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Moore College Of Art And Design: A Unique Creative Path For Women And Nonbinary Artists

Moore College of Art & Design | Philadelphia PA

Aug 02, 2025
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Moore College of Art & Design | Philadelphia PA

Moore College of Art and Design isn’t just another art school—it’s the only historically women's art and design college in the United States, offering a space where creativity, career development, and personal growth come together. Whether you’re a high school student thinking about your next step, a working artist looking to refine your skills, or a parent exploring summer programs for your child, Moore might be the place that sparks something special.

People often talk about the energy at Moore. It’s not just about learning to paint or design—it’s about building confidence, making real connections, and preparing for a life in the arts. Some students even say it changed how they saw themselves.

And it’s not just talk. Moore has a strong track record: 97% of BFA graduates are either working in their field or in grad school within a year of graduating. That’s pretty impressive, especially in a competitive creative industry.

Table of Contents

History and Mission

Founded back in 1848, Moore College of Art and Design has been around for a long time—longer than a lot of colleges you’ve probably heard of. Originally called the Philadelphia School of Design for Women, the school was created to give women the chance to study art when most institutions wouldn’t even let them in the door.

Today, Moore continues to honor that legacy while expanding its mission to include nonbinary and gender nonconforming students. The school isn’t just focused on teaching art—it’s focused on empowering underrepresented voices in the creative world.

What makes Moore special isn’t just its history, though. It’s the way that history shapes the present. Moore isn’t just a school for art—it’s a school for change-makers.

Academic Programs at Moore College of Art and Design

If you're into art and design, Moore has a lot to offer. They offer BFA, MFA, and continuing education programs that cover a wide range of creative fields. Some of the majors you can choose from include:

  • Illustration
  • Fashion Design
  • Graphic Design
  • Animation & Game Arts
  • Interior Design
  • Photography

And it’s not just about sitting in classrooms. Moore makes sure students get hands-on experience. Every BFA student does a paid internship, which gives them real-world experience before they even graduate.

They also offer summer programs for younger students, like the one my daughter took part in a few years ago. She came out of it with a portfolio, some new friends, and a lot more confidence in her art. That’s the kind of thing Moore is known for—supporting young creatives and helping them grow.

How to Apply to Moore College of Art and Design

Getting into Moore isn’t just about your grades—though they do matter. The admissions team looks at your portfolio, your academic history, and how much you really want to make art. They want to see your creative potential, not just what you’ve already done.

If you're thinking about applying, here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll need:

  • High school transcript or college records (if transferring)
  • A portfolio of your best work—this is super important
  • A personal statement that shows why you want to go to Moore
  • Letters of recommendation (optional, but helpful)

They also offer portfolio review days where you can get feedback before you officially apply. That’s pretty cool if you’re not 100% sure what to include.

Scholarships and Financial Aid Opportunities

Let’s talk money—because, well, college costs. Moore knows that, and they try to make it easier for students to afford. They offer scholarships to every admitted student, which is a big deal.

Last year alone, Moore gave out over $3.5 million in scholarships. That’s not just a few small grants here and there—it’s serious support for students who show artistic and academic promise.

They also have leadership fellowships and travel grants, which help students take part in international programs or conferences. So if you're dreaming of studying art in Italy or attending a design conference in New York, Moore might help make that happen.

And the best part? You don’t have to apply separately for most scholarships. They’re automatically considered when you apply to the college.

Campus Life, Internships, and Career Support

Moore is based in the heart of Philadelphia, which gives students easy access to museums, galleries, and creative job opportunities. The campus is small, but that’s a good thing—it makes the community feel closer.

They offer virtual tours and open houses, so you can get a feel for the school even if you can’t visit in person. And for students who want to study abroad, Moore has partnerships in places like Italy and Japan.

Internships are a big part of the experience. Every BFA student does at least one paid internship, and the school helps place them with companies in their field. That’s not just a line on a resume—it’s real experience that can lead to job offers.

Plus, Moore has strong alumni connections. A lot of graduates end up working in design studios, animation houses, fashion labels, and even starting their own businesses. That’s a big reason why 97% of BFA graduates are employed or in grad school within a year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Moore College of Art and Design only for women?

Moore was originally founded as a women's college, but today it welcomes nonbinary and gender nonconforming students as well. The school still focuses on supporting underrepresented voices in the arts and design fields.

Do all students get scholarships?

Yes, Moore offers scholarships to all admitted students based on artistic and academic merit. They also give out over $3.5 million in aid each year, which helps make the school more affordable.

Are internships required at Moore?

Yes, every BFA student completes a paid internship before graduating. Moore helps students find placements and build real-world skills that set them up for success after graduation.

If you're looking for a place that supports creative growth, offers real career training, and gives you the tools to succeed, Moore College of Art and Design might be exactly what you need. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your skills, Moore has something special to offer.

Moore College of Art & Design | Philadelphia PA
Moore College of Art & Design | Philadelphia PA
Moore College of Art & Design and Cecil College Sign Transfer Agreement
Moore College of Art & Design and Cecil College Sign Transfer Agreement
Winter at Moore College of Art & Design Through the Years | Moore College
Winter at Moore College of Art & Design Through the Years | Moore College

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