Pennsylvania College of Art & Design (PCAD), located in the heart of the arts community of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is a premier institution dedicated to nurturing creativity, innovation, and artistic excellence. Established in 1982, PCAD has grown into a nationally recognized college that offers a transformative education in the visual arts and design. The college’s mission is to empower students to become visionary artists, designers, and creative professionals who contribute meaningfully to the cultural and economic vitality of their communities.

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PCAD’s purpose is to provide a rigorous, student-centered education that combines traditional art-making techniques with cutting-edge technology and contemporary practices. The college is committed to fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment where students can explore their passions, develop their unique voices, and build the skills necessary for successful careers in the creative industries.

The college’s history is rooted in the legacy of the Pennsylvania School of Art & Design, which was founded in the early 20th century. Over the decades, the institution evolved, merging with other local art schools and eventually becoming the Pennsylvania College of Art & Design in 1982. Today, PCAD is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), ensuring the highest standards of academic excellence.

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PCAD’s mission is to inspire and prepare students for lifelong learning and professional success in the visual arts and design. The college achieves this by offering a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, technical proficiency, and creative problem-solving. Students are encouraged to engage with the broader community through exhibitions, internships, and partnerships with local businesses and organizations.

PCAD offers a wide range of services and offerings to support student success, including state-of-the-art facilities, personalized advising, career services, and opportunities for professional development. PCAD’s faculty comprises accomplished artists, designers, and educators who are dedicated to mentoring students and helping them achieve their goals.

PCAD’s goals include:

* Providing a transformative education that prepares students for careers in the creative industries.
* Fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity.
* Building strong connections with the local and global arts community.
* Supporting student success through comprehensive academic and career services.

Programs Offered

Degree Programs
PCAD offers a variety of degree programs designed to prepare students for careers in the visual arts and design. These programs combine foundational coursework with advanced studio practice and professional development.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

Majors:

Graphic Design: Focuses on branding, typography, web design, and print media. Prepares students for careers in advertising, publishing, and digital media.

Illustration: Emphasizes storytelling, character design, and visual communication. Graduates work in publishing, animation, and concept art.

Fine Arts: Explores painting, sculpture, printmaking, and mixed media. Prepares students for careers as studio artists, educators, and curators.

Photography & Video: Covers digital and film photography, video production, and multimedia storytelling. Graduates work in commercial photography, film, and media production.

Digital Media: Focuses on animation, game design, and interactive media. Prepares students for careers in the entertainment and tech industries.

Duration: 4 years (full-time).

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Low-Residency Program: Designed for working professionals, this program allows students to pursue advanced study in their chosen discipline while maintaining their careers. Focus areas include fine arts, graphic design, and illustration.

Duration: 2 years (part-time).

Workshops and Continuing Education:
PCAD offers a range of workshops and continuing education courses for artists, designers, and lifelong learners. These programs are open to students of all skill levels and provide opportunities to explore new techniques and media.

Summer Pre-College Program: A four-week intensive program for high school students interested in pursuing a career in the arts. Covers drawing, painting, design, and portfolio development.

Adult Continuing Education: Evening and weekend classes in drawing, painting, photography, and digital media. Designed for adults seeking to develop their artistic skills.

Professional Development Workshops: Short-term workshops focused on specific skills, such as digital illustration, web design, and portfolio preparation.

Online Courses:
PCAD offers online courses and programs for students who prefer flexible learning options. These courses cover a wide range of topics, from foundational art skills to advanced design techniques.

Online Certificate Programs: Focused programs in graphic design, digital illustration, and photography. Designed for students seeking to build specialized skills.

Individual Online Courses: Standalone courses in drawing, painting, and digital media. Ideal for students looking to explore new areas of interest.

Unique Services at PCAD:

The PCA&D Gallery:

Description: PCAD operates a professional gallery space on campus that hosts rotating exhibitions featuring work by students, faculty, alumni, and visiting artists. The gallery provides students with the opportunity to experience the curation and exhibition process firsthand, as well as to showcase their work in a professional setting.

Unique Aspect: The gallery often collaborates with local and regional artists, creating a bridge between the college and the broader arts community.

The Cube:

Description: The Cube is PCAD’s dedicated student-run exhibition space. It allows students to curate and display their work independently, providing a platform for experimentation and creative expression.

Unique Aspect: This space is entirely student-managed, offering hands-on experience in gallery management, curation, and event planning.

Visiting Artist Program:

Description: PCAD regularly hosts visiting artists, designers, and industry professionals who give lectures, conduct workshops, and critique student work. These interactions provide students with insights into the professional art and design world.

Unique Aspect: The program often includes opportunities for one-on-one portfolio reviews and networking sessions with visiting artists.

Creative Entrepreneurship Program:

Description: PCAD offers specialized courses and workshops focused on helping students develop the business skills needed to succeed as freelance artists, designers, or entrepreneurs. Topics include marketing, pricing, contracts, and building a client base.

Unique Aspect: The program includes a “Pitch Night,” where students present their creative business ideas to a panel of industry professionals for feedback and potential funding.

Lancaster Arts Connection:

Description: PCAD has strong ties to the Lancaster arts community, providing students with opportunities to participate in local art festivals, public art projects, and community collaborations.

Unique Aspect: Students can engage in real-world projects, such as designing murals, creating installations for local businesses, or contributing to city-wide art initiatives.

