Art Degrees Online

PNCA’s Master of Fine Arts in Visual Studies is a 60-credit, two-year program that is multi-disciplinary and mentor-based. The flexible character of this kind of program allows students to work within a singular discipline (traditional painting, for example) or to pursue a combined practice that bridges disciplines and media. This generalist structure compliments PNCA’s educational philosophy of supporting independent inquiry and encouraging cross-disciplinary dialog. Our students also benefit from a dynamic national and international roster of visiting artists and designers.

Graduate work at PNCA offers motivated students the opportunity to work closely with professionals from the faculty and arts community. In our mentor-based program students are connected with a studio practioner who provides one-on-one support and guidance for their disciplinary practice. Mentors are chosen to match the focus and concerns of the individual student. The mentor relationship provides the backbone of our program, and participating faculty and community members bring diversity, richness and depth of experience to our MFA candidates.

The MFA facilites at PNCA provide private studio spaces as well as a shared community environment. While graduate students engage in independent studio investigation they also meet as a group for critique seminars and on-campus activities. The critique seminar class allows students to engage in ongoing critical dialog around their own work and the work of fellow students. This class combines critique, readings, and a visiting artists program that emphasizes intellectual investigation into the language of visual studies.

To receive information or updates on the MFA in Visual Arts , please contact the Admissions Office at admissions [at] pnca.edu, or fill our inquiry form.

Since its founding in 1909, PNCA has continued to evolve into a leader in innovative programming that connects students to the world through fine art and design education. In addition to the mentor-based MFA in Visual Studies, the College’s programs include a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Communication Design, Illustration, Intermedia, General Fine Arts, Painting, Photography, Printmaking and Sculpture. Located in an award-winning campus in the heart of the Pearl district, PNCA is actively involved in Portland’s cultural programming through exhibitions and a vibrant public program of lectures and visiting artists.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drawing and Painting

Requirements may differ according to date of enrollment. Current students should check their college catalog.
Requires admission to major. 18-credit hour Foundation Program plus 55 credit hours of Major Requirements. Total credit hours required: 73+ Visiting Artist Program.

Course Number Title Credit Hours

Foundation Program (18 credit hours):
ART 115 Masterpieces in Art to 1400 3
ART 116 Masterpieces from 1400-Present 3
ART 100 Visual Literacy 3
ART 150 Drawing I 3
ART 155 2-D Design 3
ART 257 3-D Form and Content 3
or ART 273 Handforming Clay

ART 151 Drawing II 3
ART 252 Life Drawing I 3
ART 253 Life Drawing II 3
ART 255 Introduction to Photography 3
ART 258 Figure Modeling 3
ART 263 Relief Painting 3
ART 285 Painting I 3
ART 368 Monotypes 3
ART 357 3-D Methods and Materials 3
or ART373 Ceramic Form and Function 3
ART 387 Intermediate Drawing and Painting 3
ART 487 Advanced Drawing and Painting 3
ART 441 Directed Study in Drawing and Painting 3
ART 495 Independent Studio Project 3
THEA 226 Scene Painting I 3
THEA 427 Scene Painting II 3
Art History Electives 6
ART and MEDA studio electives 6
Senior Exhibition 1

Requirements for the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics

Requirements may differ according to date of enrollment. Current students should check their college catalog.
Requires admission to major. 18-credit hour Foundation Program plus 55 credit hours of Major Requirements. Total credit hours required: 73+ Visiting Artist Program.

Course Number Title Credit Hours

Foundation Program (18 credit hours):
ART 115 Masterpieces-Art to 1400 3
ART 116 Masterpieces-Art from 1400 to the Present 3
ART 100 Visual Concepts 3
ART 150 Drawing I 3
ART 155 2-D Design 3
ART 257 Sculptural Form and Content 3
or ART 273 Handforming Clay

Ceramics Major Requirements (55 credit hours):

Ceramics students must take ART 257 Sculpural Form and Content as part of the Foundation Program
ART 252 Life Drawing I 3
ART 255 Introduction to Photography 3
ART 258 Figure Modeling 3
ART 273 Handforming Clay 3
ART 274 Pottery on the Wheel 3
ART 285 Painting I 3
ART 373 Ceramic Form and Function 3
ART 374 Vessels as Sculpture 3
ART 441 Directed Studio Project 3
ART 495 Independent Studio Project 3

ART and MEDA studio electives
** Electives may emphasize another major within the visual arts as advised
18**

Art History Electives
6

ART 460 Senior Seminar 1

Requirements may differ according to date of enrollment. Current students should check their college catalog.
Requires admission to major. 18-credit hour Foundation Program plus 55 credit hours of Major Requirements. Total credit hours required: 73+ Visiting Artist Program.

