College of Arts & Architecture
Explore. Create. Design. Perform. Succeed.
Pursue your passions
We are a comprehensive college of arts and design, presentation, and performance, with world-class faculty and facilities. Our vibrant community of artists, performers, researchers, designers, and educators is committed to making meaning, learning, traveling, experiencing, and sharing. We offer more than 30 undergraduate and 15 graduate degrees all in one of the Best College Towns in America. Our alumni get amazing jobs and make a difference.
Undergraduate Degrees
- Acting, B.F.A.
- Architecture, B.Arch.
- Art Education, B.S.
- Art History, B.A.
- Art, B.A.
- Art, B.F.A.
- Digital Arts and Media Design, B.Des.
- Digital Multimedia Design, B.Des.
- Graphic Design, B.Des.
- Integrative Arts, B.A.
- Landscape Architecture, B.L.A.
- Music Education, B.M.E.
- Music, B.A.
- Music, B.M.
- Musical Arts, B.M.A.
- Musical Theatre, B.F.A.
- Professional Photography, B.Des.
- Theatre, B.A.
- Theatre, B.F.A.
Graduate Degrees
- Architecture, M.Arch.
- Architecture, M.S.
- Architecture, Ph.D.
- Art Education, M.S.
- Art Education, Ph.D.
- Art History, M.A.
- Art History, Ph.D.
- Art, M.F.A.
- Geodesign, M.P.S.
- Landscape Architecture, M.L.A.
- Landscape Architecture, M.S.
- Music Education, Instructional I Certification
- Music Education, M.M.E.
- Music Education, Ph.D.
- Music, M.A.
- Music, M.M.
- Piano Performance, D.M.A.
- Theatre, M.F.A.
Minors & Certificates
- Architectural History, Minor
- Architecture Studies, Minor
- Art History, Minor
- Art, Minor
- Digital Arts, Certificate
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Minor
- Graphic Design, Minor
- International Arts, Minor
- Jazz Performance, Minor
- Landscape Architecture, Minor
- Museum Studies, Certificate
- Music Performance, Minor
- Music Studies, Minor
- Music Technology, Minor
- Photography, Minor
- Theatre, Minor
Engage with the arts
The Palmer Museum of Art, the Center for Performing Arts, Penn State Centre Stage, plus numerous active galleries and performance spaces, foster significant connections across the University, enrich the student experience, and expand the impact of arts, design, and performance at Penn State and within the broader community.
From welcoming world-class performers to housing globally-relevant art collections and featuring contemporary exhibitions, the College of Arts and Architecture marshals the power of art, performance, and design to deeply investigate the most significant challenges of the times. Our invitation is open to all – visit, explore, experience.
![Drone aerial view of the xterior construction facade of the new palmer museum of art surrounded by trees and a blue sky.](https://arts.psu.edu/assets/uploads/facilities/_680x384_crop_center-center_80_none/palmer-museum-drone-aerial.jpg)
Palmer Museum of Art
In addition to its growing collection that spans world cultures and centuries of art, the Palmer Museum of Art is providing a diverse array of online programming and events, plus virtual tours and exhibitions. It’s a fantastic time to experience the Palmer.
![Exterior of Eisenhower Auditorium at evening](https://arts.psu.edu/assets/uploads/images/_680x384_crop_center-center_80_none/cpa_2004_eisenhower_exterior.jpg)
Center for the Performing Arts
We provide a context, through artistic connections, to the human experience. By bringing artists and audiences together we spark discovery of passion, inspiration, and inner truths. We are a motivator for creative thinking and examination of our relationship with the world.
![A collage of theatrical costume hand-drawings, scenic paintings, and stage designs for the Centre Stage Cabaret production.](https://arts.psu.edu/assets/uploads/images/_680x384_crop_center-center_80_none/centrestage-2210-cabaret-teaser.jpg)
Penn State Centre Stage
Penn State Centre Stage (PSCS) – part of the School of Theatre – is the professional theatre training program in Central Pennsylvania. PSCS presents theatrical masterpieces and new gems by emerging masters.
![Representing Nittany: A Traveling Show. Highlighting the creativity from the greater Penn State Community as a traveling show exhibited at Lemont Arts Fest, Green Drake in Millheim, and HumpDay Gallery.](https://arts.psu.edu/assets/uploads/images/_680x384_crop_center-center_80_none/facilities_2002_Humpday.jpg)
Performances, Collections & Exhibitions
The college is home to a wealth of gallery and exhibition spaces, theatres, a library, the Palmer museum and more. There is always something to see and do. Engage with the Arts and Design.
The student experience matters here
Our thriving arts and design community creates inside and outside of the classroom
![Two female architecture students work on building an architectural model out of cardboard](https://arts.psu.edu/assets/uploads/images/_680xAUTO_fit_center-center_80_none/arch_1912_students_model_construction.jpg)
![Long exposure photo showing a complex, blue, spiral-patterned light drawing using a 6-axis robot arm; coding and design by Vernelle Noelle](https://arts.psu.edu/assets/uploads/images/_680xAUTO_fit_center-center_80_none/aos-design-2.jpg)
![Architecture students working on extremely large format technical charcoal drawing](https://arts.psu.edu/assets/uploads/images/_680xAUTO_fit_center-center_80_none/arch-1912-featured-01-545x521.jpg)
![A female architecture presents her pinned up boards during reviews to the jury.](https://arts.psu.edu/assets/uploads/images/_680xAUTO_fit_center-center_80_none/arch_1912_review_black_boards.jpg)
Events
More EventsApr
26
MM Final Recital: Vinicius Vieira, violin
Date & Time: April 26, 2024 from 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Location: Recital Hall
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DMA Solo Recital: Ivan Yumagulov, piano
Date & Time: April 26, 2024 from 05:00 PM - 06:30 PM
Location: Recital Hall
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“Stuckeman Craft Biennale 001: Sitting Apparatus” Exhibition
Date & Time: April 26, 2024 from 08:00 AM - 07:00 PM