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Penn State College of Arts and Architecture
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The College of Arts and Architecture’s graduate programs and faculty blend inquiry, experience, rigor, and thought-leadership to deliver results. From deep dives into creativity and performance, to advanced top research and scholarship, we help you thrive. Learn here – achieve more.

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Graduate
Degrees + Certificates

A group of Penn State Master of Architecture students gathered behind an elaborate cityscape model in the offices of architectural firm SOM.

M.Arch. in Architecture

The professional M.Arch. degree deeply explores the techniques, principles, histories, theories of architecture, preparing students to become leaders in the field.
Parametric modeled forms developed by a Penn State M.S. in Architecture student.

M.S. in Architecture (+Dual M.S. +IUG)

The M.S. in Architecture program is designed for students interested in advanced research and independent work. Integrated undergrad/grad, as well as dual-title program options exist.
Radially blurred aerial view of favelas in Rio de Janeiro's Santa Marts hill region.

Ph.D. in Architecture (+Dual Ph.D.)

The Ph.D. in Architecture is a research-based degree concentrating on a number of areas of inquiry. Hone the degree via research clusters, program focus areas, or dual-title options.
M.F.A. exhibition showing close up of a sculpture.

M.F.A. in Art

The Penn State M.F.A. in Art offers concentrations in ceramics, drawing and painting, graphic design, new media, photography, and sculpture – all to elevate your art and impact.
BPS showcasing Art Education research exhibition on transdisciplinary creativity.

M.S. in Art Education (+Dual M.S.)

The M.S. in Art Education and Dual M.S. in Art Education + Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Penn State explore the making of art and curriculum as the making of ideas that matter.
Art Education student research exhibition.

Ph.D. in Art Education (+Dual Ph.D.)

The Ph.D. in Art Education – plus the Art Ed + African American and Diaspora Studies and Art Ed + Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies dual-title degrees – position you to make a lasting impact on the art education profession.
Art History graduate investigating an artifact from the African Brilliance exhibition.

M.A. in Art History

The M.A. degree in Art History transforms a passion for the arts and cultural history into a career path. Through the completion of a master’s paper or thesis, foreign language...
Palmer Museum painting analysis by Maggie Davis.

Ph.D. in Art History (+Dual Ph.D.)

Advanced study of visual arts spanning periods, cultures, and geographies. The Art History Ph.D. program – with Asian Studies or Visual Studies dual-title options – can deepen your expertise and advance your Art History career.
Collage image of base map with geodesign data overlays indicating land type, use, structure, and density information.

M.P.S. / Certificate in Geodesign

The M.P.S. and graduate certificate in Geodesign are online programs that prepare students to employ a unique combination of science and design to change the way we design for a sustainable future.
Landscape architecture students discussing their projects pinned up on boards.

M.L.A. in Landscape Architecture

The professional M.L.A. program at Penn State equips students with the techniques, principles, histories, theories, and technologies to become leaders in the profession of landscape architecture.
MS in Landscape Architecture students working on stormwater draining project.

M.S. in Landscape Architecture (+Dual M.S. +IUG)

The research-focused M.S. in L.A. degree, with HDNRE, Geodesign, and IUG options, is framed to enhance the expertise of individuals who already hold a professionally-accredited degree in landscape architecture or architecture.
School of Music choir performance.

M.A. in Music (+IUGs)

The M.A. in Music offers three curricular tracks – Musicology, Music Theory, or Music Theory and History – as well as integrated undergrad/grad options.
School of Music orchestra performance showcasing a violinist..

M.Mus. in Music

The Master of Music program prepares students for professional careers as performers or composers, or for doctoral study. The program is both rewarding and rigorous, with internationally known faculty providing...
School of Music piano soloist performance.

D.M.A. in Musical Arts

This program is for individuals interested in continuing their studies in piano performance and music theory, history, and analysis in order to teach at the university level. Degree requirements include...
Graduate student conducting a performance.

