Fine Arts Certificate Program

Overview

The Fine Arts Certificate program is a three-year (or five-year part-time) career training program at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts designed to prepare students for entry-level professional roles in the visual arts. The comprehensive, studio-based curriculum emphasizes sequential skill development, technical mastery, and professional readiness through hands-on instruction in painting, printmaking, digital art, and sculpture. The program integrates historical methodologies with contemporary practices and culminates in a capstone public exhibition.

Program Length

• Full-time: 3 years (90 weeks), 90.0 credits, 2,622 clock hours
• Half-time: 5 years (150 weeks), 90.0 credits, 2,622 clock hours (Foundation and Intermediate Years only; Advanced Year is full-time enrollment only)

Curriculum Structure

• Foundation Year (30 weeks): 30.0 credits, 819 clock hours; broad studio art courses in traditional and contemporary media including painting, drawing, figure modeling, sculpture, printmaking, and digital media
• Intermediate Year (30 weeks): 30.0 credits, 855 clock hours; intermediate-level courses broadening understanding of art, studio practice, life drawing, narrative drawing, photography, and painting specialization
• Advanced Year (30 weeks): 30.0 credits, 948 clock hours; students focus on individual area of interest with private studio support, faculty critics, and professional practices courses

Contact

For more information, contact the Office of Admissions at [email protected] or 215-972-7625.