Moore College of Art and Design

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States · Est. 1848 · Art & Design School

The only historically women's art and design college in the US, now opening to all genders in 2027.

  • Founded 1848 as Philadelphia School of Design for Women—first women's art school in the US
  • Private nonprofit art and design college in Philadelphia's Parkway Museums District
  • ~500 undergraduate BFA students; 10 majors including Animation, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interior Design, Photography, Film, Fine Arts, Art
  • 91% of 2024 BFA alumni employed or in graduate school within one year
  • Guarantees $1,000 paid internship for every student; lifelong career support through Locks Career Center
  • Notable alumni include Project Runway winners, Emmy-winning costume designers, Pulitzer Prize photographers, and first woman to design US postage stamp

Academics

Moore offers ten undergraduate BFA programs spanning Art Education, Fashion Design, Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Illustration, Animation & Game Arts, Interior Design, Photography & Digital Arts, Film & Digital Cinema, and Entertainment Design. Graduate programs include a Master's in Art Education with emphasis in Inclusive Practices and post-baccalaureate offerings. Youth programs and adult continuing education are also available. The college emphasizes creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and career readiness, with every student required to complete a paid internship.

Campus & Student Life

Located in the heart of Philadelphia's Parkway Museums District, Moore's urban campus provides students access to top museums, galleries, cultural institutions, and dining. The college operates The Galleries at Moore, which are free and open to the public, hosting annual fashion shows and student exhibitions. Connelly Library serves as an academic resource. Moore fosters an inclusive community environment and has partnerships with local institutions including The Franklin Institute and Philadelphia Ballet.

Admissions & Enrollment

Moore historically admitted only women to undergraduate BFA programs but voted in 2026 to open enrollment to all genders beginning the 2027-28 academic year. Graduate, youth, and adult continuing education programs are already co-educational. The college has approximately 466–500 undergraduate students enrolled in its BFA program. Transfer and international pathways are available.

Outcomes & Career Support

Moore is recognized as a leader in career-focused art and design education. The college guarantees a $1,000 paid internship for every student in every major, many of which lead to full-time employment. The Locks Career Center provides lifelong career support to students and alumni. As of 2024, 91% of BFA alumni were employed or in graduate school one year after graduation. Notable alumni include Emmy Award-winning costume designers, Pulitzer Prize-winning photographers, and Project Runway winners.

Founded
1848
Type
Art & Design School
Courses
12
Total intake
Not yet verified
Websitehttp://www.moore.edu
HousingNot available
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
12
Avg career outcomes
Not yet verified
91% placed
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
No
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources