Marymount Manhattan College

What you'll study

The programme balances foundation art and design studios with specialised courses in contemporary applied arts. Early semesters focus on visual fundamentals—drawing, colour theory, 2D and 3D design—alongside introductory digital media. Intermediate and advanced coursework typically includes typography and editorial design, branding and identity, web and interface design, user-centred design and basic motion graphics.

• Design foundation: drawing, composition, materials and processes
• Graphic design and typography: layout, publication and editorial projects
• Digital and interactive design: web design, basic HTML/CSS concepts, UX principles, introductory motion
• Product and material studies: prototyping, model-making, packaging and material exploration
• Photography and image-making: studio and digital photographic approaches for design
• Professional practice: portfolio development, freelancing, client briefs and ethics
• Capstone project or senior studio: an extended self-directed design project and exhibition/portfolio review

Throughout the degree, students complete liberal-arts courses that develop critical thinking, writing and visual analysis. Studios emphasise critique, iterative processes and collaboration. Many students augment studio work with internships at design studios, agencies, publishers and cultural institutions across New York City.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised secondary school diploma or its equivalent. Admission typically requires a portfolio of creative work demonstrating visual thinking and basic craft in drawing, layout, digital projects or three-dimensional making. A personal statement describing design interests and goals, and one or more academic references, are usually part of the application.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Portfolio of recent work (digital submission guidelines available from the college)
• Personal statement and academic reference(s)
• Standardised tests may be optional; check the college’s current admissions policy
• International applicants must meet English-language proficiency requirements (examination scores or equivalent)

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of design-related roles across commercial, cultural and digital sectors. Common entry-level positions include graphic designer, production artist, junior UX/UI designer, web designer, packaging designer and studio assistant. With experience, alumni progress to roles such as art director, brand strategist, design manager or creative director.

Many graduates also pursue freelance and consultancy careers, launch small design studios or continue to postgraduate study in design, interaction design, visual communication or related arts disciplines. The college’s proximity to New York City supports placements and networking with agencies, publishers, galleries and tech companies.

Why study at Marymount Manhattan College

Marymount Manhattan College offers small class sizes and close faculty mentorship, which benefit studio-based learning and critique. The programme is grounded in a liberal-arts environment that encourages cross-disciplinary exploration and strong communication skills. Being located in Manhattan gives students easy access to internships, client projects and cultural institutions that regularly collaborate with the department.

• Hands-on studios and access to digital labs and fabrication tools
• Faculty who are practising designers and artists with professional networks
• Opportunities for internships and real-world projects in New York City
• Support for portfolio development, career advising and exhibition opportunities

The programme prepares students for immediate entry into professional design roles while providing the conceptual and critical skills to adapt as design technologies and markets evolve.