Many prominent Northwest artists, designers, and art historians began their professional careers by studying art at Portland State University. An even greater number of successful and productive people have used their training in the School of Art+Design as the basis for careers in commerce, industry, education, and a variety of creative fields. Serving a diverse student population, the school takes advantage of its geographical location in the heart of Portland, extending classroom activities into the city's vibrant cultural community.
The school offers the following undergraduate degree options: B.A., B.S. and Certificate in Art History, BFA in Art Practice, and BFA in Graphic Design.
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
Admission to the school is based on general admission to the University. See the PSU Bulletin for more information.
When a student is accepted to Portland State University and selects a major within the School of Art+Design, the student is formally admitted to the university and is pre-admitted to the school. Pre-admission ends however, in a student’s junior year.
When a student reaches the junior year based on the University’s definition of class standing (90-134 credits), the student is formally and automatically admitted into the School of Art+Design and College of the Arts.
Formal admission allows the student to continue on his or her degree path unhindered. Once admitted, the student will be authorized to take otherwise college restricted upper-division courses.
After being admitted to the school and college, graphic design students must also pass a sophomore portfolio review to be eligible to take 300 and 400 level Graphic Design courses.
Students interested in the Art Practice BFA degree must submit a letter of intent and digital portfolio for review prior to entering the program.
Changing majors or opting–out
If a student who is formally admitted into the College of the Arts decides not to continue working toward a degree in the School of Art+Design, the student will need to change the major in the Student Services section of Banweb using the Major, Minor or Certificate Change Form. In addition, the student must notify the School of Art+Design by e-mail of this status change (art@pdx.edu).
Upper-division undergraduates changing majors from a COTA program to another College or School must ask their COTA School administrative staff to remove College Code 26 from their record so that COTA's differential tuition will no longer be charged. For those who fail to alert their COTA School immediately that they are leaving their major, refunds of differential tuition will only be issued for one term prior to the term in which students do notify the COTA School.
Students changing majors from a COTA School will no longer have access to certain restricted courses.