Top 50 Illustration Schools and Colleges in the U.S. - 2023 College Rankings

School of Visual Arts (SVA) has a number of paths to study Illustration. Students interested in developing illustration skills in s short period may enroll in a single course or workshops. Both options can last anywhere from a few days to several months, and some options can be completed entirely online. Examples of single courses and workshops include Animals and Creatures in Illustration, Comics Poetry: Experimenting with Text and Image, Crash Course for Artists, Illustrators and Cartoonists, Accordion Book Workshop, Illustration as Design as Illustration, Etching: Illustrating Books with Prints, Careers in Illustration: A Drawing Workshop.

For degree-seeking artists, School of Visual Arts has an Illustration BFA Program and an Illustration as Visual Essay MFA Program. Housed in the Illustration Department, the Illustration BFA provides access to faculty and mentors who are professionals in the industry; opportunities to gain hands-on experience through internships and other experiential learning programs; and a senior portfolio curriculum that allow students to develop professional works in an area of focus.

Illustration BFA students will complete 120 credit hours, including 72 credits in studio art courses. Coursework explores drawing and illustration, painting, storytelling, writing, comics, books and zines, digital coloring, and visual computing. Elective studio courses allow students to explore areas such as motion graphics, web design, and stop-motion animation. Course examples for the program include Creating Unforgettable Characters, Pictorial Projects I-II: Illustration, Cool Books, Digital Collage Illustration: Telling Stories in Layers, Still and Moving: Low-Tech Animation, and Motion Graphics Techniques I-II.

Before graduating from SVA, students have plenty of opportunities to compete in competitions and work for  places such as The New Yorker and The Village Voice. SVA Illustration graduates go on to establish successful careers in fields such as Advertising, Textile Design, VFX Art, Animation, Fashion Design, Book Publishing, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Printmaking, Film, Packaging, and Greeting Card Design.

Note that for students seeking a degree in a specialized area of Illustration, SVA has a Comic BFA Program. The curriculum for this program is similar to the Illustration BFA Program curriculum. Students will also take other courses such as Principles of Cartooning I-II, Lettering Comics, Graphic Design Solutions for Illustrators and Cartoonists, Comic Book Superheroes and American Society, and Pictorial Projects I-II: Cartooning.

SVA’s MFA Illustration as Visual Essay Department was established in 1984. The Department’s MFA is a competitive program that accepts just 20 students per year. Program features include a classroom-based curriculum; 24/7 access to personal workspaces; guest lecturers, speakers, and mentors; the Illustration Business Boot Camp, internship opportunities; and participation in exhibits and gallery shows.

Students in all SVA programs have access to the school’s study abroad program as well as SVA offices in Seoul, South Korea, and Shanghai, China, where students can collaborate, network, participate in workshops, and attend lectures.

In addition to coursework and projects in computer illustration, creative writing, storytelling, and visual essay, SVA MFA students have the opportunity to audit classes in Animation, Film, and Fine Arts. Students in this 60 credit-hour, two-year MFA Program will complete four workshops, Book Seminar (course 5040), Computer Illustration Portfolio (course 5090), and a Thesis Project completed over two courses. Illustration Boot Camp and courses such as The Digital Book, History of Storytelling, and Perceptual Appetizers are also part of the program.

School of Visual Arts alumni have worked for brands such as Prada and Van’s, and on major productions such as Sleepy Hollow.

School of Visual Arts opened in 1947 as the Cartoonists and Illustrators school. Classes began with just three teachers and 35 students. Today, School of Visual Arts serves approximately 4,110 students enrolled in dozens of BFA, MA, MFA, and MPS programs. SVA is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), with individual program accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).

Savannah College of Art and Design has BA, BFA, MA, and MFA degree options for students who would like to study Illustration. All programs provide the opportunity to declare a Minor and/or take courses in other disciplines such as Visual Effects, Interactive Design, Architecture, Animation, Graphic Design, and Game Development. Minor examples include Animated Illustration and Publication Design, Storyboarding, Illustration for Surface Design, Advertising and Branding, Scientific Illustration, and Illustration for Entertainment.

