Applied Creative Practice (ACP) courses are hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that mirror the challenges students will face in their creative careers. These courses are required for all students and focus on the practical application of artistic and design skills in real-world contexts, ensuring that students are not only theoretically informed but also technically proficient and professionally prepared.
The sequence begins in the fall of the Foundation year with ACP100: Introduction to Creative Citizenship, which introduces students to applied creative work and challenges them to think about how artists and designers contribute to a thriving civic landscape. Beginning in the second year, students pitch public-facing group creative projects such as art fairs, exhibitions, pop-up shops to help them mimic creative teams in the real world and shape their skills and abilities. In the third year, students focus on understanding various aspects of entrepreneurship and tackle either an internship, study abroad or a community-based applied project. Finally, in the fourth year, students focus on their personal career pathway as well as the development and completion of their Thesis projects.
The emphasis on applied learning ensures that students leave PNCA with a clear understanding of how their creative abilities translate into professional contexts. Whether they aspire to be independent artists, designers, or creative entrepreneurs, ACP courses provide a solid foundation for career resilience.
Introductory Applied Creative Practice Courses (6 credits)
- ACP100 - Introduction to Creative Citizenship
- ACP200 - Creative Project Management
Advanced Applied Creative Practice Courses for most BFA majors (12 credits)
- ACP300 Creative Entrepreneurship and Career Readiness
- 1 three-credit course from the following courses:
- ACP301 Applied Learning Internship
- ACP302 Applied Learning Elective
- ACP400 Senior Seminar
- ACP401 Thesis Critique Seminar
These majors have different Advanced Applied Creative Practice requirements:
Graphic Design Major Advanced Applied Creative Practice Courses (12 credits)
- GD443 Graphic Design Advanced Studio
- 1 three-credit course from the following courses:
- GD 445 Center for Design
- ACP301 Internship
- ACP400 Senior Seminar
- ACP453 Thesis Development
Illustration Major Advanced Applied Creative Practice Courses (12 credits)
- IL352 Cultural Marketplace
- 1 course from the following courses:
- IL445 Center for Design
- ACP301 Internship
- ACP400 Senior Seminar
- ACP453 Thesis Development
Interaction Design Major Advanced Applied Creative Practice Courses (12 credits)
- IXD444 Reflexive, Reflective, Dialogue & Impact: Senior Interaction Design Exhibition
- 1 course from the following courses:
- GD 445 Center for Design
- ACP301 Internship
- ACP400 Senior Seminar
- ACP453 Thesis Development
In addition to the Advanced Applied Creative Practice courses listed above, all BFA students complete six credits of ACP499 Thesis Project within their respective major.