Moore College of Art and Design

Founded by Sarah Worthington Peter in 1848, Moore College of Art & Design is the first and only women’s visual arts college in the nation. Established as the Philadelphia School of Design for Women, the College continues to thrive on the promise of empowering women to achieve financial independence by providing a quality, career-focused education.

Today, Moore celebrates its rich legacy. Sarah’s original vision continues to drive the College’s mission to educate women for careers in the visual arts. Though our first major was textile design—established during the Industrial Revolution, of which Philadelphia was the center—the College now offers 10 BFA programs including Art Education, Art History, Curatorial Studies, Fashion Design, Fine Arts with emphases in 2D and 3D, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interior Design, Photography & Digital Arts and Textile Design.

In recent years, we have expanded our curriculum to include Post-Baccalaureate Programs in addition to Continuing Education programs for adults and youth. In 2007, Moore introduced three Graduate level programs.

Moore’s Mission

Moore College of Art & Design prepares students for lifelong learning and leadership in the fine arts, design arts, art history, art education and curatorial studies. As the first and only art and design college for women, Moore advances the role of women in the visual arts and ensures their success by bridging the worlds of education and work. As a leader in the arts and cultural communities, Moore promotes the visual arts through distinctive education and gallery programs.

We accomplish this mission by:

Emphasizing problem solving, creativity and leadership throughout the Bachelor of Fine Arts curriculum;

Developing and promoting non-degree programs for a wide range of co-ed students, from childhood through adulthood, that provide personal and professional enrichment; and

Bringing artists and designers of local, national and international importance to Moore and informing the community at large through exhibitions, symposia and other educational programs.