Welcome Students from the University of the Arts
Venture toward greatness at Arcadia University, where authenticity is celebrated. Arcadia is a leader in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and students learn, live, and work in a welcoming and supportive community. U.S. News & World Report ranks Arcadia as among the most innovative colleges, as well as the #1 college in Pennsylvania for study abroad. Arcadia’s quality academic programs and campus life opportunities help guide students toward career success and fulfillment.
All credits successfully completed by students at University of the Arts will be accepted toward an equal or comparable degree program at Arcadia University. Arcadia will accept 100 percent of all credits granted or accepted in transfer by University of the Arts for programs that Arcadia offers, and guarantee admission to University of the Arts students in good academic standing with no outstanding disciplinary sanctions or pending disciplinary matters. No application fees will be charged.
Arcadia University will provide a concise and streamlined application process for University of the Arts students. Students can provide unofficial copies of their transcripts to be reviewed for admission. Additionally, the university will waive the portfolio review requirement. For UArts students transitioning to Arcadia University, your out-of-pocket costs will be the same. Please review this FAQ document for additional information about the financial aid offer.
In addition, for students commuting from Philadelphia, Arcadia will provide an annual SEPTA award to help cover the added transportation costs.
UArts students: Call our dedicated hotline for you:
267-957-ARTS (2787), or contact us directly at UArts@arcadia.edu.
Credits and Time to Degree
Arcadia University will accept all University of the Arts credits for programs that Arcadia offers and will ensure that students complete their bachelor’s degree on their originally intended time schedule. The university agrees to waive Arcadia curriculum requirements as needed.
Degree Program Equivalency
Visual Arts and Writing Programs (all BFA degrees)
| UArts Major/Program | Arcadia Equivalent |
| Art, BFA | Art, BFA |
| Art History (Minor) | Art History Minor |
| Creative Writing, BFA | Creative Writing, BA |
| Film, BFA | Global Media |
| Film & Animation, BFA | Global Media |
| Fine Arts, BFA (See below) | |
| · Emphasis in Expanded Drawing & Print Media | Art, BFA, concentration in Printmaking |
| · Emphasis in Painting | Art, BFA, concentration in Painting |
| · Emphasis in Sculpture | |
| Graphic Design, BFA | Art, BFA, concentration in Graphic Design |
| Illustration, BFA | Art, BFA, concentration in Illustration |
| Photography, BFA | Art, BFA, concentration in Photography |
Performing Arts Programs
| UArts Major/Program | Arcadia Equivalent |
| Acting, BFA | Acting, BFA |
| Directing, Playwriting & Production, BFA | Theater, BA |
| Musical Theater, BFA | BFA, Acting with concentration in Musical Theater |
Graduate Programs
| UArts Major/Program | Arcadia Equivalent |
| Arts Education, GC | Art Ed, MEd, Certification |
Academic and Study Abroad Opportunities
At Arcadia students are afforded:
- A robust curriculum and supportive faculty and staff.
- Opportunities to complete the Arts Entrepreneurship and Curatorial Studies minor or participate in our Public Art Project.
- Opportunities to expand your expertise with a Bachelor’s in Arts Administration.
- Opportunities to participate in the Intern Philly “Art in the World” program, which enables them to complete a combination of on-campus courses and an arts-focused internship experience.
- Opportunities to participate in Arcadia’s signature Spring Preview Study Abroad Experience. Students will also have the opportunity to study abroad through the College of Global Studies or participate in one of the University’s signature study abroad programs or Global Field Studies courses.
- A vibrant community that celebrates the Arts at Arcadia.
- A unique approach to liberal arts programs. Our students participate in immersive workshops and literary events in Creative Writing, gain hands-on access to cutting-edge technology and seasoned professionals in Media and Communication, and engage in our dynamic Theater Arts and Acting BFA programs that provide ample opportunities to perform, direct, design, and produce.
Residential Experience
Arcadia University can provide traditional and apartment-style on-campus housing for interested students. Financial aid assistance will be provided for students to help with housing costs.
Academic and Financial Aid Advising
Arcadia University will work with students personally to provide academic and financial aid advising, support, and services needed to ensure success and affordability. Please reach out to Kevin McGann, Senior Associate Director of Admissions (mcgannk@arcadia.edu), to learn more about your options. We’d love to welcome you to Arcadia!
Check out what our Arts students are doing
A Day in the Life of an Acting Major
Arcadia Students Collaborate with the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Studio Art Seniors Show Off Their Capstone Projects
Contact Us
Transfer Admissions, 215-572-2871, transfer@arcadia.edu