For Illustrators who would like to add Publishing and Design to their skill set, SCAD has an undergraduate Digital Publishing Certificate that consists of 30 credit hours. The Program explores Graphic Design, Interactive Design and Web Design, Print Production and Digital Environments, and Media Management. Students in this program may focus in Pre-Press or Web Publishing. For further specialization, Digital Publishing students have the opportunity to complete both the Web Design and Production Design courses.

Degree-seeking students at SCAD have the following degree options: the Visual Communication BA with an Illustration Concentration available at the Atlanta and Savannah campuses; the BFA in Illustration (Atlanta, Hong Kong, Savannah); an Illustration MA (Atlanta, Savannah, eLearning); and the Illustration MFA Program (Atlanta, Savannah, eLearning).

All BA and BFA students will complete the SCAD Core before entering the Major. Consisting of general education coursework and foundation studies, the SCAD Core includes courses such as Digital Communication, Color: Theory and Application, Drawing I/II (Form and Space/ Composition and Media), Design I/II/III (Elements and Organization/3-D Form in Space/Time), Speaking of Ideas, Applied Physics, Visual Culture in Context: Making Modernites, Creative Thinking Theories and Processes, Psychology of Group Processes, and The Geometry of Physical Space. 

Course examples across programs include Illustrating Beyond the Page: The Narrative Experience, Digital Illustration, Speaking of Ideas, Creative Concepting for World Building, Book Illustration, Illustrating Beyond the Page: The Narrative Experience, Materials and Techniques, Animated Illustration, Illustration Business Strategies and Entrepreneurship, Advertising Illustration, Contextual Character Design, and Editorial Illustration.

The SCAD Illustration BFA also has four concentration options including Animated Illustration and Publication Design; Concept Design for Animation and Games; Illustration for Entertainment; and Illustration for Surface Design. This professional degree program includes 10 hours of free electives and advanced courses such as Illustration Business Strategies and Entrepreneurship, Career Strategies for Illustration, and Professional Portfolio for Illustrators.

Both programs require 180 credit hours to graduate, including 20 credit hours of free electives for the BA Program. Students in both pathways may participate in the SCAD internship program.

The Illustration MA at Savannah College of Art and Design features a Graduate Internship, Directed Projects in Illustration, and the Illustration Final MA Project. The program requires 45 credit hours to graduate. The SCAD Illustration MFA consists of 90 credit hours and features two Graduate Internships, Directed Projects in Illustration, Advanced Studio Techniques, Illustration for Publications, Professional Practices in Illustration, and Illustration Markets. Students in this terminal degree program may develop additional skills in a specific area through the program’s four required electives at the 500 to 700 level.

All SCAD students may spend a quarter abroad at SCAD Lacoste or other study abroad locations. Other SCAD features include access to studio classrooms, state-of-the-art labs, production studios, drawing rooms, cutting tables, and Adobe Creative Cloud; creative collaborations between departments and with global brands; master classes; participation competitions and exhibits; visiting artists and speakers; panel discussions; and the annual Sidewalk Arts Festival. 

Graduates of the Illustration Programs at Savannah College of Art and Design have been recruited by  a variety of brands, studios, publications, and companies. Examples include A&E, The New York Times, Converse, Walt Disney Imagineering, Comedy Central, ImagineFX, Bento Box Entertainment, Game Informer, and Revolver Studios.

Providing more than 100 degree programs and over 75 minor options and certificates, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has more programs and specializations than any other art and design college in the U.S. Founded in 1978, the school opened in 1979 with just 71 students, one classroom, and an administration building. Today, SCAD serves more than 15,000 students across campuses in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia, and Lacoste, France. Savannah College of Art and Design is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Serving approximately 300 students, Illustration is the largest major at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). Consisting of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, Illustration at RISD features access to RISD Museum, Gelman Student Gallery, Woods-Gerry Gallery, and ISB Gallery; access to printmaking studios and labs such as the Co-Works Research Lab, Nature lab, and Color Lab; and Fleet access to the Library at RISD.

Collectively, these academic resources provide access to state-of-the art equipment and software such as Maya, After Effects, and InDesign; more than 90,000 works of art and 150,000+ circulating books; concerts, lectures, screenings, visiting artists, and art directors; industry leaders from across the U.S.  who offer feedback through annual portfolio reviews; and a mix of student and curriculum related exhibitions throughout the academic year.