M.M.E. in Music Education

The M.M.E. program is designed to provide candidates with (1) a deeper level of musical skill and understanding, (2) an increased knowledge and skill in the pedagogy of music teaching,...
A music education Ph.D. student teaching in front of a group of musicians with instruments.

Ph.D. in Music Education

The Music Ed Ph.D. program, which offers advanced study of teaching and learning music from a research-based perspective, is aimed at individuals careers in higher ed and music administration.
Scenic design from the play Argonautica.

M.F.A. in Theatre

The M.F.A in Theatre program is one of the most unique and well-respected theatre education programs in the country that consistently exists as a conduit to Broadway and beyond. Collaboration...

Graduate project gallery

The performances and scholarship, as well as artistic and research achievements of A&A master’s and doctoral graduates are of the highest order. The works shown below are a small sample of recent graduate projects. We encourage you to explore and visit our graduate student work website to see more.

Visit the A&A graduate work showcase
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Dannielle Hinds
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Chadijah Craig
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Tania Barrenechea Barreda
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Jonathan Livioco
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Tahmina Shayan
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Alex Tong
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Aaron Sjorn Ziolkowski
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Zsuzsanna Nagy
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Katherine Travis
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Faculty Spotlight

"Into the Woods" production photo with cast grouped in front of a darkened background at Ford's Theatre. Image credit: Carol Rosegg.
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Milagros Ponce de León

Associate Professor of Theatre

Milagros‘ areas of specialization include scenic design, 3D drafting, scene painting, and rendering for the theater. Recent design credits in the Washington DC area include scenic designs for Into the Woods, Jefferson’s Garden, and Ragtime at Ford’s Theatre; Life is a Dream at Gala Hispanic Theatre; and Matilda, In the Heights, and Sweeney Todd at Olney Theatre Centre. Additional credits include scenic designs for Ensemble Studio Theatre in NYC, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte in NC; and Catalyst Theatre, Everyman Theatre, Imagination Stage, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Metro Stage, National Players, Opera Vivente, Roundhouse Theatre, Theatre Alliance, and Studio Theatre 2nd Stage in the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. area.

Milagros has received three Helen Hayes nominations for outstanding scenic design in the Washington, D.C. area. She is a member of United Scenic Artists, Local-829, an Associate Artist at Ford’s Theatre, and an Artistic Associate at Olney Theatre Center.

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Milagros Ponce de Leon; image credit Roderick Mccladdie-Mcleod

Alumni Spotlight

Demetrios Staurinos

Alumni Spotlight

Demetrios Staurinos

B.L.A. in Landscape Architecture 2002

Demetrios Staurinos, RLA, ASLA, is an associate at OLIN, a landscape architecture, urban design, and planning firm with studios in Philadelphia and Los Angeles. Demetrios has received awards from, among others, the American Society of Landscape Architects, the American Planning Association, and the American Institute of Architects and American Public Works Association. He is driven to improve the built environment by embellishing the “happy accidents” that occur when a thoughtful design meets the playful interactions of daily life.

Web www.theolinstudio.com
Overhead view of people walking on pathway through landscape architecture design by Demetrios Staurinos.
Overhead view of riparian landscape architecture design by Demetrios Staurinos.
Large group of people enjoying a sunset gathering in an urban landscape architecture design by Demetrios Staurinos.

News from A&A

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Christian Sands returns for live jazz performance Oct. 27
Sands will be joined in the performance by bassist Russell Hall and drummer Clarence Penn.

Jazz pianist Christian Sands, who performed an on-demand streamed event in February 2021, will return to the Center for the Performing Arts. His live concert will be at 7:30 p.m.


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$10 University Park student tickets available for ‘Cartography’
The Thursday, Oct. 14, stage production of “Cartography” prompts audiences to consider each other’s origin stories.
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Penn State partners on project to help protect coastal communities
Peter Stempel, associate professor of landscape architecture, is part of a research team that was awarded a four-year, $1.5 million grant through NOAA
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