Academic 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

The Department of Architecture’s century-strong traditions of drawing, model-making, community outreach/service learning, and hands-on construction prepare students to explore innovative models of architectural practice as well as non-traditional approaches, including design-build and digital fabrication.

Art history students examine a sculpture.

Department of Art History

Students can major or minor in art history, pursue a minor in architectural history, or work toward earning a museum studies certificate. Students have the opportunity to hold internships or assistantships at Penn State’s Palmer Museum of Art, known particularly for its strong holdings in American, African American, and contemporary art.

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

Department of Graphic Design

Penn State Graphic Design prepares students to become designers of tomorrow who build engaging experiences and sustainable relationships among people and communities.

Topographical map used in Landscape Architecture planning session

Department of Landscape Architecture

The Department of Landscape Architecture within the Stuckeman School operates with a bold mission: Inspired work grounded in commitment to environmental and social good.

Ebser Recital Hall exterior at dusk, with warm light from windows.

School of Music

Providing outstanding education and performance opportunities to both majors and non-majors and enriching the campus and local communities through an extensive schedule of public recitals and concerts.

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

Gain the skills, experience, and professional know-how to pursue careers in the demanding world of the stage.

collage of student artists and artwork

School of Visual Arts

The Penn State School of Visual Arts (SoVA) is a place where creative and critical thinkers, makers, and educators shape awareness and change the way our world is seen, experienced, and understood.

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

Stuckeman School

The Stuckeman School, which houses undergraduate and graduate programs in architecture, landscape architecture, and graphic design, prepares the designers of tomorrow to shape the world in which we live through thoughtful, collaborative, and forward-thinking design solutions that impact virtually every aspect of our lives.