Skip to main content
    Admissions Overview
    Find all the information you need about applying to our undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Start your application to Willamette here.
Pre-College Programs
Admitted Students
Enrolling Students
New Student Orientation
    Cost & Aid Overview
    Get the latest information about tuition costs and financial aid opportunities available to Willamette students.
Tuition & Fees
    Academics Overview
    Learn more about our academic programs – from courses and faculty to unique opportunities you won’t find anywhere else.
All Programs and Degrees
Advising Resources
Library
    Life on Campus Overview
    Get a feel for life at Willamette. Learn more about Salem, our campus culture, and how we foster a sense of community.
Learning in the Pacific Northwest
Athletics
Diversity at Willamette
Health and Wellness
Housing and Dining
Arts
Campus Recreation
Events
Commencement
Safety
    Our Stories
    We’re proud of the difference our students and alumni are making. Dive into the stories of how they’re leading in their fields and transforming knowledge into meaningful action.
Athletics
Arts
Big Data
Climate Change
Democratic Institutions
Interdisciplinary Studies
Regional Impact
Request Info Visit Apply Give
About News Events Alumni Parents Athletics The Arts Academic Calendar

BS/BA and MA/MFA 3+2 Program

Get the best of both worlds through our combined degree. Secure a liberal arts bachelor's degree and either a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in only 5 years.

Program Snapshot

Degree Type

Special Program

Time to complete

5 years

Campus

Salem, Portland

Request Info
A student working on an MFA project at PNCA's Glass Building

Our Combined BA/BS and MA/MFA Program

Earn two powerful degrees in less time. Students have the choice to earn a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree at Willamette in Salem and then pursue an MA or MFA from Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) in Portland. Our combined degree program offers an opportunity to embrace a liberal arts education while deepening skills in visual arts or critical studies. Build an educational path that fits your career goals, interests, and lifestyle.

Why choose a combined BS/BA and MA/MFA degree through Willamette and PNCA?

  • Save one year of time and tuition. Because credits can count in both programs, students can save both time and money with our 3+2 program. Earn a BA or BS degree and an MA/MFA degree in just five short years. Traditional programs can take six years or more, costing you time and an extra year of tuition.
  • Professors who are experts in their field. No matter which path you pursue, you'll find a team of professors who offer mentorship and support. Every faculty member at Willamette and PNCA comes with extensive experience in their field. They'll help you develop skills, navigate career options, introduce you to related opportunities, and connect you with working professionals.
  • Build skills and connections across campuses. Build a strong connection with the undergraduate community in Salem and the art community in Portland. This combined degree provides a unique opportunity to build networks, connections, and relationships on two different campuses. We also offer career services in Salem and the Office of Career Design in Portland to help guide students after graduation.

Schedule an Undergraduate Visit Schedule a Graduate Visit

Extraordinary Faculty

You will learn from a different set of faculty members in your BA/BS program and your MA/MFA program. Their knowledge is extremely specialized, helping students learn from a diverse group of subject experts. At Willamette College, you will find experts in each academic program, from chemistry and business to studio art and history. PNCA faculty are characterized by their in-depth engagement with visual culture, artistic mediums, and critical analysis.

A professor providing a lecture in front of a projector

Curriculum

No matter what combination of degrees you pursue, you'll find that hands-on learning and interdisciplinary studies are at the core of all programs. Willamette College offers a liberal arts background, encouraging students to understand problems from a variety of academic disciplines. At PNCA, students will deepen their skills within the program of their choice.

BA/BS

With around 50 majors to choose from, students can expand their understanding in a vast number of subjects. Each program offers hands-on learning opportunities, expert faculty members, and an interdisciplinary experience. Pursue any area of study to build a holistic skillset that stands out to future employers.

  • MA in Critical Studies

    Develop a deeper understanding of feminist theory, queer theory, and post-colonial theory. Students will find support while preparing a written thesis. Gain skills in analytics, research, writing, communication, and critical analysis while learning from prominent artists and scholars.

  • MFA in Visual Studies

    Combine studio practice, seminars, and hands-on learning to advance your abilities. Students can choose to focus on one medium or explore mediums to refine, expand, and develop their creative practice. Find powerful mentorships, participate in exhibitions, and define your artistic voice.

  • MFA in Print Media

    Embrace emerging and traditional techniques to define what print can mean. Through our facilities, students can access equipment to hone skills related to bookmaking, lithography, screen printing, and more. Connect with visiting artists and master printers to gain inspiration and skills.

Program Requirements

Your undergraduate degree will require 124 credits, while your graduate degree will require 60 credits. Typically, this would take a minimum of six years, but with 30 graduate credits applied to your undergraduate degree, you'll save one year (plus the additional tuition). Note that students interested in the MA in Critical Studies will receive 24 credits towards their undergrad degree applied to their grad degree, and will be require 45 credits.

Students pursuing the MA in Critical Studies follow a slightly different credit structure. In that program, 24 graduate credits can be applied toward the undergraduate degree, and the graduate degree requires 45 total credits.

Three students gather in a classroom for an MA in Critical Studies class

Admissions Information

While students may pursue any undergraduate degree, those pursuing an MFA pathway should engage in coursework that helps to build a portfolio, which is required for admission. Other relevant coursework includes Art History, English, Global and Cultural Studies. Students must apply for the graduate program during their third year, and will complete coursework at PNCA's campus in Portland during their fourth and fifth year.

The print studio and equipment available at PNCA

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Willamette and PNCA are committed to supporting students with financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Learn more about undergraduate and graduate school support options within our two schools.
Undergraduate Salem students sitting in a row with one person raising their hand

FAQs

Absolutely! We offer a way for students to pursue a BA and MA degree at the same time. Students can earn a liberal arts undergraduate degree at Willamette and a graduate degree at PNCA.

Our 3+2 Combined BA and MA program offers an opportunity for students to gain the best of both worlds while saving time and money. Students would complete three years of undergraduate study in Salem, and then two years of graduate study in Portland.

Absolutely. Our BA/MFA pathway offers a way for students to experience a liberal arts education and a graduate degree at the same time. Students would complete their undergraduate studies at Willamette College for the first three years. After that, students would take graduate courses within either the MFA in Print Media or the MFA in Visual Studies program.

Learn more about the degree combinations and what type of student should pursue them:

  • BA/MA. A BA and an MA degree are ideal for students majoring in the humanities who want to deepen their skills in analytics and research.
  • BA/MFA. This is ideal for artistic students who want a strong liberal arts education. While students don't need to major or minor in art, students should express a strong interest in studio art during their undergraduate experience.
  • BS/MA. Expand your education by deepening analytical and research skills through a Critical Studies program. Pair a BS with an MA degree to offer a well-rounded background.
  • BS/MFA. Dive into two opposite educational paths. If you're split between arts and sciences, gain skills and academic backgrounds in both realms. Students should consider a double major or a minor in art to help become admitted to the MFA program.

Make sure to chat with an academic advisor to discuss your goals. They can help you decide which combination makes sense and how to accomplish any higher education goals you have.

Students would take courses for three years at Willamette College's Salem campus. Then, students would take two years of graduate-level courses at PNCA's Portland campus. Students would experience both campuses. However, students would not need to travel back and forth between the two campuses.

Students can expect to take classes full-time at two separate campus locations. Speak to an advisor for any additional questions about this program.

No, students are unable to combine undergraduate degrees from Willamette College and Pacific Northwest College of Art and the time to complete the degree requirements.

Willamette University

Contact Willamette