Marist College

The partnership between Marist and the Istituto Lorenzo de’ Medici for the past four decades has truly fostered an international learning environment for students. Both institutions share a similar vision and mission in their approaches to education. These core values of excellence in education, the importance of community, and the principle of service are the foundation for this unique alliance. 

LdM is recognized by the Middle States Association of Higher Education and is authorized by the Ministry of Public Education in Italy, in addition to being an accredited member of many European and international educational organizations. The degrees offered by Marist-LdM are US university degrees, granted with all the same rights and privileges as those issued at Marist’s New York campus.

The Florence campus is a symbol of Marist’s commitment to global education—it provides students a unique opportunity to grow as world citizens. The Tuscan atmosphere allows Marist students to engage in a US-style classroom environment while absorbing the educational resources of a significantly historic and inspirational European city.

There are many ways to attend our Florence campus, including a two-week pre-college summer program for high school students, four-year bachelor’s degree programs, our Freshman Florence Experience, and traditional study abroad. There are options for semester-long or year-long study abroad, as well as summer programs, short-term programs, and spring-attachment programs. We also have a master’s degree program in Museum Studies!

For students looking to attend our New York campus but begin their global education early, they may spend their entire freshman year in Florence as part of the innovative Freshman Florence Experience. This is a great opportunity to develop a global mindset as well as immerse oneself in a rich and exciting culture.

Marist-LdM offers a four-year bachelor’s degree program with nine different undergraduate majors, most of which are art-centric. Several minors and certificates are also available.

Marist prides itself on preparing students for all aspects of the world with its Core Curriculum, which ensures a widespread liberal arts education. Alongside courses pertaining to specific majors, the Core is a combination of course work in areas such as philosophy, history, sciences, math, art, foreign culture, etc. One of the great things about Marist-LdM is the addition of Italian courses as well as the Florentine twist on much of its course work.

Graduate students have the exciting opportunity to earn a MA in Museum Studies. This can be a one-year program and is designed to combine on-site museum study in the cradle of the Renaissance. Graduate students will complete an internship in one of many locations around the world.

Marist students can explore the institution’s private agreements with all major Florence museums for student access to exclusive sites, artworks, and other events with additional campuses in Rome, Tuscania, and Venice. Students benefit from an education outside the classroom by visiting galleries, palaces, gardens, churches, and museums in a safe and friendly environment. This offers unrivaled opportunities to explore the historic and cultural heritage of these cities, the country, and Europe as a whole.

Marist-LdM aims to integrate formal university-level learning with an emphasis on personal growth, individual engagement, and community responsibility. Its programs stimulate and develop the individual creativity of students to their fullest potential, providing them not only with the technical skills but also the conceptual insights necessary for the development of artistic talent. Florence truly is a “classroom without walls.”