Penn State College of Arts and Architecture
The College of Arts and Architecture at Penn State University (Penn State) is a dynamic institution renowned for its comprehensive programs in visual arts, performing arts, architecture, design, art history, music, theatre, and digital media, fostering creativity, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. With state-of-the-art facilities, nationally accredited departments, and a faculty of practicing artists and scholars, the college empowers students to excel in studio practice, performance, research, and community engagement, while contributing to Penn State’s legacy as a leader in arts education and cultural innovation.
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The College of Arts and Architecture at Penn State University
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Academic Programs & Departments
The college houses four primary academic units, each offering specialized, hands-on curricula:
- Stuckeman School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture: Accredited by NAAB and LAAB, this school provides degrees in Architecture (B.Arch, M.Arch), Landscape Architecture (BLA, MLA), and Graphic Design (B.Des). Programs emphasize sustainable design, digital fabrication, and urban planning through studios like the Hamer Center for Community Design.
- School of Visual Arts: Offers BFA, BA, and MFA degrees in Studio Arts (painting, sculpture, ceramics), Digital Arts (animation, game design), Photography, and Art Education. The school integrates traditional techniques with emerging technologies, including VR and 3D printing.
- School of Theatre: Features BFA programs in Acting, Musical Theatre, Design/Technology, and Stage Management, alongside an MFA in Theatre. Students collaborate on 20+ annual productions at the Penn State Centre Stage and partner with industry leaders like the Broadway Theatre Alliance.
- School of Music: NASM-accredited programs include BM, BA, and MM degrees in Performance, Music Education, Composition, and Jazz Studies. Ensembles like the Philharmonic Orchestra and Vocal Jazz Group tour globally, while the Center for American Music preserves folk traditions.
- Department of Art History: Covers global art from antiquity to contemporary, with BA, MA, and PhD tracks. Courses explore topics like Renaissance art, African diasporic visual culture, and museum studies, supported by the Palmer Museum’s 10,000+ artworks.
Facilities & Resources
Students access cutting-edge labs, galleries, and performance venues:
- Palmer Museum of Art: A Big Ten cultural hub with rotating exhibitions, artist talks, and a collection spanning ancient to modern works.
- Center for the Performing Arts: Hosts 200+ annual events, including Broadway tours and residencies by artists like Yo-Yo Ma.
- Borland Project Space: Interdisciplinary studio for collaborative installations and experimental design.
- Digital Arts Labs: Equipped with motion-capture systems, AR/VR tools, and a 4K cinema studio.
- Music Building I & II: Houses rehearsal halls, recording studios, and the 700-seat Esber Recital Hall.
Experiential Learning & Partnerships
The college prioritizes real-world application through:
- Arts Entrepreneurship Initiative: Courses and grants for student-led ventures, such as art startups and community workshops.
- Global Programs: Study abroad in Florence (art history), London (theatre), and Ghana (music performance).
- Community Collaborations: Partnerships with the Smithsonian Institution, Pittsburgh Symphony, and local K-12 schools via the Art Education Outreach Network.
- Research Centers: The Arts and Design Research Incubator (ADRI) supports projects blending AI, environmental design, and social justice.
Faculty & Alumni Achievements
Notable faculty include Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Paul Dooley, Guggenheim Fellow and sculptor Shida Kuo, and architectural historian Brian Curran. Alumni excel as Tony Award-winning actors, Met Opera singers, Disney animators, and principals at firms like Gensler and Sasaki Associates.
Admissions & Funding
Prospective students undergo portfolio/audition reviews for selective programs (e.g., 18% acceptance rate for B.Arch). Merit scholarships like the Atherton Award and Creative Achievement Grant offer up to $15,000 annually. Graduate assistantships include tuition waivers and stipends for teaching/research roles.
Academic Programs Offered at Penn State College of Art & Architecture
With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio and 90+ student organizations—from the Clay Guild to the Jazz Educators Network—the College of Arts and Architecture at Penn State cultivates a vibrant ecosystem where artistry meets critical inquiry, preparing graduates to shape global creative industries and cultural discourse.
