Pratt Institute Courses : Art, Design & Architecture Programs
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Table of Content
- Understanding Pratt Institute's Academic Structure
- Pratt Institute Courses At the Undergraduate Level
- Pratt Institute Courses At the Graduate Level
- Pratt Institute Academic Calendar
- Online Learning Opportunities at Pratt
- Continuing Education for Lifelong Learners
- Specialized Programs and Concentrations
- Pratt Institute Industrial Design
- Pratt Institute Digital Arts
- Pratt Institute Communication Design
- Pratt Institute Creative Writing
- Move-In Ready Spaces Near Pratt: Book with Amber
Pratt Institute, established in 1887 in Brooklyn, New York, is a prestigious private university known for its exceptional education in areas like Architecture, Planning, Design, IT, and Software. The university offers 4 specialized programs for international students, with 2 at the undergraduate level and 2 at the graduate level.
The first-year tuition for undergraduate Pratt Institute courses ranges from USD 59,683 to USD 59,821, while graduate program fees range from USD 30,078 to USD 49,392. With a diverse student body of 5,137 students from 78 countries, Pratt Institute provides students access to dual degrees and advanced certificates through its six schools and 28 departments.
Understanding Pratt Institute's Academic Structure
In order to better discuss some of the Pratt Institute courses, it is important to understand how the institution organizes its academic offerings. Pratt Institute has five schools, all have their creative specialties.
- School of Art
- School of Design
- School of Architecture
- School of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- School of Information
Special Pratt Institute courses offered by each school meet the industry standard and academic excellence. The institute follows a semester system with an academic year normally between August and May, plus summer sessions.
Pratt Institute Courses At the Undergraduate Level
Pratt Institute provides more than 25 undergraduate courses to offer students technical skills and creative minds. Constantly being included in the best Art and Design schools in the United States by the U.S. News & World Report (2024), here is the accurate tuition and total estimated cost for undergraduate students, broken down by housing arrangement and program type:
| Student Type | Tuition (Annual) | Estimated Total Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Art & Design / Writing / Construction Mgmt / Architecture Students (On-campus) | $62,214 | $87,479 | Tuition + Fees + Housing & Food + Supplies + Personal + Health + Loan Fees |
| New Architecture Students (Off-campus) | $62,214 | $94,571 | Includes higher off-campus housing & food ($24,192) and tech + transport |
| New Students (Commuter) | $62,214 | $78,159 | Reduced housing/food costs and no additional architecture computer fees |
| Continuing Undergraduates | $62,214 | Same estimates | Costs remain nearly identical; only category labels change |
- Per-credit cost for undergraduates: $2,007
- Fees Breakdown (common to all):
- Academic/Activity Fee: $1,014
- Technology Fee: $610
- Health Services Fee: $400
- Books/Supplies: $2,100
- Personal Expenses: $2,300
- Loan Fees: $241
- Architecture students only: $3,500 Computer Allowance
Pratt Institute Courses At the Graduate Level
For those looking to further their education, Pratt offers numerous graduate programs across various disciplines. These advanced Pratt Institute courses provide specialized knowledge and research opportunities designed to push the boundaries of creative practice and theory.
| Division | Credits per Year | Tuition (USD) | Resident Total Cost | Commuter Total Cost | Off-Campus Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Design & Architecture | 24 (Full Load) | $53,280 | $78,588 | $69,268 | $85,680 |
| Art, Design & Architecture | 18 | $39,960 | $65,268 | $55,948 | $72,360 |
| Art, Design & Architecture | 12 | $26,640 | $50,046 | $40,726 | $57,138 |
| School of Information | 24 | $43,488 | $68,796 | $59,476 | $75,888 |
| School of Information | 18 | $32,616 | $57,924 | $48,640 | $65,016 |
| School of Information | 12 | $21,744 | $45,150 | $35,830 | $52,242 |
Additional Costs:
- Architecture & Urban Design students: Add $4,200 (computer/software)
- Interior Design students: Add $4,000 (computer/software)
Pratt Institute Academic Calendar
Understanding the academic calendar is essential for planning your journey through Pratt Institute courses. The standard academic year at Pratt Institute consists of:
- Fall Semester (August to December)
- Spring Semester (January to May)
- Summer Sessions (May to August)
Online Learning Opportunities at Pratt
The Pratt Summer Precollege program takes place four days a week, 9.30 am-5 pm, and is awarded 4 college credits. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until May 30, and are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Students are invited to attend optional studio hours to receive further support, and can expect to experience 2–4 hours of homework per night.
- Comic Book / Sequential Art
- Cultural Studies
- Creative Writing
- Digital Arts: 2D Animation
- Digital Arts: 3D Animation
Continuing Education for Lifelong Learners
Pratt Institute continuing education programs cater to professionals and lifelong learners seeking to expand their knowledge or develop new skills. Popular Pratt Institute continuing education programs include:
| Course Name | Mode | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Adobe After Effects | Online | Explore 2D and 3D animation using After Effects for digital art. |
| Adobe InDesign | Online | Learn layout design for print and digital media using InDesign. |
| Book Illustration: Picture Book | Pratt Manhattan | Learn to illustrate, design, and produce children’s picture books. |
| AutoCAD Advanced | Online | Build on AutoCAD basics to create refined 2D production drawings. |
Specialized Programs and Concentrations
Pratt Institute Industrial Design
The Pratt Institute industrial design program is consistently ranked among the top programs in the country. Students in the Pratt Institute industrial design program learn to create innovative product solutions that balance form, function, and user experience.
The Pratt Institute industrial design curriculum includes:
- Design fundamentals
- Materials and manufacturing processes
- User research and human factors
- Sustainable design practices
- Professional portfolio development
Graduates of the Pratt Institute industrial design program have gone on to work for companies like Apple, Google, Nike, and Knoll, developing consumer products, furniture, transportation, and medical devices.
Pratt Institute Digital Arts
The Pratt Institute digital arts program prepares students for careers in animation, game design, and interactive media. The Pratt Institute digital arts curriculum balances technical skills with creative expression and storytelling.
Key areas of focus in the Pratt Institute digital arts program include:
- 2D and 3D animation
- Game design and development
- Interactive installations
- Motion graphics
- Virtual and augmented reality
Pratt Institute Communication Design
The Pratt Institute communication design program teaches students to effectively communicate ideas through visual media. The Pratt Institute communication design curriculum covers graphic design, illustration, advertising, and typography.
Students in the Pratt Institute communication design program develop skills in:
- Visual problem-solving
- Brand identity development
- Publication design
- Digital and web design
- Package design
Pratt Institute Creative Writing
The Pratt Institute creative writing program offers students the opportunity to develop their literary voice while exploring various genres and forms. The Pratt Institute creative writing curriculum emphasizes both craft and critical analysis.
The Pratt Institute creative writing program includes courses in:
- Fiction writing
- Poetry
- Creative nonfiction
- Playwriting
- Literary translation
Move-In Ready Spaces Near Pratt: Book with Amber
Located in the creative heart of Brooklyn, Pratt Institute attracts artists, designers, and innovators from around the world. As you prepare to begin your journey here, finding the right place to live is just as important.
Student-friendly neighborhoods like Clinton Hill, Williamsburg, and Bushwick offer a vibrant mix of culture, community, and convenience, all just a short commute from Pratt’s campus.
With amber, finding off-campus student housing near Pratt Institute is simple and stress-free. From flexible lease terms to verified listings, we help you secure a space that matches your lifestyle, budget, and creative rhythm.
Here are some top student housing options near Pratt Institute:
- Bernard Brooklyn Home, Brooklyn – Cozy and artistic shared housing in a peaceful Brooklyn neighborhood.
- New York Friends Home, New York – A friendly and affordable co-living space ideal for students.
- Williamsburg Meserole Home, New York – Trendy and modern, this student home offers stylish living spaces.
- Lorimer Williamsburg Home, Brooklyn – A popular student choice with easy access to cafes and creative hubs.
- Agate Brooklyn Home, New York – A well-furnished and secure residence combining comfort and convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many courses should I take per semester at Pratt Institute?
Most full-time undergraduate students take 4-5 Pratt Institute courses per semester, equivalent to 15-18 credit hours. Graduate students typically take 3-4 Pratt Institute courses per semester, depending on their program requirements and studio commitments.
Can non-Pratt students enroll in Pratt Institute courses?
Yes, through the Pratt Institute continuing education program, non-degree students can take certain Pratt Institute courses. Additionally, students from other New York-area institutions may be able to cross-register for Pratt Institute courses through consortium agreements.
What equipment do I need for Pratt Institute digital arts courses?
For most Pratt Institute digital arts courses, students need a laptop that meets the department's specifications, usually including higher RAM and processing power. Specific software requirements vary by course, but many Pratt Institute digital arts programs provide access to computer labs with the necessary software installed.
Are there portfolio requirements for Pratt Institute communication design courses?
Yes, admission to the Pratt Institute communication design program requires submitting a portfolio demonstrating creative potential and visual problem-solving skills. Current students looking to take advanced Pratt Institute communication design courses may need to show prerequisite coursework or portfolio examples.
How can I learn more about the Pratt Institute creative writing program?
The best way to learn about the Pratt Institute's creative writing program is to visit the Institute's website, attend an information session, or contact the department directly. You can also request to speak with current students or alumni of the Pratt Institute creative writing program to gain insights into their experiences.