Skip To Main Content
Penn State College of Arts and Architecture
Penn State College of Arts and Architecture
Select where to search:


MENU
PSU Triangle Pattern

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.

Apply Now Request Information Schedule A Visit

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, printmaking, 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
video
Play Video
Dannielle Hinds
View details
Chadijah Craig
View details
video
Play Video
Tania Barrenechea Barreda
View details
Jonathan Livioco
View details
Tahmina Shayan
View details
Alex Tong
View details
Aaron Sjorn Ziolkowski
View details
Zsuzsanna Nagy
View details
Katherine Travis
View details

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.
See All Faculty

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.

See All Faculty
Portrait of Stephen Mainzer

Alumni Spotlight

Penn State Art History alumna Kimberly Henrikson

Alumni Spotlight

Kimberly Henrikson

B.A. in Art History

Kimberly Henrikson is executive director at the Center for Contemporary Printmaking (Norwalk, CT) and president of the Print Club of New York. She is newsletter editor for the International Print Club Societies organization, and held a senior position at Artstor, where she managed training and support services for digital image licensing in higher ed and museum communities around the world.

Collage of art prints in galleries and museums.

News from A&A

See All News

Alumni launch campaign aimed at assisting underrepresented architecture students
The Architecture Alumni Group has launched a new campaign to raise funds that will assist students with demonstrated financial need in covering the costs of studio materials.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Architecture Alumni Group, an official Affiliate Program Group chartered by the Arts and Architecture Alumni Society, has launched a new campaign to raise funds that will assist


Read More

Alumna aims to enhance care for victims of sexual assault
Graphic Design alumna, Madison Urich, has developed an organization to aid victims of sexual assault.
Read More

Graphic design professor earns recognition for post-COVID-19 workspace design
Huiwon Lim, assistant professor of graphic design, co-designed a collaborative workspace that was selected as a winner in Work Design magazine’s Next Work Environment Competition.
Read More
SEE ALL NEWS