Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Creative Arts and Design
With an annual tuition of only $17,000, our B.A. in Creative Arts and Design provides remarkable value, infused with artistic expression.
Build a polished portfolio while exploring music, art, design, media and theatre. Learn to create, perform and communicate across disciplines—your way.
Creative Arts and Design Degree at a Glance
Program Type
Major
Mode of Study
On Campus
Co-op/
Internship
Guaranteed
Est. Time
4 Years
Start Terms
Fall, Spring
Cost: $17K
School
Accreditation
Tell Me More About Merrimack's Creative Arts and Design Major
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The Creative Arts and Design Major
Are you passionate about creating, performing, designing or imagining new possibilities? The B.A. in Creative Arts and Design at Merrimack College inspires you to shape your unique artistic path through an innovative, interdisciplinary program that blends music, theatre, visual arts, graphic design, illustration and media.
Whether you dream of becoming a filmmaker, designer, musician, performer or entrepreneur, this program offers a flexible and forward-thinking foundation to help you grow your talents. Specifically interested in musical performance? Explore our marching bands page and various bands and choirs to learn how you can get involved!
What You'll Study
We believe the arts are essential—not optional. They help us make meaning, connect with others and build a better world. Our mission is to prepare students not only for successful careers, but also for purposeful, creative lives.
As a creative arts and design major, many of your courses engage you with project-based work as well as bring visiting artists into the classroom. From studio-based learning and live performance to creative research and practice, you’ll explore how art, design and culture intersect—and how your voice can contribute to the world.
Improvisation
Arts & Cultural Leadership
Practice and Identity
Innovative Design Strategies
Active Listening with Intention
Arts Management
Skills You'll Learn
Merrimack’s creative arts and design majors learn to manage big ideas with critical thinking, problem-solving and originality. Adapt to new tech, learn to take feedback in a constructive manner and lead with integrity—always keeping the bigger picture in mind.
Annually, you’ll participate in Merrimack College’s Research and Creativity Achievement Conference, our public Senior Capstone Project exhibition and website launch, as well as performances on and off campus. Throughout your study, you’ll develop a portfolio of work helping you seek internships and employment after graduation.
Cultural & Historical Literacy
Critical Thinking
Artistic Presentation
Ethics & Responsibility
Professional Branding
Creative Production
Project Management
Collaboration
Creative Arts and Design Concentrations
All students in the creative arts and design major begin with a solid foundation of six core courses in the visual and performing arts. From studio-based learning and live performance to creative research and practice, you’ll explore how art, design, and culture intersect—and how your voice can contribute to the world.
From there, you’ll choose a concentration to build your skills in one of six dynamic areas, create a portfolio and complete a Senior Capstone project.
Filmmaking and Media Arts Concentration
This concentration provides a unique perspective on film from a constellation of fields and disciplines within the School of Arts & Sciences. Intended for students who’d like to deepen their understanding of film history, analysis, video production and editing, it can lead to opportunities in filmmaking, directing, editing and film criticism and provide you with the background necessary to pursue graduate studies.
Required courses include:
- COM2401 Media and Culture
- DES2840 Visual Storytelling
- DES2850 Videography
- COM3420 The Film Experience OR COM3312 Media Criticism
- COM3422 Live Media Production OR COM3423 Field Production OR COM3424 Post-Production
Popular career paths: Director, producer, screenwriter, video editor, motion graphics designer, script reader, story analyst.
Graphic Design Concentration
Our graphic design concentration combines the art and science of visual communication by teaching students to create engaging designs for print, digital and interactive media. The program blends design theory, critical thinking and technical skills while preparing you to thrive in a fast-evolving field. Our curriculum emphasizes research, problem-solving and real-world design methodologies to develop both practical and conceptual expertise.
Required courses include:
- DES2820 Elements of Graphic Design
- DES2840 Visual Storytelling
- DES2830 Graphic Design Studio
- DES3860 UX Design
- DES3810 Social Media Design OR DES3830 Visual Web Design OR DES3840 Motion Design OR DES3870 Data Visualization
Popular career paths: Social media and marketing coordinator, communications specialist, digital media coordinator, art director, graphic designer, video editor, motion graphics designer, UX/UI designer, game UX lead, technical publishing specialist.
Illustration Concentration
Develops your skills in visual storytelling, drawing and conceptual thinking to communicate ideas across a range of media. Pursue your passion with an Illustration concentration—master drawing, visual storytelling, and digital tools to create artwork for books, games, film, and advertising.
