CE Certificate Programs

Part-Time Programs of Study Comprised of PAFA Continuing Education Courses

Study art at your own pace with a certificate program at PAFA! Experience in-depth study without the commitment of a full-time degree program. Draw and paint in PAFA's world-renowned Cast Hall and historic classrooms, take advantage of state-of-the-art printmaking and sculpture facilities, study with distinguished artists, and join a supportive community of students and alumni. Hone your skills and explore your artistic passion through PAFA's Certificate of Art programs.

Certificate of Art (CA)

Certificate of Art (CA) programs offer part-time flexible (in-person/remote) options in six- or eight-course formats. These programs are designed for beginning to advanced students to develop their skills and improve their practice for personal enrichment or future study. 

Program options include: 

 Core Curriculum  Figure Studies Drawing and Painting    
Online Studies 
Cost$4,700 – $6,000 $4,700 – $6,000 $3,300- $4,200
Duration1 – 3 years 1 – 3 years 1 – 3 years 
Full-time or Part-timePT PT PT 
In-person or OnlineIn-person In-person Online 
AudienceAll All All 
Number of Classes
DegreeCertificate  Certificate Certificate 

Course Catalog

Program Requirements

  • Each Certificate of Art is composed of six to eight 30(+)-hour equivalent CE courses. Course requirements vary by Certificate–see program descriptions.   
  • Students must enroll in their selected Certificate program and pay a nonrefundable application fee of $75.  Up to two previously-completed PAFA CE course may be accepted for transfer, upon review and approval by the CE Director.  Courses must have been completed within two years of the Certificate application date and must have been taken for credit to be applied.
  • Courses must amount to 30 or more contact/content hours to fulfill Certificate requirements.  A limited number of non-credit 6-week/18(+)-hour Short Courses may be combined with electives to fulfill requirements, with Director's approval.
  • Credit-bearing, 30(+)-hour courses must be taken for credit where available, which entails assessment for a grade based on attendance, participation, and quality of work.  Grading requirements vary by course/instructor.  Credits will appear on PAFA transcripts, available upon request.
  • Approved short non-credit courses being combined to fulfill requirements must be submitted with a signed Verification of Satisfactory Completion by the instructor, confirming satisfactory attendance, participation, and quality of work.  
  • Certificates may be completed within one year at a rate of two courses per semester/session (Fall, Spring, Summer Session 1, and Summer Session 2); however, students may complete the program at their own pace within a three-year limit.
  • Students must complete their Certificate course of study within 3 years of their semester start date.  Resuming Certificate course requirements after this time limit will require re-enrollment into the program with application fee and evaluation of previously completed courses for transfer based on date of completion and satisfactory work.   

Continuing Education

Fall 2024 CE courses are available in-person and online! Join our community of dedicated artists of all ages and skill levels: Continuing Education offers exceptional studio art classes and workshops for beginner to advanced artists outside of PAFA's degree programs.


Contact Continuing Education

Thank you for your interest in PAFA's CE programs. Join our community of dedicated artists of all ages and skill levels:  Continuing Education offers exceptional studio art classes and workshops for beginner to advanced artists outside of PAFA's degree programs, available to both museum members and the general public.

Telephone: (215) 972–7632

Email: