History
The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) was founded in 1805 by painter and scientist Charles Willson Peale, sculptor William Rush, and other artists and business leaders.Since its founding, PAFA has collected works by leading American artists, as well as works by distinguished alumni and faculty of its school.
Education
With over 200 years of experience training artists, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts nurtures the artistic development of our students through degree programs in undergraduate and graduate fine arts education.The School of Fine Arts offers a world-class professional education that focuses exclusively on the success of the emerging fine artist. Our priority is the quality, comprehensiveness, and relevance of a fine arts education to develop and pursue an artistic vision wherever it may lead.
Career
The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages the recruitment and retention of qualified candidates for all positions. PAFA encourages members of all diverse groups to seek employment with us.
PAFA strives to offer its employees a competitive and comprehensive benefits package. Our employees are our most valuable resource. Through our benefits partners, PAFA hopes to provide choices to best the needs of our employees and their families.
The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to an environment that welcomes and encourages the recruitment and retention of qualified candidates from all diverse groups.
Distance Learning Courses
Arts, Design & Architecture (1)
- M.F.A. Low-Residency MFA
Education & Training (1)
- M.F.A. Low-Residency MFA
Housing services
The Student Services Staff at PAFA is committed to finding housing situations that best suit every student’s individual needs. Whether a student is in their first year at PAFA, transferring from another college or currently enrolled in a program at PAFA and looking for a housing change, PAFA can offer resources and assistance throughout the housing search.
Library services
PAFA's library offers quiet reading and study areas, word processing and Internet workstations, color copiers and printers, scanners, digital cameras, and a/v equipment.
Medical services
Jefferson Family Medical Associates (JFMA) provides PAFA students with a variety of basic medical services free of charge, including:
- General primary care for acute and chronic medical problems
- Emergency care during hours when JFMA offices are open
- Family planning and contraceptive counseling
- Sexually transmitted disease counseling
- Allergy shots (students must provide allergy serum)
PAFA is a non-profit college accredited through the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). PAFA is a member of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD) and The Common Application.