Required courses include:
- ART2210 Creative Drawing 2
- ART 2220 Illustration
- DES2840 Visual Storytelling
- ART3150 Comics and the Art of the Graphic Novel
- ART3155 Character Design
Popular career paths: Freelance illustrator, editorial illustrator (magazines, newspapers), children’s book illustrator, book cover artist, advertising illustrator.
Music Concentration
Merrimack’s music concentration is your ticket to unlocking your creative potential and mastering the latest in both music production and engineering. You’ll dive into the tools and tech shaping today’s music scene such as industry-standard software, cutting-edge production gear and gain a deeper understanding of music theory, history and composition – it’s everything you need to turn your passion into your career.
Required courses include:
- MUS2360 Elementary Music
- MUS2380 The Architecture of Music
- MUS3310 Music Production
- MUS 3320 Songwriting or MUS 3330 Music Composition
- Performance classes [may count for a total of 4 credits and replace another course recommended by student’s advisor]
Popular career paths: Recording engineer, artist-in-residence or performer, music ministry, sound designer, music composer for the film and video game industries, music educator, arts business or arts management, music journalist.
Studio Arts Concentration
Designed for students who have a keen understanding of both the art world and the larger contextual society in which it operates, your studies will combine craft-based skills and techniques, academic research, and creative practice with communal and experiential learning.
Advancing through the program with a cohort, you’ll build peer support and form lifelong friendships with fellow students who share your passion for the arts. Get a competitive edge in the job market with an internship at an art studio, production company, gallery or museum. Investigate the Arts through the lens of studio art, art history and professional practice.
Required courses include:
- ART1710 Foundations of Making: Process and Creativity
- ART2270 Painting
- ART2210 Drawing 2
- ART2500 Art of Human Anatomy OR ART2250 Independent Studio
- ART3150 Comics and the Art of the Graphic Novel OR ART3155 Character Design
Popular career paths: Art conservationist, art gallery manager, animator, interior and spatial designer, museum curator, exhibition preparator, concept artist.
Theatre Arts Concentration
Understand the cultural and historical roots of theatre while learning how to apply this knowledge across all disciplines within the theater profession. Our expert faculty will teach you how to blend knowledge, theory and real-world practice. Our theatre arts concentration will develop theater artists who not only master the theory behind the craft but also develop the creative skills needed to truly captivate an audience. Get a competitive edge in the job market by taking an internship at a local theatre!
Required courses include:
- THR1510 Acting 1
- THR 1515: Theatre Practicum (2 credits, required to take it 2x)
- THR2570 Technical Production
- THR2580 Design for the Theatre
- THR3510 Directing 1
Popular career paths:
Costume designer, company manager, production manager, box office/group sales, technical director, theatre arts and technical director, marketing & communications assistant, actor.
Transfer Students
If you’re transferring as a creative arts and design major, the transfer of studio courses and level of placement in the creative arts and design program will be determined by the faculty. Upon application to Merrimack College, you are required to submit a portfolio or audition to the Department of Creative Arts, Design and Architecture for review. During the portfolio review, the faculty will assess your skills, as well as the courses to be transferred toward the degree requirements. Faculty will compare your level of accomplishment with the program’s expectations to determine where you’re qualified for placement into the program. Portfolios and auditions can be submitted in-person or digitally.
Technology Requirements
Creative arts and design majors are required to have professional-level software and a professional-level laptop at the start of your freshman year. Inquiries about technical requirements are always welcome; contact the Chair of the Department of Creative Arts, Design and Architecture.
Creative Arts and Design Courses You'll Take
Design
For Tomorrow
DES 1230
Explore design’s role across industries, cultures, and emerging technologies. It guides students through foundational concepts, historical transformations, and modern-day applications, including AI.
IMPROVISATION
THR 2585
This course introduces the history, theories, principles, and practices of theatrical improvisation, including exercises, games, and situational scenes designed to hone performance skills. The course introduces both short and long form Improvisation.
ARTS
MANAGEMENT
VPA 2590
How do the arts intersect with the world of business? This course introduces students to the challenging and exciting sector of arts management within the context of their own artistic practice, as well as their prospective careers.
See All Courses & Options Available to Creative Arts and Design Majors
Creative Arts and Design Major Requirements
General Education Requirements
In addition to the major requirements below, you will also need to complete Merrimack’s general education requirements.
To see more details about the major, please visit catalog.merrimack.edu.
Sample Four-Year Schedule - Curriculum Guide
Creative Arts and Design Students In the Classroom & Beyond
When it comes to career readiness, we believe getting outside of the classroom is key. At Merrimack, you’ll complement your coursework with experiences like guaranteed internships, co-ops, service learning or faculty-led research projects.
