Art Degrees Online

Foundation Year
course title Fall Spring
FD101-102 Visual Elements 3 3
FD101-102 Basic Drawing 3 3
FD111 3-D Design 3 *
FD112 Time Arts 3 *
LA 121-122 English Composition 3 3
LA125-126 Art & Design in Contemporary Society 3 3
Total credits 15 15

Sophomore Year
course title Fall Spring
PH271 Beginning B&W Photo 3
PH272 Beginning Color Photo (Digital) 3
IM201 Theory and Practice 3 *
Studio Elective * 3
AH217 History of Photography 3
MTH101 Mathematics 3 *
AH 211 Art Hist:Paleolithic-Gothic 3
AH212 Art Hist: Renaissance- WWII 3
SCI223-224 Natural Science 3 3
Total credits 15 15
* Can be taken Fall or Spring

Junior Year
course title Fall Spring
PH371Intermediate Photo (B&W) 3
PH372 Intermediate Photo 3
PH373 Alternative Photo & Contemporary Practices 3
PH374 Studio Lighting 3
Studio Electives 3* 3*
Art History Elective (300-level) * 3
MTH101-102 Mathematics 3 *
Liberal Arts Elective * 3
Total credits 15 15
IM301 Theory & Practice 3 *
* Can be taken Fall or Spring

Senior Year
course title Fall Spring
PH471 Advanced Photography 3
ND401 Professional Practices 3
PH472 Photography Thesis 3
ND402 Thesis Research & Writing 3
Studio Electives 6 6
LA325 Literature Seminar * 3
LA321 Social Science Seminar 3 *
Total credits 15 15

PNCA’s Photography department engages students in the dynamic world of image-making through both traditional and contemporary forms of fine arts photography. Students interact with dynamic and diverse faculty, in a learning environment that stresses impeccable craftsmanship and creative experimentation. Students are supported in their exploration with strong technical instruction, outstanding photography facilities, and coursework that balances aesthetic, conceptual, and historical concerns.
Facilities
Digital Fine Art Printing Lab
Beginning Black and White Lab
Advanced Black and White Lab
Photography Studio
Computer Arts Center
Processes
Black and white
Color
Digital imaging
Large format
Non-silver contemporary processes

Many of Northwest College of Art’s students receive financial assistance from one source or another. You need to apply for financial aid before we can tell you exactly what you will qualify for. It is the responsibility of the student to complete all forms correctly and in a timely manner. Allow at least two months for financial aid to be processed. Errors, omissions and corrections will cause delays.

A packet of materials will be mailed upon the student’s acceptance to the college. To see if you qualify for financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please call Heidi Townsend at (360) 779-9993 or e-mail her for additional information.
The NCA Federal school code is — 026021

Eligibility Requirements For Financial Aid
You must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
You must be registered with the Selective Service if you are male and between 18 to 25 years of age.
You must maintain satisfactory progress as defined by Northwest College of Art.
You must not owe a refund on a federal grant or be in default on a federal education loan.
You must have “financial need” as determined by the U.S. Department of Education.
Grant Programs
Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)

The student may apply for ACG by Completing the FAFSA. The federal grant program is only available to needy 1st and 2nd year college students who successfully completed a “qualifying rigorous course of study” in high school. For students to be eligible for ACG they must qualify for Federal Pell Grant, be a U.S. citizen (eligible non-citizens do not qualify), and attending school full-time in their 1st and 2nd years in a post-secondary degree program. ACG is a grant and, like the Pell grant, does not carry repayment provisions like loan programs.
Federal Pell Grant

The student may apply for a Federal Pell Grant by completing the FAFSA. This grant program is designed to assist needy students who desire to continue their education beyond high school. Eligibility is determined by the student’s need, the cost of education and the amount of money appropriated by Congress to fund the program. Federal Pell Grants are grants and do not carry repayment provisions like loan programs.
Federal Work Study

NCA does not currently participate in Federal Work Study.
State Grants

The Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board administers these state aid programs for resident students. Students must have applied for a Federal Pell Grant using the FAFSA form. Family income and assets are a factor for eligibility. The Washington State Need Grant and other state aid programs are available to students who qualify. NCA does not currently participate in State Work Study. For more information on State grants log onto: www.hecb.wa.gov.
Loan Programs
Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan

The Stafford Loan is a need-based loan. The federal government subsidizes the interest while you are in school. If you are eligible, you can borrow up to your full need but not more than $3,500 for the first academic year, $4,500 for the second academic year, and $5,500 for the third and fourth academic years. Repayment is deferred until six months after graduation, withdrawal, or dismissal from school.
Federal PLUS Loan

The Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (FPLUS) provides loans up to the cost of education less other financial aid to qualifying parents of undergraduate students. Repayment starts sixty days after the loan is fully disbursed. FPLUS is an option for parents of students who may not qualify for other forms of aid or to provide additional funding for those who need other assistance.
Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan

The Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan provides up to $6,000 for 1st and 2nd year students and $7,000 for 3rd and 4th year students who do not qualify for all or part of the funds available under the Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan Program. Funds from this loan program may be borrowed in addition to the funds available through the Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan. You may defer payments on this loan until six months after you graduate, withdraw, or are dismissed from the school. You are responsible for the interest accruing on an unsubsidized loan.
NOTE: You do not need to complete the FAFSA if the following apply:
You do not want to see if you qualify for need-based aid (i.e. Pell grant, State grants).
You do not want to apply for low-interest federal education loans (i.e. Stafford, FPLUS).
You intend to apply only for private (non-federal) education loans.
You intend to make only tuition cash payments.

Private Loan Programs

Private loans are available through various lenders. These are flexible loan programs, which can either supplement federal programs or be used as a sole means of financing college costs. Loan limits are greater than those available for the Federal Family Education Loan Program. Private loan borrowers can defer repayment while in school at least half time. Normally, repayment begins six months after the student graduates, leaves school, or drops to less than half time. Most of the private loans offer flexible repayment terms with no repayment penalty. Students are usually required to have a creditworthy co-applicant. Loan fees and terms are outlined in each individual lenders brochure. The following are some lenders who offer private, undergraduate education loans:
Private loans available:
Wells Fargo—Collegiate Loan
Key Bank—Key Alternative Loan
Sallie Mae—Signature Loan
US Bank—No Fee or GAP education loans
Wachovia—Zero Fee Education Loan
Campus Door—Alternative Loan
Citibank—CitiAssist Undergraduate Loan

Loan applications are available online at the lenders’ websites. Paper applications may be requested by contacting the lender, or NCA’s financial aid office.

All new and transferring applicants for admission to Northwest College of Art (NCA) must comply with the following:
Submit a completed application accompanied by a $50 nonrefundable application fee made payable to NCA.
Students must:
Be a public or accredited private high school graduate and must have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA.
Or:
Be an accredited home school graduate and must have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Students who have completed a home school program must show proof of school accreditation or program accreditation or GED.
Or:
Have earned a GED and will be required to submit SAT or ACT scores or submit college transcripts that show a minimum of 30 college credits and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above.
Students with below a 2.5 cumulative high school or college GPA will be required to submit an additional 1-page typed essay explaining why their GPA is below the required minimum and how they would overcome a similar situation in the future.
Submit official high school transcript or GED certificate and scores.
Submit official transcripts for all colleges attended.
Submit transfer credit information (if applicable) as outlined under “transfer credit” in this catalog. The transfer credit deadline is July 15. Credit will not be transferred after this date.
Submit a minimum 1 page typed personal essay addressing the following:
Why are you applying to Northwest College of Art? Prioritize four expectations that you have of this program.
How did you come to focus on the area of concentration that you wish to pursue at Northwest College of Art?
Describe in detail two personal challenges that you have faced and how you met those challenges.
Describe one of the most important people in your life and how they have contributed to your success.
Describe two pieces of work you wish to create, and why.
What are your artistic career goals for the future, which begin with earning this degree? What employment positions do you wish to seek?
Arrange for an informational interview with an admissions representative. This can be conducted on the phone, at the students home town during an admissions representative’s visit, or at the NCA campus. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire and interview form at this time.
Arrange for an interview to be completed on-campus with the Review Committee and take a campus tour if you haven’t previously visited the campus. All application materials must be submitted prior to this interview.
Portfolio requirements for
Visual Communications Program

A portfolio of recent work is to be submitted with your application packet. All pieces need not be in your chosen medium of concentration, but they should enable the Review Committee to assess your current skills and potential for success in the program.

