Wartburg College

What you'll study

The programme blends foundation art and design courses with specialised studio and digital classes, set within Wartburg's liberal arts curriculum. First‑year work typically emphasises drawing, 2D and 3D design principles, colour theory and introduction to digital tools. Intermediate and advanced study includes courses in typography, branding, web and interface design, photography, printmaking, ceramics or sculpture, materials and fabrication, and sustainable design approaches.

Students undertake project‑based modules that move from concept development through prototyping to finished artefacts, and they participate in regular critiques and group projects. A senior capstone or portfolio seminar brings together a cohesive body of work for presentation to faculty and external reviewers.

• Foundation modules: Drawing, Design Principles, Colour Theory, Visual Thinking
• Studio and craft: Ceramics, Printmaking, Sculpture, Materials and Processes
• Digital and applied design: Graphic Design, Typography, Web Design, UX/UI basics, Digital Imaging
• Professional practice: Portfolio Development, Internship, Exhibition Practice, Design History and Criticism

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent. Wartburg considers applications holistically, so academic record, letters of recommendation and a personal statement are important. A portfolio of recent creative work is strongly recommended and may be required for admission to the major; the portfolio should demonstrate observational drawing, design thinking and an aptitude for media relevant to the applicant's interests.

Standardised test scores may be optional depending on institutional policy. International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements through recognised tests or equivalent evidence of prior study in English. Transfer students should provide transcripts and course descriptions for evaluation and are encouraged to contact the department to discuss transfer of studio credits.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of creative and applied roles across commercial, cultural and educational settings. Common career paths include graphic designer, digital/interactive designer, user interface or experience assistant, production artist, illustrator, exhibition designer and maker-entrepreneur. Some graduates use the broad liberal arts grounding to pursue roles in arts administration, museum and gallery work, or to continue to postgraduate study in design, fine art, education or related fields.

The programme also supports freelance and small‑business practice; students develop business, portfolio and professional presentation skills to support self‑employment or consultancy work. Internship placements and community partnerships often lead to entry‑level positions in design studios, creative agencies and cultural organisations.

Why study at Wartburg College

Wartburg College offers a small, mentoring environment where faculty-to-student contact in studio settings is high and critique-based learning is central. The college’s liberal arts framework encourages interdisciplinary connections, so design students can combine technical development with study in subjects such as marketing, psychology or business.

Facilities typically include dedicated studios, computer labs with industry-standard software, darkroom or digital photography resources, and fabrication spaces for ceramics and sculpture. Students benefit from exhibition opportunities on campus, local community projects and supervised internships with regional employers. The close-knit alumni and department network provides ongoing career support and professional networking.