The undergraduate program, which leads to a BFA, requires completion of the Foundation Year. Courses include First-year Literature Seminar; Drawing I-II; Topics in History, Philosophy and the Social Sciences; Spatial Dynamics I-II; Theory and History of Art and Design I: Global Modernisms; and Theory and History of Art and Design II: Premodern Worlds. During the Foundation year, students will also select one non-major studio elective.

Throughout the Program, Illustration BFA students will participate in a number of workshops such as Maya Basics, Pigments & Emulsions, and ZBrush Sculpting and Illustration. The BFA Program at Rhode Island School of Design culminates with the completion of a professional portfolio and public exhibition.

The Illustration MFA at Rhode Island School of Design is a new, 60-credit advanced studio program that consists of art and design coursework, seminars, and elective coursework from any department. Studio examples include Social Engagement and Agency, Narrative Structures, and Perception and the Art of Communication. Seminar examples include Isms and Illustration—Critical Theory and Illustration History; Media Issues and Literacy—Research Practicum; and Contemporary Visual Narrative.

Traditions, Trappings, Culture, Kitsch; Visible Cities; Exhibiting Research; and Losing Paradise, Inventing the World, are just a few sample electives.

The RISD Illustration MFA Program culminates with the Graduate Thesis completed across two Seminars: Articulating Connections-Guided Thesis Prep, and Paradigms and Contexts—Publishing the Thesis and Beyond.

Graduates of the Illustration Programs at Rhode Island School of Design have been hired at major studios and networks such as Fox, DreamWorks, HBO, Pixar, Harmonix, and PBS. Some RISD alumni have gone on to launch their own studios and freelance businesses.

Founded in 1877, Rhode Island School of Design is one of the first art and design schools in the U.S. This private, nonprofit college serves approximately 2,620 students enrolled in dozens of majors and programs. RISD is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). The Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and MA in Teaching programs have special accreditation by the National Architecture Accrediting Board, Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board, and the RI Department of Education, respectively.

The Illustration Program at California College of the Arts (CCA) has an Illustration BFA pathway that emphasizes Drawing and Painting. This 120 credit-hour program also explores emerging animation, AR/VR, and imaging technologies as well as storytelling, 3D modeling, screenprinting, and hand-lettering. Courses are taught by professional Illustrators, Designers, and Fine Artists, and include Digital Media, Illustration Tools, Media History: History of Illustration; Illustration Studios 1-3; and Drawing 2D, 3D, 4D.

Other BFA Program features include access to industry-standard software and digital tools; a Professional Practice course that teaches students how to start and run a freelance or small business; studio projects;  access to state-of-the-art computer labs, printing studios, workshops, and painting studios; lectures;  and classroom critiques (individual and group).

During the Senior year of the CCA Illustration BFA Program, students will complete a semester-long thesis project and participate in the Senior Show, which attracts local and national design professionals.

Graduates of the Illustration BFA Program at California College of the Arts are prepared to seek careers in areas such as traditional publishing (book illustration, editorial illustration), exhibition design, comics, advertising, motion design, storyboard art, surface design, game design, animation, printmaking, retail design, and education. Potential job titles include Concept Artist, Exhibition Designer, Graphic Novelist, Textile Designer, Printmaker, Freelance Illustrator, Muralist, Surface Designer, Fine Artist, and Educator.

Established in 1907 as the School of the California Guild of Arts and Crafts, California College of the Arts had just three teachers and 43 students when it opened. Today, CCA employs 420 faculty members that serve approximately 1,620 students enrolled in more than 40 undergraduate, graduate, minor, and dual degree programs. California College of the Arts is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), and the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) has three paths to study Illustration. The undergraduate level, MICA has an Illustration BFA with Sequential Art and Preproduction Tracks. At the graduate level, students can choose between the Illustration MA and the Illustration Practice MFA.

