Why study Design at MC?
The Major and Minor in Design provides guided instruction and discourse in design process, principles, elements, creativity, problem-based solutions and develops a strong visual literacy and criticism of the role and impact of design in a global society. The program complements the broad knowledge grounded in the liberal arts tradition with specialized technical and aesthetic design skills and expertise.
The curriculum exhibits experiential and cooperative learning in conjunction with independent design research and projects, centralized towards compelling, effective, and culturally sensitive visual communication. For all students, the curriculum embraces the belief that design both enriches and is enriched by its interconnectedness with other areas of human behavior and the environment.
THE MARYVILLE COLLEGE DESIGN LAB is an internal service organization, created to provide quality graphic design and consulting services for local, regional and national non-profit, non-governmental organizations and MC campus groups, divisions and organizations. It also serves as an internship and ‘living lab’ for design majors to enhance design and communication skills and build their professional portfolios.
Scholarships, Awards, & Auditions
The Division of Fine Arts offers several opportunities to both first-year and returning or transfer students based on academic achievement, interest areas, leadership and talent. Learn More about the awards and qualifications >
Meet a Current Scot
Sophie Turner
Hometown: Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Sophie chose Maryville because she loved the atmosphere of the campus and noticed how professors knew the students they taught on a personal level. In addition to majoring in Design, Sophie is on the women’s soccer team and is an editor for the Highland Echo, the College’s newspaper.
For her Senior Study, Sophie explored the evolution of human representations in art throughout history and the effects different representations have had on a person’s body image. “I love that my major has given me the skills to look at a problem from every angle and not just find a one-size-fits-all solution,” she said. “I also love how committed they are to helping me be the best designer I can be!”
Meet a Recent Grad
Evan Gambill ’19
Currently: Senior Designer at Notion, LLC, in St. Louis, Mo.
Evan chose the Design major after encouragement from his family and a discussion with Professor Adrienne Schwarte. “MC Design classes were engaging and intellectually stimulating,” Evan said. “We were encouraged to celebrate each other’s creativity and skills, as well as our own.”
While a student, Evan created a logo that was selected to represent the Appalachian College Association. Today, he credits the College with preparing him for his career, stating “The MC internship program was a great segue into what working in the industry looks like on a daily basis – balancing workloads, communicating updates, and providing deliverables to clients within deadlines.”