The Green Room:

Description: The Green Room is a dedicated space for students to experiment with sustainable art practices and materials. It includes resources for eco-friendly art-making, such as recycled materials, non-toxic paints, and workshops on sustainable design.

Unique Aspect: This initiative reflects PCAD’s commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation in art and design.

Portfolio Bootcamp:

Description: A specialized program designed to help students build and refine their professional portfolios. Includes one-on-one mentoring, group critiques, and workshops on presentation techniques.

Unique Aspect: The bootcamp culminates in a Portfolio Day, where students present their work to industry professionals and potential employers.

PCAD’s Mobile Art Lab:

Description: A unique outreach program that brings art and design education to underserved communities in the Lancaster area. Students and faculty collaborate to lead workshops and creative activities in schools, community centers, and public spaces.

Unique Aspect: This program allows students to gain teaching experience while making a positive impact on the local community.

The Maker’s Space:

Description: A fully equipped fabrication lab where students can explore traditional and digital fabrication techniques, including 3D printing, laser cutting, and woodworking.

Unique Aspect: The Maker’s Space encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing students from different majors to work together on innovative projects.

PCAD’s Annual Art Auction:

Description: A high-profile event that showcases and auctions work by students, faculty, and alumni. Proceeds support student scholarships and programs.

Unique Aspect: The auction provides students with exposure to collectors and art enthusiasts, as well as the opportunity to see their work valued in a professional context.

The Creative Incubator:

Description: A program that supports recent graduates in launching their creative careers. Includes access to studio space, mentorship, and resources for building a professional practice.

Unique Aspect: This program bridges the gap between graduation and professional success, offering ongoing support to alumni.

PCAD’s Art Shop:

Description: An on-campus store that sells art supplies, books, and materials at discounted prices for students. It also features a gallery section where students can sell their work.

Unique Aspect: The shop is partially student-run, providing opportunities for students to gain retail and business experience.

Themed Learning Communities:

Description: PCAD offers themed learning communities where students with similar interests can live and work together. These communities focus on topics such as sustainability, social justice, or interdisciplinary collaboration.

Unique Aspect: These communities foster a sense of belonging and encourage students to explore their interests in depth.

PCAD’s Annual Designathon:

Description: A 24-hour design competition where students work in teams to solve real-world design challenges posed by local businesses and organizations.

Unique Aspect: The event emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving under pressure, with prizes awarded for the best solutions.

The PCAD Alumni Mentorship Program:

Description: Connects current students with alumni who are established in their careers. Mentors provide guidance, feedback, and networking opportunities.

Unique Aspect: The program includes an annual alumni-student networking event, fostering long-term professional relationships.

PCAD’s Art Therapy Initiative:

Description: A program that explores the intersection of art and mental health. Includes workshops, courses, and partnerships with local organizations to promote art as a tool for healing and self-expression.

Unique Aspect: This initiative reflects PCAD’s commitment to using art as a force for positive change in the community.

The PCAD Mobile App:

Description: A custom app designed to help students stay connected with campus resources, events, and deadlines. Includes features like a digital portfolio builder and an art supply tracker.

Unique Aspect: The app is tailored specifically to the needs of art and design students, making it a valuable tool for staying organized and inspired.

PCAD’s Annual Zine Fest:

Description: A celebration of self-publishing and independent media. Students create and showcase their own zines, comics, and small publications.

Unique Aspect: The event highlights the importance of DIY culture and provides a platform for students to share their voices and stories.

The PCAD Art Bus:

Description: A mobile studio and exhibition space that travels to schools, community events, and public spaces to promote art education and engagement.

Unique Aspect: The Art Bus brings PCAD’s resources and expertise directly to the community, expanding access to art and design education.

PCAD’s Artist-in-Residence Program:

Description: Hosts emerging and established artists for short-term residencies, during which they create work, interact with students, and contribute to the campus community.

Unique Aspect: The program often includes collaborative projects between residents and students, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas.

Here is the contact information for the Pennsylvania College of Art & Design (PCAD). This includes details for general inquiries, admissions, financial aid, and other key departments:

Pennsylvania College of Art & Design (PCAD)
Address:
204 North Prince Street
Lancaster, PA 17603
United States

Website: www.pcad.edu

Phone Numbers

Main Phone: (717) 396-7833
Admissions Office: (717) 396-7833 (ext. 1001)
Financial Aid Office: (717) 396-7833 (ext. 1019)
Registrar’s Office: (717) 396-7833 (ext. 1016)
Fax: (717) 396-1339

Email Addresses
General Inquiries: info@pcad.edu
Admissions: admissions@pcad.edu
Financial Aid: finaid@pcad.edu
Registrar: registrar@pcad.edu
Career Services: careerservices@pcad.edu
Alumni Relations: alumni@pcad.edu

Social Media
Facebook: facebook.com/PennsylvaniaCollegeofArtandDesign
Instagram: @pcad_edu
Twitter: @pcad
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/school/pennsylvania-college-of-art-&-design
YouTube: youtube.com/user/PCADedu

Office Hours
Monday–Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (EST)
Weekends: Closed

Key Contacts
President: Dr. Michael Molla
Vice President of Academic Affairs: Dr. Mary Colleen Heil
Director of Admissions: Chris Reed
Director of Financial Aid: Sarah Kelly
Director of Career Services: Emily Smith

Visiting Campus
PCAD welcomes prospective students, families, and visitors to tour the campus. To schedule a visit, contact the Admissions Office at admissions@pcad.edu or call (717) 396-7833 (ext. 1001).