MA, MFA, and dual degree programs

The Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) features two-year and three-year multidisciplinary graduate programs fostering a supportive, collaborative, and creative environment for artists and scholars to connect, explore, and define their futures. Priority application deadline: January 20, 2023.

Graduate students can expect:
–Small cohort sizes
–Dedicated graduate studio building
–Individualized attention and tailored mentorship
–Fluidity and cross-genre experimentation
–Intentional professional development and goal-oriented networking

MFA Visual Studies
This program encourages individual expression and artistic development in a rigorous and supportive environment. 

Low-Residency MFA Visual Studies
This program is a flexible model perfect for working artists, teachers, and professionals seeking a graduate degree that fits with their current lifestyle.

MFA Print Media
Hone your skills in one of the largest and best appointed academic printmaking facilities in the country. 

MA Critical Studies
This program helps multidisciplinary scholars, critics, art writers, curators, and cultural workers develop advanced skills of research, writing, and critical analysis.

Dual MA/MFA program
Our dual-degree pathway allows you to combine an MFA in Visual Studies or MFA in Print Media with an MA in Critical Studies and complete both degrees in three years. This option is designed for writers, researchers, and makers whose practices are informed and expanded by critical theory.

Low-residency MFA Creative Writing
This program prioritizes experimentation and exploration within and across writing forms and genres.

Studio space
MFA students receive individual studios inside the Glass Building, a 25,000 square feet former glass factory, for the entire duration of the two-year program including summer. Students have access to all the incredible facilities PNCA has to offer which include tools, equipment, workstations, and production areas for painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture and furniture design, photography, animation, video and sound production, AR + VR, digital fabrication, game design, physical computing and interaction, illustration, textiles, and fashion. Take a virtual tour of the Glass Building here.

Funding & support
The staff and faculty at Hallie Ford School of Graduate Studies at PNCA are committed to helping you make your goal of getting a graduate education a reality. Part of that is offering a range of financial aid options to offset the costs of your education. Every accepted applicant is offered financial aid with a 20% discount guaranteed to all those who apply by the priority deadline of January 20, 2023.

Equity scholarships
PNCA offers full-tuition remission scholarships for students who have shown a dedicated commitment to equity for Black, African American, Indigenous, and Non-Black students of color. To learn more about eligibility, requirements and deadlines for the Equity Scholarships, visit here.

Location
Our programs are located in downtown Portland, Oregon, an urban campus with many opportunities for creative and community-based work, while still being close to beautiful natural surroundings for those who enjoy outdoor activities. Hiking, mountains, rivers, and the ocean are all easily accessible. Explore Portland!

Subject matter
Our graduate programs offer flexibility for cross-genre and multidisciplinary work. Students take electives across disciplines and try out new mediums. We foster unique creative voices and perspectives and always encourage experimentation.

Professional development
Our students engage in the Portland community through internships, mentorships, and collaborative projects. Our graduate students forge lasting relationships and networks that allow them to thrive in their careers long after graduation. 

Apply for an opportunity to advance your work in the world through the Hallie Ford School of Graduate Studies at PNCA.

Meet with us
Admissions staff are available and interested in getting to know you and helping you make this decision to level-up your creative development. Travel reimbursements are available for campus visits.

For any questions about programs, eligibility, your application or the application process, please contact Admissions M–F, 9am–5pm PST at T +1 503 821 8956 or email pnca-gradadmissions [​at​] willamette.edu any time.