Pennsylvania College of Art & Design (PCA&D or PCAD) is a private art and design college located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States. The college offers Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Bachelor of Arts (BA), Associate of Fine Arts (AFA), and Associate of Arts (AA) degrees, as well as minors, certificate programs, and continuing education opportunities.

History

PCA&D traces its origins to the former York Academy of Arts, which closed in 1982. That year, faculty and community members established the Pennsylvania School of the Arts (PSA) in Marietta, Pennsylvania, offering diploma programs in fine art, interior design, and communication arts.

In 1984, PSA was accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). The school moved to Lancaster in 1987, adopting 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. In 2003, the school was granted final approval as a four-year college and renamed Pennsylvania College of Art & Design.

Academics

PCA&D offers several undergraduate and certificate programs:

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Animation & Game Art, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Live Experience Design & Production, and Photography & Video.
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Design Thinking.
  • Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) in select studio disciplines.
  • Associate of Arts (AA) in Design Thinking or Live Experience Design & Production.
  • Minors in Art History & Visual Culture, Business in the Creative Industry, Filmmaking, Fashion Merchandising, Esports Management, and more.
  • Certificate programs offered through the Center for Creative Exploration.

All first-year students complete a Foundation Year curriculum in drawing, design, and liberal arts before declaring a major. Approximately one-third of all coursework is in liberal arts, supporting the professional and studio training.

Student Life

In addition to degree programs, PCA&D offers youth classes, pre-college programs, and adult continuing education through its Center for Creative Exploration.

Rankings and Recognition

According to Niche.com, PCA&D has been ranked among the top colleges for design in the United States.

See also

  • List of colleges and universities in Pennsylvania
  • List of art schools

References

  • Official website