Students in the Illustration BFA Program will complete the First Year Experience (FYE), which consists of 18 credit hours. FYE course examples include Systems & Time, Drawing: Tradition and Innovation, and Form & Face. In addition to other required courses such as Sophomore Illustration I-II, Junior Illustration I-II, and Senior Illustration I-II, BFA students may add a Studio Concentration in an areas such as Animation, Printmaking, Book Arts, and Graphic Design.

All BFA students benefit from MICA’s relationships with organizations such as the Toronto Comics Art Festival, the Small Press Expo, Museum of Comics and Cartoon Arts, and Baltimore Comic-Con. During the Senior year of the program, students will develop a professional portfolio, while exploring topics such as business practices, copyright issues, and intellectual property.

Graduates of the MICA Illustration BFA Program have been hired for internships, full-time positions, and freelance assignments at Apple, National Geographic, Anthropologie, DC Comics, DreamWorks Animation, Google, Whole Foods Market, Johns Hopkins Institute of Nanobiology, Pixar, The New York Times, and LucasArts Entertainment. Some Illustration graduates go on to enroll in one of the graduate Illustration Programs at Maryland Institute College of Art.

The MICA Illustration MA is a one-year program for practicing Illustrators seeking career advancement or individuals interested in launching a career in illustration. Consisting of workshops, studios, lectures, and open electives, the 30 credit hour MA Program features an open-plan; collaborative projects with the Center for Design Thinking and graduate students from other departments at MICA; a state-of-the-art studio environment; and courses taught by leaders in the field.

The Illustration MA Program at MICA culminates with a capstone portfolio project, exhibition, and review panel.

The Illustration Practice MFA is a 60 credit hour program that features opportunities to collaborate with MICA’s Dolphin Press & Print, the Modern Graphics History Library at Washington University, the Rockwell Center for American Visual Studies, and the Center for Design Thinking at MICA. Students in this program two-year program will also collaborate with industry professionals and peers. All Illustration Practice MFA students have the opportunity to communicate with visiting critics and artists-in-residence. The MICA Illustration Practice MFA culminates with the MFA Thesis.

Graduates of the Illustration MA and MFA Programs at MICA are Freelance Illustrators or they work in leadership positions such as Art Director, Educator, Design Manager, Curator, Gallery Manager, Exhibiting Artist, and Entrepreneur. Program alumni have also gone on to launch their own Freelance Illustration careers.

Founded in 1826, Maryland Institute College of Art is the nation’s oldest independent, continuously degree-granting college of art and design. The school serves nearly 3,500 undergraduate, graduate, and open studies students from 49 states and 52 countries. Programs at MICA lead to a BFA, MA, MFA, MBA, MPS degree, or post-baccalaureate certificate. Maryland Institute College of Art is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) has nearly 50 programs leading to a degree, more than 700 online courses, and two online degrees. Within FIT is the School of Art and Design, which provides 17 undergraduate majors in Art, Fashion, and Design. The Illustration Major has both AAS and BFA pathways. The BFA has two options: the Traditional Daytime BFA and the Evening/Weekend BFA.

Across programs students benefit from real-world classes; participation in student art exhibitions; mentoring workshops led by art directors and professional illustrators; and access to the Society of Illustrators—the industry's top professional organization. Students in the BFA Program also have the opportunity to participate in the FIT Internship Program, take a study abroad course in Italy, and/or study abroad in Florence.

Course examples across programs include Illustrating for Moving Image I: Storyboard, Advanced Visual Story Studio, Sculpture Studio: Visual Expression of Form and Space, Illustrating for the Moving Image II: Concept Art and Character Design, Illustration Workshop, The Essence of Comic Art, Illustration Rendering Techniques, Illustration Process I-II, Visual Interpretation, Computer Typesetting and Design, Watercolor Comps and Illustrations, Comic Book Illustration, and Illustrating the Male Figure.

The FIT Illustration BFA culminates with the Illustration Portfolio Thesis, that will be presented before faculty and peers. Graduates of the AAS are eligible to apply for admission to the BFA Programs in Animation, Interactive Media & Game Design, Textile/Surface Design, Toy Design, and of course, Illustration.

