About Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University

Transformative Exploration and Discovery

As one of the country’s leading schools for the study of art, architecture, design and the built environment, Tyler exists to educate the world’s future architects, artists, designers, teachers and planners to develop the full expression of their voices and serve the public good.

We do this by encouraging students to delve deeply into their core subjects while also exploring other disciplines. Not only does this introduce students to new techniques and ideas, but it also exposes them to areas they might rather pursue. In the context of our supportive community, students transform in countless ways, as they grapple with career discovery, theory and practice and discovering ways to create social change.

A close-knit creative community + large research university

Tyler students benefit from the small, interactive classes of our supportive community while also having access to vast resources of one of the country’s finest public, research universities and the dynamic city of Philadelphia.

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Tyler is the only public school of art and architecture in Philadelphia.

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Tyler’s average undergraduate class size is 13 students.

40+

Tyler offers more than 40 degree programs for undergraduates and graduates.

Two people hug inside Tyler, while a third woman in a green dress stands nearby, patiently waiting for the hug to end. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, capturing a moment of connection between friends.

Get to know the people of Tyler

It’s common to hear the mantra at Tyler, “This is a special place.”

With a practitioner-faculty willing to engage deeply in training the next generation of creative minds, and students yearning to reach the apogee of their creativity, Tyler is indeed an inspiring, dynamic place to begin a purposeful life.

Connect to Tyler’s community of faculty, students, staff and alumni.

Graduating students pose together in front of Tyler Hall.

Tyler’s mission

The Tyler School of Art and Architecture educates and inspires students to be active participants in society with the highest aspirations for creative and social achievement, individual expression, scholarly discovery and innovation.

Learn more about Tyler’s vision and values.

The front exhibition space inside the Tyler building, featuring several white podiums displaying art pieces. The space is clean and open, creating a minimalist and focused atmosphere for the artworks.

Tyler Accreditations

Tyler holds national accreditations as a school of art and design, landscape architecture, planning and facilities management.

See all of our accreditations.

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Accessibility at Tyler

Tyler celebrates differences among people as a critical to a healthy learning environment and thriving community. As a result, we have implemented principles of Universal Design into our physical environment and learning goals and work to help all students thrive creatively.

A history of individual attention

Tyler was founded by a gift. In the 1930s, Stella Elkins Tyler donated her Elkins Park, Pennsylvania estate to Temple University as a place for the study of arts, led by her mentor sculptor Boris Blai. Progressive-minded, Blai emphasized the development of strong artistic technique, liberal arts study, individual student attention and socially engaged practice.

Boris Blai

Sculpture

Progressive-minded, Blai emphasized the development of strong artistic technique, liberal arts study, individual student attention and socially engaged practice. “It is the principle of the school that students…are individuals who must contribute to the life and development of society at large”

Tyler Leadership

Led by Dean Susan E. Cahan, who has promoted cross-disciplinary scholarship, practice and education, Tyler has become a place of profound discovery, where students can enrich their experience with classes in art, architecture, cultural history and design.

Susan Cahan smiling at the camera with her arms crossed.

Susan E. Cahan

Dean

“Our students deserve an academic experience that capitalizes on the exciting breadth of fields at Tyler by fostering cross-pollination within the arts and between the arts and the environmental design disciplines.”