Course Number Title Credit Hours

Foundation Program (18 credit hours):
ART 115 Masterpieces in Art to 1400 3
ART 116 Masterpieces from 1400-Present 3
ART 100 Visual Literacy 3
ART 150 Drawing I 3
ART 155 2-D Design 3
ART 257 3-D Form and Content 3
or ART 273 Handforming Clay

Drawing and Painting Major Requirements (55 credit hours):

ART 151 Drawing II 3
ART 252 Life Drawing I 3
ART 253 Life Drawing II 3
ART 255 Introduction to Photography 3
ART 258 Figure Modeling 3
ART 263 Relief Painting 3
ART 285 Painting I 3
ART 368 Monotypes 3
ART 357 3-D Methods and Materials 3
or ART373 Ceramic Form and Function 3
ART 387 Intermediate Drawing and Painting 3
ART 487 Advanced Drawing and Painting 3
ART 441 Directed Study in Drawing and Painting 3
ART 495 Independent Studio Project 3
THEA 226 Scene Painting I 3
THEA 427 Scene Painting II 3
Art History Electives 6
ART and MEDA studio electives 6
Senior Exhibition 1

Requirements may differ according to date of enrollment. Current students should check their college catalog.
Requires admission to major. 18-credit hour Foundation Program plus 55 credit hours of Major Requirements. Total credit hours required: 73+ Visiting Artist Program.

Course Number Title Credit Hours

Foundation Program (18 credit hours):
ART 115 Masterpieces-Art to 1400 3
ART 116 Masterpieces-Art from 1400 to the Present 3
ART 100 Visual Concepts 3
ART 150 Drawing I 3
ART 155 2-D Design 3
ART 257 Sculptural Form and Content 3
or ART 273 Handforming Clay

Ceramics Major Requirements (55 credit hours):

Ceramics students must take ART 257 Sculpural Form and Content as part of the Foundation Program
ART 252 Life Drawing I 3
ART 255 Introduction to Photography 3
ART 258 Figure Modeling 3
ART 273 Handforming Clay 3
ART 274 Pottery on the Wheel 3
ART 285 Painting I 3
ART 373 Ceramic Form and Function 3
ART 374 Vessels as Sculpture 3
ART 441 Directed Studio Project 3
ART 495 Independent Studio Project 3

ART and MEDA studio electives
** Electives may emphasize another major within the visual arts as advised
18**

Art History Electives
6

ART 460 Senior Seminar 1

Requirements for the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture

Requirements may differ according to date of enrollment. Current students should check their college catalog.
Requires admission to major. 18-credit hour Foundation Program plus 55 credit hours of Major Requirements. Total credit hours required: 73+ Visiting Artist Program.

Course Number Title Credit Hours

Foundation Program (18 credit hours):
ART 115 Masterpieces-Art to 1400 3
ART 116 Masterpieces-Art from 1400 to the Present 3
ART 100 Visual Concepts 3
ART 150 Drawing I 3
ART 155 2-D Design 3
ART 257 Sculptural Form and Content 3
or ART 273 Handforming Clay

Sculpture Major Requirements:
Sculputure students must takee ART 273 Handforming Clay as part of Foundation Program

ART 151 Drawing II 3
ART 252 Life Drawing I 3
ART 255 Introduction to Photography 3
ART 257 Sculptural Form and Content 3
ART 258 Figure Modeling 3
ART 285 Painting I 3
ART 357 3-D Methods and Materials 3
ART 441 Directed Studio Project 3
ART 457 3-D Expression and Craft 3
ART 495 Independent Studio Project 3

Art History electives
6
ART and MEDA studio electives
**Electives may emphasize Special Effects for Film and Industry as advised
18**

ART 460 Senior Seminar 1

First Year Summer
Graduate Studio 6
Graduate Seminar 3
Wired Studio 3
Total 12

First Year Fall
Independent Studio 3
Academic Elective 3
Total 6
First Year Spring
Independent Studio 3
Academic Elective 3
Total 6

Second Year Summer
Graduate Studio 6
Graduate Seminar 3
Teaching Methods 3
Total 12
Second Year Fall
Independent Studio 3
Academic Elective 3
Thesis & Exhibition
2
Total 8
Second Year Spring
Independent Studio 3
Academic Elective 3
Thesis & Exhibition
2
Total 8

Third Year Summer
Graduate Studio 6
Graduate Seminar 3
Thesis & Exhibition 3
Total 12

Total 64