Graduates of the Illustration BFA Program are prepared for immediate entry into the field or a graduate program, such as the 60 credit hour Illustration MFA. Housed in the FIT School of Graduate Studies, the MFA features field trips to studios in LA and New York, real-world projects, guest lecturers, and internship opportunities. Course examples for the program include The History of American Illustration, Sequential Storytelling, Art is Where You Look For It: Diversifying Illustration's Application, Digital Boot Camp, Survey of Digital Illustration, Exploring Media, and Drawing for Illustration.

In the Senior year of the MFA Illustration Program at FIT, students will take Business Practices and Self Promotion Strategies and Visual Thesis Studio. The program culminates with a Visual Thesis Exhibition at a gallery. Past projects have included animation, murals, children’s books, reportage drawings, graphic novels, installations, and concept art.

FIT Illustration alumni have found freelance work and full-time employment with a wide variety of companies, agencies, studios, and publications. Examples include Revlon, Young & Rubicam, Vogue, DreamWorks, American Greetings, Harper’s Bazaar, Disney, BBDO Worldwide, Warner Bros., DDB, Hallmark, Ogilvy, and LucasArts Entertainment.

Part of the State University of New York (SUNY) System, Fashion Institute of Technology opened in 1944 inside the High School of Needles Trades. On the first day of class, the school had 100 students. Today, FIT spans an entire city block and serves 8,150 students, according to the most recent available figures. Programs are offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels across five academic divisions. Fashion Institute of Technology is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), and the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).

The Illustration BFA Program at Columbus College of Art and Design (CCAD) has a unique component that provides the opportunity for students to work on class projects such as Spitball, which matches professional writers with student artists. Students in the program also have the opportunity to and interact with professional writers, storytellers, animators, and comic artists through Cartoon Crossroads Columbus, which features lectures, workshops, professional panels, and more.

Consisting of 120 credit hours, the CCAD Illustration BFA allows students to specialize in a creative area through a Concentration or Minor. Minors are 15 credit hours and Concentrations are nine credit hours. Minor examples include Advertising & Graphic Design, Narrative Practice, Business, Comics & Narrative Practice, Animation 2D or 3D, Copywriting, Design Research, Photography, Film & Video, and Industrial Design. An Illustration Minor is also available for students in other Majors.

Concentration examples include Illustration/Entertainment, Fine Arts/Drawing, Fine Arts/Printmaking, Illustration/Illustrative Design, Animation/Experimental, Design/Modeling, Fine Arts/Glass, Fine Arts/Sculpture, Design/Drawing, Fine Arts/Painting, and Animation/Game. Across Minors, Concentrations, and Major requirements, students will take courses such as Traditional Media Illustration, Digital Design Lab, Character and Environment Design, Historical Art & Design, Motion Illustration, Illustration Markets, and Illustration Self-Promotion.

The Illustration BFA Program at Columbus College of Art and Design culminates with an Illustration Portfolio Project and Illustration Capstone. Graduates have been hired in a wide variety of roles at major advertising agencies, companies, and studios. Examples of recent employers include Disney Consumer Products (DCP), Sony Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, Boeing, Hasbro, Cartoon Network, Bath & Body Works, DC Comics, Ogilvy & Mather, Hallmark, Marvel Comics, Pixar, and Forever 21, American Greetings, The Wall Street Journal, Williams Sonoma, and CBS News.

Columbus College of Art & Design was established in 1879 by five women. The school serves approximately 1,010 undergraduate and graduate students from 36 states and 14 countries. CCAD provides 11 undergraduate majors, 18 minors, and three graduate programs across 10+ departments. Columbus College of Art & Design is accredited by Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). CCAD is also affiliated with the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD).

The College of Fine Arts and Communications (CFAC) at Brigham Young University (BYU) provides a number of opportunities and experiences for all CFAC majors. Serving nearly 5,700 students, the CFAC hosts hundreds of student presentations, performances, and faculty presentations each year. CFAC students also have opportunities to pursue internships; exhibit at or access collections in the Brigham Young University Museum of Art (MOA); engage in research projects; and participate in experiential learning activities in the U.S. and abroad.

BYU’s College of Fine Arts and Communications houses the Department of Design. Within the Department is an Illustration BFA Program that requires 120 credit hours, with 72 credits in the Major. A Limited Enrollment Program (LEP) that accepts just 40 students per academic year, the Illustration BFA at BYU features courses led by industry professionals with years of experience in their respective areas of specialization. 