Stuckeman School (Architecture and Landscape Architecture)
Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch)
A five-year, NAAB-accredited professional degree program focusing on design theory, technical skills, and sustainable practices. Students engage in studio-based learning, digital fabrication, and community-driven projects. Graduates pursue careers in architecture firms, urban design, or research.
- Duration: 5 years
- Includes study abroad opportunities and internships
- Focus areas: Environmental systems, historic preservation, computational design
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA)
A four-year, LAAB-accredited program emphasizing ecological design, site planning, and urban landscapes. Students work on real-world projects, GIS mapping, and collaborative studios. Prepares graduates for licensure and roles in environmental consulting or public policy.
- Duration: 4 years
- Capstone project required
- Focus areas: Sustainable design, hydrology, cultural landscapes
Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)
A graduate program for students with or without prior design education. Focuses on advanced research in regenerative design, climate resilience, and community engagement. Includes thesis or terminal project options.
- Duration: 2–3 years (depending on background)
- Collaborates with Penn State’s Ecology Plus Design (E+D) Initiative
School of Visual Arts
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design
Rigorous studio-based training in typography, branding, motion graphics, and UX/UI design. Students develop portfolios through client projects and internships. Graduates work in advertising, web design, or multimedia studios.
- Duration: 4 years
- Senior thesis exhibition required
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art History
Explores global art movements, critical theory, and museum studies. Students conduct original research and participate in internships at galleries or cultural institutions.
- Duration: 4 years
- Study abroad options in Rome, Florence, or Paris
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Photography
Combines analog and digital techniques with courses in documentary, fine art, and commercial photography. Includes access to darkrooms, lighting studios, and digital labs.
- Duration: 4 years
- Senior portfolio review required
School of Theatre
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Acting
Conservatory-style training with courses in voice, movement, and scene study. Students perform in mainstage productions and showcase work for industry professionals.
- Duration: 4 years
- Audition required for admission
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Musical Theatre
Integrates acting, singing, and dance training. Students participate in musical productions and NYC-based showcases.
- Duration: 4 years
- Collaborates with Penn State’s School of Music
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre Studies
A flexible program covering dramaturgy, directing, and playwriting. Students gain hands-on experience through productions and internships.
- Duration: 4 years
- Emphasis on interdisciplinary electives
School of Music
Bachelor of Music (BM) in Performance
Specializations in orchestral instruments, voice, piano, or jazz. Includes private lessons, ensemble participation, and solo recitals.
- Duration: 4 years
- Audition required for admission
Bachelor of Music Education (BME)
Prepares students for K–12 music teaching certification. Combines pedagogy, conducting, and fieldwork in schools.
- Duration: 4 years
- Student teaching requirement in final year
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music Technology
Focuses on audio engineering, electronic composition, and software development. Students work in state-of-the-art studios and collaborate with peers in STEM fields.
- Duration: 4 years
- Capstone project in music production or app design
Interdisciplinary Programs
Digital Arts and Media Design (B.Des)
Blends art, technology, and storytelling. Courses include game design, animation, and virtual reality. Graduates enter careers in tech startups, film, or interactive media.
- Duration: 4 years
- Collaborates with Penn State’s College of Engineering
Arts Entrepreneurship Minor
Open to all majors, this program teaches business planning, grant writing, and marketing for creative professionals.
- Duration: 18–21 credits
- Includes internship with arts organizations
Integrated Undergraduate/Graduate (IUG) Degrees
Accelerated programs allowing students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s in fields like Architecture, Music, or Theatre in 5–6 years.
- Combines advanced coursework and research
- Requires faculty approval
All programs emphasize collaboration, innovation, and real-world application. For specific curriculum requirements or admissions criteria, visit the college’s academics webpage.
The College of Arts and Architecture at Penn State is committed to artistic and scholarly creativity, research, and the preparation of specialized practitioners in all of the arts and design disciplines.
Contact Information for The College of Arts and Architecture at Penn State:
Address:
Phone Numbers:
Website: https://arts.psu.edu/
To View Contact Information for All Departments and Units Visit the Link Below:
https://arts.psu.edu/directory/units-and-schools
Penn State College of Arts and Architecture
