Devoted to the training of artists, PAFA combines a world-class museum of American art with outstanding studio art programs in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and fine arts illustration. PAFA offers a 4-year, 120-credit Certificate, a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Graduate Studies, a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) and a Low-Residency Master of Fine Arts Program.

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) is a rare combination of an outstanding museum of American art and a renowned School of Fine Arts. Students have access to one of the world's foremost collections of American art, housed in the Historic Landmark Building designed by the firm of Frank Furness and George Hewitt, and the contemporary Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building that houses the School of Fine Arts. Located on Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts, PAFA is a strictly fine arts school, offering the MFA and BFA degrees, its historic Certificate program and a Post-Baccalaureate in graduate studies. Emphasizing traditional drawing and artmaking skills, PAFA offers majors in drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. Students work with an exceptionally large and diverse faculty of working artists in cutting edge studio and classroom facilities. They have daily access to a world-class museum and exhibitions, individual studios under the mentorship program and exposure to numerous visiting artists and critics. With many distinguished alumni, PAFA trains fine artists to go on to successful careers. Alumni include Bo Bartlett, Brett Bigbee, Astrid Bowlby, Moe Brooker, Vincent Desiderio, Barkley L. Hendricks, David Lynch, Sarah McEneaney, Elizabeth Osborne, William Scott, and many others.