Pennsylvania College of Art & Design: Nurturing Creativity and Shaping Future Artists

Pennsylvania College of Art & Design (PCA&D), situated in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, stands as a private art and design college dedicated to fostering creativity and providing comprehensive art education. With roots tracing back to the former York Academy of Arts, PCA&D has evolved into a leading institution offering a range of programs designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful careers in the art and design fields.

A Brief History

PCA&D's journey began with the closure of the York Academy of Arts in 1982. Driven by a passion for art education, faculty and community members established the Pennsylvania School of the Arts (PSA) in Marietta, Pennsylvania. Initially, PSA offered diploma programs in fine art, interior design, and communication arts. In 1984, the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) accredited PSA, marking a significant milestone in its development. The school relocated to Lancaster in 1987 and adopted the name Pennsylvania School of Art & Design (PSAD). In 1999, the Pennsylvania Department of Education authorized the institution to grant degrees, and in 2001, PSAD secured its permanent campus at 204 North Prince Street, Lancaster.

Campus and Location

The main campus of PCA&D is located at 204 North Prince Street in downtown Lancaster, within the city’s vibrant arts district. This location provides students with access to a thriving artistic community and various cultural opportunities. PCA&D boasts all the benefits of a large, metropolitan city, but without the high cost of living. New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and DC are all a short trip away.

Academic Programs

PCA&D offers a diverse range of academic programs designed to cater to various interests and career aspirations within the art and design fields. The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Undergraduate Programs:

PCA&D offers a four-year Bachelor of Arts Degree in Design Thinking. Additionally, PCA&D offers four-year Bachelor of Fine Art programs in Digital Media, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, and Photography.

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Here's a glimpse into some of the specific programs offered:

Animation: Explores the art of creating moving images through various techniques.
Art & Design: Provides a broad foundation in visual arts, encompassing various disciplines.
Creative Business: Integrates artistic skills with business acumen, preparing students for entrepreneurial ventures.
Design: Focuses on problem-solving through visual communication and aesthetic principles.
Entertainment Design: Covers the creation of visual elements for films, games, and other entertainment media.
Esports: Explores the world of competitive video gaming, potentially focusing on design aspects within the field.
Experience Design: Centers on creating engaging and user-centered experiences across various platforms.
Fashion Merchandising: Combines fashion knowledge with business principles for retail and marketing careers.
Fine Art: Emphasizes traditional artistic practices such as painting, sculpture, and printmaking.
Game Art: Focuses on creating visual assets for video games, including characters, environments, and props.
Game Design: Covers the conceptualization and development of video game mechanics and gameplay.
Graphic Design: Deals with visual communication through typography, imagery, and layout design.
Illustration: Centers on creating images for various media, including books, magazines, and advertising.
Liberal Arts: Provides a broad foundation in the humanities, complementing artistic studies.
Live Experience: Focuses on the design and production of live events and performances.
Performing Arts: Explores various performance disciplines such as theater, dance, and music.
Photography: Covers the art and technique of capturing images through various photographic processes.
Video: Explores the creation of moving images through videography and film-making techniques.
Visual Arts: Encompasses a wide range of artistic disciplines, fostering creativity and visual expression.

PCA&D offers minor programs in a still-growing range of topics to customize your major to fit your interests or career plans. Can’t decide between two majors? You don’t have to!

Foundation Year:

All incoming students have to establish a base of fundamental drawing, software, and design skills to find success in their future chosen major. At PCA&D, this is called Foundation Year. All first-year students complete a Foundation Year curriculum in drawing, design, and liberal arts before declaring a major. This communal first-year experience allows you to connect with your new peers and prepares you to meet faculty expectations moving forward. A third of your time at PCA&D will be filled with learning the history and current context surrounding the industry you’re studying.

Student Experience

PCA&D provides a supportive and enriching environment for its students. With a total undergraduate enrollment of 323 (fall 2023), the college fosters an intimate, close-knit, academic community featuring small classes, challenging courses, and dedicated professors who are talented art and design professionals.

The college offers various resources and opportunities to enhance the student experience, including:

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Co-op/Internship Opportunities: Providing real-world experience and professional connections.
Disability Services: Ensuring accessibility and support for students with disabilities.
Distance/online learning
Esports
LGBTQIA Services: Fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for LGBTQIA students.
On-Campus Housing: Providing convenient and comfortable living options.

Application Information

PCA&D seeks students who demonstrate artistic talent, academic potential, and a passion for creativity. The college reviews applications by looking at each student as a whole person based on the materials they submit - academic, creative works, personal history.

First-Year Applicants:

Required application materials include:

Completed Common Application
Official Transcript(s) - High School + All Colleges Attended
Submitted Portfolio of 8-10 Artworks

Applicants who complete their applications by May 1st for the Fall semester and November 1st for the Spring semester will receive priority consideration for admission and financial aid.

Transfer Applicants:

PCA&D welcomes applicants who have previously attended college or completed college-level work. Each student's path to transfer is unique, which is why we look at each student as a whole person based on the materials they submit - transcripts, creative work, personal history. Preliminary transfer credit evaluations can be requested by submitting unofficial transcripts.

Required application materials include:

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Completed PCA&D Application
Official Transcripts
Portfolio of 8-10 artworks
Personal Statement

Tuition and Financial Aid

The school's tuition and fees are $32,150. The average net price for federal loan recipients is $25,585. Applicants who complete their applications by May 1st for the Fall semester and November 1st for the Spring semester will receive priority consideration for admission and financial aid.

Outcomes

The four-year graduation rate is 64%. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $23,638.

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