Why Study Creative Arts, Design and Architecture?
The Department of Creative Arts, Design and Architecture (CADA) offers a variety of courses in studio art, art history, graphic design, music, theatre, film, and visual storytelling.
Students are presented with opportunities for study in studio practice, history, theory, appreciation, research, and performance. All of our majors and minors explore traditional and innovative processes and practices of the visual arts and performance.
Learn More about Creative Arts, Design and Architecture at Merrimack College
Bachelor of Arts majors include Creative Arts and Design (with Concentrations in Filmmaking, Graphic Design, Illustration, Music, Studio Arts, and Theater), Architectural Studies, as well as hybrid majors in Music Management and Entrepreneurship + Graphic Design. Also, an exciting new Bachelor of Science major in Architecture is available.
Minors in Art History, Film Studies, Graphic Design, Music, Studio Arts, Theatre Arts, and Visual Storytelling are also offered.
The courses offered by the Department of Creative Arts, Design and Architecture introduce students to the interdisciplinarity of the Arts and to the artistic traditions that are their heritage. Students learn from each other, as well as participate in the continuation and enrichment of these traditions.
Join Our Marching Band
Accompany our Division I athletics and unlock your creative potential, pique your intellectual curiosity and expand your professional experience. Be part of college gameday.
Unlock Your Creative Potential
- Develop your analytical and performance skills and prepare yourself for professional life or further study.
- Critically analyze visual and performance art.
- Work cooperatively and creatively with your peers.
- Learn from your own intellectual and creative experiences.
Why Merrimack
- You’ll explore music, studio art, graphic design, art history, film and theatre from many different perspectives.
- You’ll participate in a wide array of student organizations.
- You’ll engage in hands-on learning outside the classroom.
Discover Student Work
Merrimack and the Department of Creative Arts, Design and Architecture present a selection of our students’ work. Learn more about our talented students and their interesting projects.
Featured CADA Alumni
Meet our alumni, including “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” star Charlie Day, and hear what they have to say. Find out where they are working and reach out!
Majors and Minors in the Department of Creative Arts, Design and Architecture
Program Starts Fall 2026
Program Starts Fall 2026
VPA Majors Offered
Want More? Stay in Touch
Check out our Flickr Page There are tons of photos of our majors, classes, student work, and performances for you to explore.
Head to the CADA Playlist on YouTube, and be sure to watch our recitals, exhibition openings, alumni videos to see what our students and alumni have been doing. You can also check out the new Merrimack College Fight Song.
Follow us on Instagram and like us on Facebook to get connected.