College of Arts & Architecture

Explore. Create. Design. Perform. Succeed.

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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

Graduate Degrees

Minors & Certificates

Explore Our Schools & Departments

View over the shoulder of a student holding an artist's triangle. and pencil, in process of drawing on a white sheet of paper which is brightly highlighted, with the rest of the image darkened by a significant vignette.

Department of Architecture
Art history students examine a sculpture.

Department of Art History
Panoramic image of Graphic Design's Evanisco Project currently on display in the University Park main library

Department of Graphic Design
Topographical map used in Landscape Architecture planning session

Department of Landscape Architecture
Ebser Recital Hall exterior at dusk, with warm light from windows.

School of Music
Penn State Centre Stage presents "Kiss of the Spider Woman," directed by Darcy Evans, music directed by Loclan McKenzie Spencer, and choreographed by J. Austin Eyer, April 3-7, at the Playhouse Theatre on the University Park campus. Senior musical theatre major Jonathan Savage plays Molina. Aurora is played by sophomore musical theatre major Jessica Ortiz.

School of Theatre
collage of student artists and artwork

School of Visual Arts
Angled close up shot of the greenish-brown patinated copper-clad exterior of the Stuckeman Family Building

Stuckeman School

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.

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

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.

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.

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
Long exposure photo showing a complex, blue, spiral-patterned light drawing using a 6-axis robot arm; coding and design by Vernelle Noelle
Architecture students working on extremely large format technical charcoal drawing
A female architecture presents her pinned up boards during reviews to the jury.

News from A&A

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Events

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Apr

26

Elective Recital: Robert Schiff, violin

Date & Time: April 26, 2025, 12:00 pm–1:30 pm

Location: Esber Rehearsal Hall