Portfolios containing original artwork, or presented in a format other than slides or computer disk, can be picked up during the interview with the Review Committee. Portfolio’s not picked up will be returned C.O.D. NCA is not responsible for any loss or damage to portfolios.
A portfolio of 8–15 works to include:
A minimum of 4 observational drawings—these should be drawn from real life observations such as objects, still life’s, landscapes, etc. Observational drawings may not be drawn from photographs.
Any of the following: design, illustration, painting, computer graphics, sculpture or photography. Creative work should include creative and compositional thinking.
Sketchbook: In addition to the 8–15 pieces of recent work, applicants will be required to submit their sketchbook. You may pick this up during the Review Committee meeting or it can be mailed back to you C.O.D.
Preferred portfolio format: original artwork, color prints or Computer Disk (CD) with pdf images are the preferred format for portfolios. NCA does not accept portfolio submissions on floppy disks. Let us know if you have a website so that we may view it as an addition to your portfolio. In the case of computer disk or web portfolio, submit at least 5 printouts with your application. In the case of slides, please note NCA will need to keep at least 5 of your slide submittals in your application file. The Review Committee may determine additional information is necessary from the applicant (i.e. additional essay, artwork, etc.) in order to make a determination for enrollment.
Portfolio requirements for Photography Program

A portfolio of recent work is to be submitted with your application packet. All pieces need not be in your chosen medium of concentration, but they should enable the Review Committee to assess your current skills and potential for success in the program.

Portfolios containing original photography, or presented in a format other than slides or computer disk, can be picked up during the interview with the Review Committee. Portfolio’s not picked up will be returned C.O.D. NCA is not responsible for any loss or damage to portfolios.
A portfolio of 8–15 works to include:
Submit up to 15 images (a minimum of 12) of art that you have created within the past two years that show your promise in Photography. Present your strongest work and demonstrate your potential to develop a diverse set of skills and ideas should you be accepted into Photography program. We prefer to see examples of traditional black and white film-based photography, but if your work is concentrated in a single medium your portfolio can be weighted in that area.
A minimum of 4 observational drawings are recommended and may be included in your portfolio to to demonstrate basic compositional thinking—these may be drawn from real life observations such as objects, still life’s, landscapes, etc. Observational drawings may not be drawn from photographs.
Preferred portfolio format: original photography, artwork, color prints or Computer Disk (CD) with pdf images are the preferred format for portfolios. NCA does not accept portfolio submissions on floppy disks. Let us know if you have a website so that we may view it as an addition to your portfolio. In the case of computer disk or web portfolio, submit at least 5 printouts with your application. In the case of slides, please note NCA will need to keep at least 5 of your slide submittals in your application file. The Review Committee may determine additional information is necessary from the applicant (i.e. additional essay, artwork, etc.) in order to make a determination for enrollment.
Admissions Checklist
Submit application and application fee
Submit official high school transcript or GED
Home-schooled students: proof of school accreditation or program accreditation or GED
Transfer credit information (if applicable) by July 15
1 page typed essay addressing 6 questions
Set up informational interview with Admissions Representative
Submit portfolio and include sketchbook
Set up on-campus interview with Admissions Review Committee through the Admissions Representative
International Students

There is a $100 application fee for International students.

In addition to completing all of the admissions requirements listed previously, international students must submit a translated copy of a high-school transcript and TOEFL test score of at least 500 (paper) or 173 (computer). TOEFL test scores are not required for students from English speaking countries or for students who have graduated from a US high school. NCA reserves the right to require ESL classes if deemed necessary.

If the international student is accepted, the college will begin the required paperwork for the I-20 Visa. At this time, the international student must submit documentation that demonstrates his or her ability to pay for all tuition, fees, and living expenses for the duration of the program. The appropriate I-20 form will be processed after all documentation is satisfied. For more information on obtaining a student visa visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
Early Action Program

Northwest College of Art recommends high school juniors who demonstrate strong academic and artistic potential consider the early action program. The benefits include early communication of admissions decisions, the ability to focus on obtaining scholarships, and early information about housing and employment opportunities. To discuss this option further, contact an admissions representative at (360) 779-9993.

The B.F.A. degree program in Photography is typically 36 months (9 semesters). The program length may not exceed 54 months. The program length is not guaranteed and may be lengthened for various reasons including, but not limited to, class failure, suspension, program changes, course reduction or withdrawal. The program is considered a full time program.
NCA is a year round college with three 15-week semesters per 12 months.

September–December
January–April
May–August

Students who interrupt the program at any time will be considered a withdrawal from the program and must reapply. The program must be completed within 1.5 times the normal program length to comply with the satisfactory progress policy. The program grid (found in the NCA Catalog attachment A) is intended to give you an ideal schedule and broad overview of the curriculum. Course names, titles, sequencing, prerequisites, credit value, content, instructor assignment, and/or scheduling is subject to change.