Fast Facts
Mission
Pacific Northwest College of Art prepares students for a life of creative practice.
About
Since its founding in 1909, Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) has become a leader in innovative educational programs that connect students to a global perspective in the visual arts and design. In addition to its nine Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees, PNCA offers graduate education with an MFA in Applied Craft and Design developed in collaboration with the Oregon College of Art and Craft, an MFA in Collaborative Design, an MFA in Visual Studies and a Low-Residency MFA in Visual Studies.
PNCA is actively involved in Portland’s cultural life through exhibitions and a vibrant public program of lectures and internationally recognized visiting artists, designers and creative thinkers. With the support of FIVE (Ford Institute for Visual Education), the College has a partnership with the nationally acclaimed Museum of Contemporary Craft.
Programs and Degrees
Bachelor of Fine Arts in nine concentrations
Master of Fine Arts in four concentrations
BFA/BA Degree with Reed College
Continuing Education Program
Certificate Program: Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Illustration
Undergraduate Programs
Communication Design
Contemporary Animated Arts
General Fine Arts
Illlustration
Intermedia
Painting
Photography
Printmaking
Sculpture
Video and Sound (pending academic approval)
Graduate Programs
MFA in Applied Craft and Design offered jointly with Oregon College of Art and Craft
MFA in Collaborative Design
MFA in Visual Studies
Low-Residency MFA in Visual Studies
MA in Critical Theory and Creative Research (pending academic approval)
Accreditation
Pacific Northwest College of Art is a co-educational, nondenominational, independent college, providing professional education in the visual arts and granting the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and the Master of Fine Arts degree. It is the oldest independent college of art in the Pacific Northwest. PNCA is an accredited institutional member of both the National Association of Schools of Art and Design and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The Council on Postsecondary Education and the U.S. Department of Education recognize both institutional accrediting bodies.
Accredited by
National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD)
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Affiliations
Association of Independent Colleges of Art & Design (AICAD)
National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU)
Art Resources Consortium Northwest (ARC NW)
Oregon Independent College Association (OICA)
Foundations in Art: Theory and Education (FATE)
Students (2010–2011)
Undergraduate Students: 546
Graduate Students: 75
CE Students (annually): 1,450
Faculty
Full-Time Faculty: 29
Part-Time Faculty: 70+
Student/Faculty ratio: 12 to 1
Facilities
PNCA Main Campus Building, 1241 NW Johnson St.
Stagecraft Building, 1302 NW Kearney St.
Cornelia and William T.C. Stevens Studios, 1432 NW Johnson St.
MFA in Visual Studies Studios, 1830 NW 19th Ave.
MFA in Applied Craft and Design Studios at The Bison Building, 421 NE 10th Ave.
Goose Hollow Tower, Student Housing, 1630 SW Clay St.
Goose Hollow Plaza, Student Housing, 1604 SW Clay St.
Museum of Contemporary Craft, 724 NW Davis St.
The Lodge Gallery at Allied Works, 1532 SW Morrison St.
511 Building, Opening 2014
Museums and Galleries
Museum of Contemporary Craft
Philip Feldman Gallery + Project Space
Manuel Izquierdo Sculpture Gallery
BFA Gallery
MFA Gallery Central
Corner Gallery (Printmaking/Photography)
Higgins Gallery
Gallery 214
InFlux Gallery
The Lodge Gallery @ Allied Works Architecture
Community Programs
Youth Programs: Classes in art fundamentals for children ages 4-17, with scholarship support for those who are economically disadvantaged.
Pre-College Program: Four week intensive summer art school program for high school youth.
I Heart Art: Portland: A pilot project representing the collaborative relationship between Etsy, PNCA, Museum of Contemporary Craft and the Portland Etsy Team; educates and supports Portland’s vibrant community of makers through professional development workshops, community salon discussions and unique networking activities.
Nonprofit Statement
PNCA is a nonprofit corporation authorized by the State of Oregon to offer and confer the academic degrees described herein, following a determination that state academic standards will be satisfied under OAR 583-030. Inquiries concerning the standards of school compliance may be directed to the Oregon Office of Degree Authorization, 1500 Valley River Drive, Suite 100, Eugene, Oregon, 97401.
