Graphic Design

Demonstrate fluency in the technical, formal, and conceptual choices and methodologies used to solve a variety of creative briefs and communication challenges, both pre-determined and self-defined.

Apply research and critical analysis to create compelling visual communication, with an understanding of how design solutions communicate with clients, audience(s), and subcultures.

Actively and continuously seek to understand, question, and redefine the role of design in starting conversations, making connections, and guiding us as active participants in our communities.

Demonstrate best professional practices including self-aware communication, presentation, organizational skills, time management, empathy, thoughtful risk-taking, and an understanding of impact.

Foundation Year

A time to explore

In your Foundation Year, you’ll be immersed from day one in media and making of all kinds from drawing, design, and sculpture, to digital tools, motion, and performance. It’s a year of discovery: a time to explore new ways of thinking and making, meet new friends, and get to know your new community.

Thesis

Preparing for graduation

Your senior year is an exciting time of transition from student to working artist and designer. The focus of your senior year is conceiving a thesis project of your own design and producing it with the support of faculty, your peers, and a mentor who works with you one-on-one.

Areas of Study

Freedom to focus

PNCA offers ten undergraduate majors, all of which offer you choices in your electives and liberal arts courses. This means that whatever your major, you have the freedom to focus many of your course choices around your particular area of interest. We've outlined the following Areas of Study to give you a sense of the scope of courses available at PNCA.

Liberal Arts

Fortify your intellectual foundation

Liberal Arts courses round out your education, helping you become a more thoughtful, well-rounded artist and designer. Explore widely or select your courses to focus on one of what we call Areas of Study.