The graduate school at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) is a renowned institution that offers a diverse and rigorous program for aspiring artists and art educators. Situated in Philadelphia, PAFA has a long and distinguished history in the art world, dating back to 1805, making it the oldest art school in the United States. The graduate school provides a supportive and dynamic environment for students to cultivate their creative skills, explore various artistic mediums, and engage in critical dialogue about contemporary art practices.

PAFA's graduate school offers two distinct and comprehensive programs: the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) and the Low-Residency MFA. The MFA program is a full-time, two-year program that allows students to focus on a specific artistic discipline, such as painting, sculpture, or printmaking, while also encouraging interdisciplinary experimentation. With a renowned faculty and visiting artists from different backgrounds, the program provides students with individualized attention and guidance to develop their artistic voice and refine their technical skills.

The Low-Residency MFA program is designed for students who may have professional or personal commitments that prevent them from pursuing a traditional full-time program. This unique program allows students to maintain their personal and professional lives while studying intensively during two six-week summer sessions and through online engagement during the rest of the year. This flexibility, combined with PAFA's robust artistic community and resources, ensures that students receive an immersive and rigorous education that prepares them for a successful career in the arts.

Regardless of the program they choose, graduate students at PAFA benefit from a range of resources, including state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated studio spaces, and access to a vast collection of artworks spanning different periods and styles. They also have opportunities to exhibit their work in PAFA's prestigious gallery spaces and participate in meaningful collaborations and artistic exchanges. With a strong emphasis on artistic critique and discourse, the graduate school at PAFA fosters a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment for artists to explore, experiment, and grow.

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is a private comprehensive higher education institution located in Philadelphia, PA and set in an urban environment. This school follows a semester-based calendar. Discover more about what you can expect if you get into Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.