Pursue your passion expand your skills
AREAS OF FOCUS
PNCA offers Certificates in Graphic Design, Illustration, Sculpture and Drawing + Painting. Our Certificate Program serves adult learners seeking a flexible learning schedule to develop their creative skills—as well as a professional portfolio—without compromise to their personal goals and responsibilities.
Study at your own pace
Designed with working adults in mind, all program requirements can be completed on a part-time schedule of courses and activities in PNCA’s Continuing Education program, which are predominately held during weekends and evening times.
Certificate candidates generally fulfill the required 15 units of study and studio work within two years, but the speed of completion is up to the individual student. Program requirements are presented as course clusters to allow for a personalization of study from the start and to align with the varied experiences and goals of each Certificate Candidate.
Choose your Creative path.
Certificates require 15 units of study; each class being worth one unit. 10 units must be made up of Core Classes, 5 are electives and can be drawn from any area of study. Each “Studios” section is an umbrella for a range of classes. We are here to work with you to design a curriculum that meets your needs.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Core Classes
- Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop or other Adobe Courses
- Intro to Graphic Design, Advanced Graphic Design
- Typography, Calligraphy
- Design Studios, Iconography
- Professional Development and Marketing
- Photography Studios
- Illustration Studios
- Storyboarding, Motion Graphics
ILLUSTRATION
Core Classes
- Drawing Studios
- Illustration Studios
- Design Studios
- Painting Studios
- Animation Studios
- Professional Development and Marketing
- Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop or other Adobe Courses
- Typography, Calligraphy
- Scriptwriting
SCULPTURE
Core Classes
- Sculpture Studios (Ceramics, Metals, Glass, Wood, Fibers, etc)
- Drawing Studios
- Painting Studios
- Photography Studios
- Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop or other Adobe Course
DRAWING + PAINTING
Core Classes
- Drawing Studios
- Painting Studios
- Illustration Studios
- Photography Studios
Community
You belong here.
Pursuing a certificate at PNCA goes a lot deeper than just taking classes; you are joining a dynamic and thriving artistic community. Certificate students join the student body in full, receiving a student ID, a PNCA email account and access to the fantastic Albert Solheim Library. You also gain access to Homeroom; our online community page, and are invited all PNCA events, including visiting artist lectures, show openings, and networking opportunities.
Classes are led by diverse and talented faculty: Professional artists, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, many of whom are also BFA faculty here. They bring not only their skills, but also their industry experience to the classroom, and are invaluable mentors.
Attending PNCA as a Certificate student is the perfect way to deepen your practice, sharpen your skills, and expand your artistic community.
Welcome.
Frequently asked questions
We offer a rolling application process. To be admited for a specific term you must apply and be accepted by the first week of classes.
Most students complete the program in two years, taking 2-3 courses or workshops each quarter.
Upon acceptance into the program, register for classes using our online registration system. Include the “Certificate Fee” from the “add options” pull down menu. This will let your instructor know that you are a Certificate Student and they will know to grade you for your work.
Yes. Students can make an appointment with the program manager to review their upcoming schedule.
Yes. Students are graded at the end of each course. In order for students to be awarded unit credits they must get a passing grade.
Each program and student is unique, but students can expect to spend an estimated $6100-$7500 to complete a Certificate over the course of the program.
You must be admitted into the Certificate/Endorsement Program before taking a class or be admitted while taking a class in order to be eligible for Certificate Unit Credits. Credits will not be awarded retroactively.
One of the great benefits of having such an intimately sized program is that we are able to tailor each student’s plan of study to their needs and experience. In most cases, commensurate experience can substitute for a prerequisite.
PNCA does not have financial aid to offer to Certificate students. U.S. Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) does not offer student grants or loans to certificate candidates. We do accept financial assistance through private-sector sources, including artist grants and fellowships. AmeriCorps alumni can use their education award toward their classes.
Our classes are all taught by industry professionals, many of whom are also BFA faculty, and you will be learning creative skills at a collegiate level. While, like any school, we cannot guarantee employment, we do have a variety of classes designed to help students prepare an online portfolio and market their work.
Still have questions?
Community Education Team
Kate Copeland, Dean and VP of Academic Affairs
Megan Boe, Community Education & Programs Manager
Room 164
pnca-community-education-info@willamette.edu
503.821.8967