Find Your Path in Visual, Performing, and Fine Arts

In the visual, performing, and fine arts pathway, you'll gain the skills to bring your artistic vision to life—whether on stage, in the studio, or through design. With hands-on experiences, expert faculty, and access to world-class galleries, theaters, and performance spaces, you’ll develop both the technical abilities and creative mindset to make an impact.

• Artistic expression: Refine your unique voice through visual arts, music, theatre, architecture, and design.

• Performance and presentation: Gain confidence showcasing your work in exhibitions, on stage, or in front of an audience.

• Creative problem-solving: Tackle challenges with innovative thinking and artistic solutions.

• Technical mastery: Learn essential tools, techniques, and software used in professional creative fields.

• Communication and collaboration: Develop the ability to work with teams and effectively convey ideas to different audiences.

• Project management: Learn to manage creative projects from concept to completion, balancing deadlines, resources, and creative goals.

• Arts research and cultural impact: Explore the history and influence of the arts while developing a deeper understanding of creative industries.

A career in the visual, performing, and fine arts isn’t just about creativity—it’s about leadership. Whether you're directing a theatre production, curating an exhibition, or managing a performance space, strong leadership skills help you bring ideas to life and inspire others. Through hands-on experiences, mentorship, and collaboration, you'll develop the confidence and expertise to lead in the arts industry.

• Creative problem-solving: Navigate challenges and bring artistic visions to reality.

• Collaboration: Work with artists, designers, and performers to create meaningful work.

• Project management: Gain experience in productions, exhibitions, and arts initiatives.

• Arts promotion: Learn how to champion and sustain the arts in communities.

• Communication skills: Effectively share ideas and engage audiences.

Penn State College of Arts and Architecture at the University Park campus offers accredited programs that meet the highest standards in education, ensuring you gain the skills and knowledge recognized by industry leaders. Accreditation signifies that a program has been rigorously evaluated and meets quality benchmarks set by professional organizations. This distinction not only enhances the value of your degree but also prepares you for competitive career opportunities and advanced studies. By choosing an accredited program, you can be confident that your education aligns with industry expectations and sets you up for success in your field.

• Acting, B.F.A.: Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST).

• Architecture, B.Arch.: Accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

• Art Education, B.S.: Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and Middle States Association (MSCHE).

• Digital Multimedia Design, B.Des.: Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and Middle States Association (MSCHE).

• Graphic Design, B.Des.: Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

• Landscape Architecture, B.L.A.: Accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB).

• Music, B.A.: Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

• Music, B.M.: Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

• Music Education, B.M.E.: Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

• Musical Arts, B.M.A.: Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

• Musical Theatre, B.F.A.: Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST).

• Professional Photography, B.Des.: Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

• Theatre, B.A.: Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST).

• Theatre, B.F.A.: Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST).

A degree in visual, performing, and fine arts opens doors to advanced study and specialized training. Whether you want to refine your craft, explore arts education, or dive deeper into architecture, design, or performance, graduate programs help you build on your undergraduate foundation.

With access to programs in arts leadership, music composition, theatre production, and more, you’ll be prepared to push your creative boundaries and shape the future of the arts.

Learn more about graduate pathways in the arts.

Penn State offers comprehensive career services to help students confidently navigate their career. Our dedicated advisers provide personalized career counseling, resume workshops, interview prep, mock interviews, and job placement assistance.

With over 50,000 career preparedness programs annually and career fairs featuring top employers, we ensure you're well-equipped to succeed. There's a reason recruiters turn to Penn State graduates again and again.

You’ll also have access to networking opportunities with alumni, recruiters, and industry professionals to jumpstart your career.

Learn more about Career Services.

At Penn State, we provide unmatched networking opportunities through our world’s largest dues-paying alumni network, connecting students to a lifelong community of professionals.

With access to alumni and industry leaders, you’ll gain valuable insights, career advice, and potential job opportunities. Our alumni network and partnerships with top employers ensure that you're building relationships that will support your career for years to come.

Participate in internships and co-op programs to gain valuable real-world experience by connecting you with leading companies across industries.

These opportunities allow you to apply classroom learning to professional settings, build industry-specific skills, and network with potential employers.

Internships are short-term, hands-on positions, while co-ops involve alternating work and study periods for a more in-depth experience. Both are designed to give you a competitive edge, preparing you for a successful career after graduation.

Penn State offers a range of opportunities for students eager to launch their own businesses or drive innovation within existing industries. Through Invent Penn State, you'll have access to programs that support entrepreneurial education both in and outside the classroom.

Our signature programs provide students with the knowledge, resources, and mentorship needed to bring bold ideas to life. Whether you want to start your own venture or lead innovation within a company, Penn State provides the support to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.

Learn more about Invent Penn State.

Broaden your perspective with over 300 study abroad programs in more than 50 countries, available year-round for all majors.

Whether through embedded programs that let you take classes while traveling during breaks or global service opportunities like alternative spring break, these experiences will deepen your understanding of international business and culture. Gain the global insights and connections that today’s leaders need to succeed.

Learn more about global learning opportunities.

At Penn State, undergraduates can dive into research projects that explore new ideas and trends. This experience will set you apart and give you a deeper understanding of your field.

Explore undergraduate research opportunities.

We are dedicated to shaping the future by fostering a community where all students are encouraged to share their unique perspectives. We believe that progress happens when we embrace and amplify ideas, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.

Our commitment goes beyond the classroom, weaving together integrity, leadership, and social responsibility. With a focus on creating positive change, Penn State prepares students to lead with purpose and make a lasting impact. From cutting-edge initiatives to global learning opportunities, we empower students to drive social good.

Penn State’s Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate (IUG) degree programs allow students to pursue both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree as a continuous course of study. This streamlined path accelerates the completion of the master's degree and offers early exposure to graduate-level coursework. IUG students also benefit from networking opportunities with graduate students and faculty who share similar academic and career interests.

Learn more about IUG programs at Penn State.

Take your education further with honors programs, where high-achieving students gain access to small, discussion-based classes, faculty mentorship, and unique academic experiences.

With honors opportunities available across our campuses and Schreyer Honors College, you’ll engage in research, leadership development, and hands-on learning that sets you apart. Personalized advising, study abroad options, and career resources help you make the most of your college journey.

We offer more than sixty articulation agreements with colleges and universities around the world to help transfer students continue their education at Penn State. With hundreds of academic majors and campuses across Pennsylvania, you'll have plenty of options to find the right path for your future.