Art History Major
Graphic Design Major
Graphic Design Major
Career: Music Teacher, Fusion Academy
Music & Communication and Media Double Major
Career: Web Designer, Ellis Audiobooks
Graphic Design Major
Theatre Arts Major
STUDENT WORK
Creative Arts and Design Student Achievements
Career Outlook: Where Can a Creative Arts and Design Degree Take You?
Career Outcomes Rate
93% of the undergraduate class of 2024 in Arts & Sciences were either employed, participating in voluntary service or continuing their education within nine months of graduation.
Experiential Learning
90% of the undergraduate class of 2024 participated in at least one internship, co-op, clinical, practicum or research opportunity while at Merrimack.
Graduate School
Merrimack, New England School of Law, George Washington University and Boston College are just some of the graduate programs Arts & Sciences graduates are attending.
Jobs with a Creative Arts and Design Degree
Upon completing our program, you’ll be equipped to pursue graduate study or a career in creative arts and related disciplines. Positions may include:
- Social Media and Marketing Coordinator
- Digital Media Coordinator
- Art/Creative Director
- Video Editor
- Motion Graphics Designer
- Graphic/Visual/Interactive Designer
- UX/UI Designer
- Recording Engineer
- Sound Designer
- Music Composer for film and video games
- Associate Technical Director
- Theatre Technician
Where Merrimack Creative Arts and Design Graduates Work & Intern
52 Launch
Graphic Designer &
Web Designer
Scorch Consulting LLC
Sales Representative
Goodwill
Retail Marketing & Communication Specialist
KMG Digital
Account Manager
Trip Advisor
Brand Design
Intern
Commodity Fragrances
Art Director & Head Graphic Designer
M.S. Walker, Inc
Graphic Designer
Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival
Stage Management
Intern
Beyond the Classroom
Student Life
You’ll have endless opportunities to find your fit, get involved and pursue what makes you happy—all while making lifelong friends (and memories!).
Explore your passions alongside others with similar interests, whether that means a cappella singing or outdoor adventuring.
- 70+ student organizations
- Division I Athletics, club and intramural sports
- Beloved traditions like Homecoming, Block Party and Spring Concert
- Fraternities and sororities
Internships & Co-Ops
Our students gain valuable work experience and connections with leading companies through guaranteed internships and the Warriors at Work co-op program. Recent placements include:
- Interning with Homeland Security Investigations, shadowing special agents
- Interning at Delta Tech-Ops, working in components engineering
- Working as a tax intern at Baker Tilly
Research with Faculty
With access to cutting-edge tools, undergraduate students can collaborate with faculty on research projects that can lead to presentations and publications.
- Explore the complexities of the human mind in a state-of-the-art psychology lab.
- Understand how inflammation affects immune cell aging in our Shared Instrumentation and Research Facility.
- Build fully functional battle bots for competitions.
Study Abroad
Global Merrimack provides transformative, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Our 30+ study abroad programs include semesters abroad, faculty-led trips and international internships.
- Explore and study in the Dominican Republic or Iceland.
- Immerse yourself in cities like Dublin, Madrid or Rome.
- Experience a semester at sea or intern in vibrant cities like London or Paris.
Service Learning
Community and service are at the heart of our Augustinian mission.
Over 1,000 students work together to engage in hands-on service learning projects each year, supporting our communities and those in need.
- Participate in our campus-wide Mack Gives Back volunteer days.
- Spend your winter, spring, or summer break on an immersive SEND trip in the U.S. or abroad, helping those in need.
- Tutor students in nearby school districts.
See for Yourself
Humanities Faculty & Staff
Our faculty members are dedicated to student success. They bring their real-world experience into the classroom and offer personalized academic support.
Programs Related to the Creative Arts and Design Major
Explore other areas and where they can take you.
Program Starts Fall 2026
Take the Next Step (We're Here to Help)
At Merrimack, we are ready to meet you where you are and get you where you want to go. And, we make the process simple along the way!
Upcoming Events
Info Session & Campus Tour
Monday-Friday & Most Saturdays
Attend a 20-minute info session led by an admission counselor and then take a student-led campus tour. Registration is required.
Merrimack College Awards & Recognition
U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2026)
- Most Innovative Schools (#8)
- Regional Universities North (#38)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (#20)
- Best Colleges for Veterans (#16)
- Best Value Schools (#52)
Tell Me More About Merrimack's Creative Arts and Design Major
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