit while gaining professional, hands-on experience and building relationships with practicing professionals. Not infrequently, internships lead to summer or post-graduation employment opportunities, and become the basis for life and career defining decisions.

If you are interested in doing an internship, contact the Artists at Work Office for information on available placements. All internship applications must be submitted to Artists At Work who then passed the application on for approval by the Assistant Dean. Ideally, these are approved prior to the semester in which they will be performed; deadlines are published in the Academic Calendar. Upon receipt of appropriate approval, the Office of Registration & Academic Advising will automatically register the student in the course and provide documentation to the student. Internships and Independent Studies taken in the summer are applied to fall term. A lab fee will be applied.