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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

Stephen Mainzer points at a student's pinned up work while she watches at right.
Stephen Mainzer points at a student's pinned up work while she watches at right.
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Stephen Mainzer

Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture

Stephen Mainzer’s research focuses on how human and natural systems intersect to inform how we govern, plan, and access natural resources, particualrly energy resources. As a key collaborator to the E+D (Ecology + Design) research initiative, he is leading the DDREAM (Deep Decarbonization and Renewable Energy in the Appalachian Mountains) project, which attempts to explore how the socio-ecological structure of Pennsylvania might inform a transition from fossil fuels to renewable solar energy, especially in post-coal Appalachian areas.

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Portrait of Stephen Mainzer

Alumni Spotlight

KieranTimberlake principal and Penn State Architecture alumna Marilia Rodrigues.

Alumni Spotlight

Marilia Rodrigues

B.Arch. in Architecture 2002

Marilia Rodrigues is a principal at KieranTimberlake, an internationally recognized architecture firm noted for its commitment to research, innovation, and invention. She brings multiple technologies, voices, and talents together to achieve award-winning designs.

Web kierantimberlake.com
Cityscape featuring architectural glass structure designed by Marilia Rodrigues.
Modern residential structure elevated on stilts and featuring a with glass facade. Design by Marilia Rodrigues.

News from A&A

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‘Small Island Big Song’ film marks Asian-American awareness month
The Center for the Performing Arts marked Asian American and Pacific Islander Month in May by offering a free School-Time Virtual film screening and discussion to area schools.

Docufilm is part of 20 years of Center for the Performing Arts School-Time Matinee programming   By Heather Longley   The Center for the Performing Arts marked Asian American and


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Stuckeman School professor co-edits new book on sustaining city streets
Ken Tamminga, distinguished professor of landscape architecture, has coedited a new book that examines city streets and their vast array of activities over time.
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Penn’s Woods Music Festival is back with in-person concerts this August
The Penn’s Woods Music Festival (PWMF) resumes in-person concerts this summer with ticketed performances on August 4, 6, 7 & 11, and the free Music in the Gardens on August 14.
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