Academics • Purchase College
Academics

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A perfect place for the curious, creative, and collaborative.

The merging of the liberal arts and sciences with conservatory programs in the visual and performing arts creates an academic environment that buzzes with unique energy.

The curriculum encourages hands-on learning and bold mixing of ideas in a culture of collaboration and inlcusiving. Prepare to lead a life, not simply making a living. 

Find Programs
ActingAnthropologyArt HistoryArt History (MA)Art+Design Foundations ProgramArts ManagementArts Open Access CoursesAsian StudiesBiochemistryBiologyBiology: ConcentrationsChemistryChineseCinema and Television StudiesCollege and Expository WritingCommunicationsComposition (Classical)Contemplative StudiesCreative WritingDance PerformanceDance Performance: BalletDance Performance: CompositionDance Performance: ProductionEarly Childhood DevelopmentEconomicsEducation StudiesEnglish and Global LiteraturesEntrepreneurship in the ArtsEnvironmental StudiesFilmFilm/Video ProductionFrenchGender StudiesGeneral StudiesGlobal Black StudiesGlobal StudiesGraphic DesignHistoryInstrumental PerformanceInstrumental Performance: BrassInstrumental Performance: Classical GuitarInstrumental Performance: HarpInstrumental Performance: PercussionInstrumental Performance: PianoInstrumental Performance: StringsInstrumental Performance: WoodwindsItalianJazz StudiesJewish StudiesJournalismLanguage and CultureLatin American, Caribbean, and Latinx StudiesLaw and Justice StudiesLiberal ArtsLinguisticsMathematics/Computer ScienceMedia StudiesMuseum StudiesMusic MinorNew MediaPainting and DrawingPhilosophy and Critical ThoughtPhotographyPlaywritingPlaywriting and ScreenwritingPolitical SciencePrintmakingPsychologyScreenwritingSculptureSociologySpanishStudio CompositionStudio ProductionTelevision Theory and PracticeTheatre and PerformanceTheatre Design/TechnologyTheatre Design/Technology: Costume DesignTheatre Design/Technology: Costume TechnologyTheatre Design/Technology: Lighting DesignTheatre Design/Technology: Scenic DesignTheatre Design/Technology: Sound DesignTheatre Design/Technology: Stage ManagementTheatre Design/Technology: Technical DirectionUndeclaredVisual Arts (BS)Visual Arts Graduate ProgramsVisual Arts MinorVisual Arts, Interdisciplinary (BFA)Voice and Opera Studies

student experiences

Sustainability Interns

Land Stewardship and Invasive Species interns have begun work on campus in the Purchase Garden and on campus.

Learn More

Spaces Where the Work Gets Done

From shops to studios to labs to theaters, peek inside the places where students spend the bulk of their time getting it done.

Inside Look

By the Numbers

  • 47

    Majors

  • #11

    On 2025 Top Public Schools List
    (U.S. News and World Report)

  • 92%

    Of 2023 graduates who participated in applied or experiential learning

  • 90%

    Of 2023 Graduates Employed, Enrolled in Grad or Professional School, or Both

  • 17

    Average Class Size

  • 11:1

    Student to Faculty Ratio

headshot of Adam Nagourney

Proof of Purchase

Author and reporter Adam Nagourney (Economics) covers West Coast cultural affairs for The New York Times.

He was previously the Los Angeles bureau chief and served eight years as the chief national political correspondent. He is the co-author of Out for Good, a history of the modern gay rights movement.

Meet Adam

Latest Stories

Khlaif Tahir Thompson '18

Work by Khalif Tahir Thompson ’18 at The Armory Show

According to the New York Times, Thompson’s work was a “standout.”

Group of young people sit and look in same direction.

Two Alumni Make Broadway Debuts in Romeo + Juliet

Directed by Sam Gold at the Circle in the Square, previews begin September 26.

Orange Blossom Trail by Joshua Lutz

New Book by Joshua Lutz Praised by the New York Times

Orange Blossom Trail combines Lutz’s recent photos with text by author George Saunders.