Ursinus College

What you'll study

The programme balances studio practice, technical skills and contextual study. Core studio courses typically cover foundational two- and three-dimensional design, drawing, colour theory, and visual experimentation. Students progress to specialised courses in areas such as graphic design, typography, illustration, photography, digital media, printmaking and materials-based projects.

Alongside studio work, the curriculum includes classes in art history and visual culture, design theory, and critical approaches to contemporary practice. Project-based courses and collaborative studios emphasise process, concept development, portfolio building and client-focused briefs. Students also have opportunities for independent study or a senior capstone project that showcases a sustained body of work.

• Foundations in Drawing, Design and Visual Principles
• Digital Tools for Design: Adobe suite, page layout and image editing
• Typography and Graphic Communication
• Photography and Image-making
• Printmaking and Material Processes
• Design History and Critical Theory
• Professional Practices: portfolios, exhibitions and freelance/business skills
• Independent Study or Senior Thesis Project

Structure and assessment

Teaching mixes studio contact hours, small seminars and critiques with lectures and workshops. Assessment is primarily through project work, portfolios, written reflections and exhibition of student work. Cross-disciplinary options and elective courses within the liberal arts curriculum allow students to pair design study with complementary subjects such as psychology, marketing, computer science or education.

Entry requirements

Typical applicants hold a high-school diploma or equivalent with a strong record in relevant subjects. Admissions places value a creative portfolio demonstrating observational drawing, design aptitude, visual problem-solving and a range of media. Colleges often expect a balance of academic achievement and evidence of commitment to art and design practice.

• A completed secondary education qualification or equivalent
• Submission of a portfolio of recent creative work (sketches, finished pieces, digital or photographic documentation)
• Academic transcripts showing solid performance across a broad liberal-arts curriculum
• Personal statement or statement of purpose outlining creative interests and goals
• Letters of recommendation are typically encouraged

Prospective students should consult Ursinus College admissions for specific requirements, portfolio guidelines and any audition or interview procedures.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of creative and applied roles. Common career paths include graphic designer, web and UI/UX designer, illustrator, photographer, art director, print and production specialist, exhibition designer, and visual content creator for advertising and social media. The programme also prepares students for roles in education, museum and gallery work, branding and marketing, and for postgraduate study in fine art, design, or design research.

Skills developed—visual communication, project management, critical thinking and digital literacy—are valued across sectors, enabling graduates to work in design studios, in-house creative teams, cultural organisations, or as self-employed practitioners.

Why study at Ursinus College

Ursinus offers a liberal-arts environment with small class sizes, frequent one-to-one faculty mentorship and a close-knit studio culture. The college emphasises experiential learning, giving students opportunities to exhibit work, collaborate across disciplines and engage with community-based projects. Facilities typically include studios, darkrooms or digital labs and equipment for print and digital production.

The college’s liberal-arts curriculum supports broader intellectual development, allowing design students to combine creative study with courses in writing, critical theory and other fields that strengthen research, communication and contextual understanding—preparing graduates to adapt in a changing creative landscape.