Pennsylvania College of Art and Design: Courses, Admission, Cost

Pennsylvania College of Art and Design (PCA&D) was established in 1982. PCA&D is a private, non-profit, professional art college offering BFA degrees, certificates, and educational programs that empower students of any age to pursue art as their work. PCA&D is certified by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). It is endorsed as a college and for degree-granting benefits by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

A bachelor of fine arts (BFA) is the standard, proficient degree for those looking for studying visual arts. Students start their journey with the Foundation Year program. Here, students will concentrate on fundamental aptitude and ideas that move them toward accomplishment in the major (Digital Media, Fine Arts, graphic design, Illustration, Photography or Video) and arm them with conceptual, craft, basic reasoning, research and critical thinking abilities that will support all through life as an artist and maker. As students do high-level work in the studio, they are also learning how to identify and produce the best ideas supported by the Liberal Arts department.

Continuing Education, Pre-College, and Young artist programme-Classes for all ages and skill levels are geared towards those who are enthusiastic beginners and aspiring professionals. Professional Development classes include Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, HTML Website Design, digital marketing, content creation, digital photography, professional certificate programs, and more. Personal Enrichment classes include painting, figure drawing, digital painting, graphic novels, photography, printmaking, and other studio arts. Also, Pre-College Studio classes include drawing, painting, printmaking, and portfolio preparation for high school students looking to take their art to the next level. Young Artist Studios and Homeschool classes during fall, spring, and summer semesters include drawing, painting, printmaking, 3-D art, and more.

Notably, PCA&D requires all students to effectively finish a professional-level internship before graduation. All PCA&D senior students are appointed individual studio spaces to assist students with creating and make their thesis projects. In order to be considered for PCA&D institutional scholarships and grants, students need to complete the Free Application of Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Some of notable alumni are Sterling Ruby who is an American artist, Matt Stawicki who is a professional illustrator, and Mark Zug who is a renowned artist and illustrator.