Course examples for the Program include Narrative Illustration, Environment Design, Painting the Human Head, Sketchbook, Three-Dimensional Illustration, Character Design for Illustrators, Design Theory and Visual Culture, Advanced Life Drawing, Interdisciplinary Motion, Printmaking Fundamentals, and Design Lecture Series.

In the final year of the BYU Illustration BFA Program, students will complete Senior Illustration Studio 1 and 2, Professional Practices for Illustrators, BFA Illustration Capstone Project: Research, and BFA Illustration Capstone Project: Implementation.

Graduates of the Illustration BFA Program at Brigham Young University work in a wide range of fields such as Advertising, Medical and Scientific Illustration, Mural Production, Architecture, Exhibition Design, Book, Magazine, and News Publishing, Entertainment, and Fashion Design. Some Program alumni go on to launch their own studios and freelance businesses.

Brigham Young University was founded as Brigham Young Academy (BYA) in 1875 by Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints President Brigham Young. With 34,390 students enrolled in more than 435 programs, BYU is the one of the largest private universities in the U.S. Brigham Young University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) has two paths to study Illustration including BFAs in Illustration and Life Sciences Illustration. The Illustration BFA Program focuses on learning by doing. Students in this program have the opportunity to work on a variety of real-world projects with CIA partners and clients—all before graduation. Students both programs will explore traditional materials and techniques such as acrylics, oils, and inks; collage; and pencils, as well as industry software such as Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.

Across programs, other features include private, individual studio spaces; access to Integrated Media Environment Facilities, lighting and shooting spaces, a sound recording studio, and fabrication studios; visiting artists; professional writing courses; travel to professional art studios and advertising agencies; networking opportunities with employers, Illustrators, and Designers who are invited to CIA each year; and small-group seminars.

The Illustration BFA Program requires 120 credit hours of study. Course examples include Graphic Novels + Sequential Art, Illustration I-II, Layout Rendering Techniques, Illustration for Publication, Character Design + Development, Community Projects, Picture Book Illustration, Visual Concepts in Illustration, and Illustration: Advanced Illustration Studio Projects. Students will also complete an internship.

The Illustration BFA Program at Cleveland Institute of Art culminates with the BFA Thesis and Exhibition. Graduates of the program are prepared for carers in areas such as Advertising, Book and Magazine Publishing, Entertainment, Animation, Comic Book Publishing, and Gaming.

The Life Sciences Illustration BFA Program at Cleveland Institute of Art is one of the few BFA degrees of its kind in the U.S. Designed for artists who have an interest in both Art and Science, the Program explores topics such as Botanical Sciences, Animation, Zoological Sciences, Illustration, Biological Sciences, and Information Design. The program also covers areas such as Interactive Design, Research Methods, Serious Game Design, Sound Design, and Professional Development.

Course examples for the Program include Gross Anatomy, Principles of Biology I-II, Digital Biomedical Illustration (EP), Cellular + Molecular Illustration, Surgical Illustration & Media, Life Sciences Illustration: Forensic Imaging/Modeling, Life Sciences Illustration: Advanced Problems, Concepts, + Media, Serious Game Design: Theory + Applications, Educational Media Installation, Veterinary Illustration, 3D Animation, Digital Color: Style + Representation in Science, Line: Information Visualization, Anatomy for the Artist, Natural Science + Zoological Illustration (EP), and Sound Design Fundamentals.

A major component of the Life Sciences Illustration BFA Program is the internship and the Applied Portfolio and Professional Strategies course. The internship provides the opportunity to gain valuable real-world experience in this unique field. In the Portfolio and Professional Strategies course, students will gain insight into art practice and leadership in the business environment, as well as the intricacies of copyrights, budgeting, contracts, marketing, and presentations.

In this course, students will also develop applied portfolios in online and offline media, demo reels, and professional packages consisting of business cards, resumes, cover letters, etc.

The Life Sciences Illustration BFA Program at Cleveland Institute of Art culminates with the BFA Thesis and Exhibition. Graduates have been hired for positions such as Illustrator, Biomedical Illustrator, 3D Animation Artist/Designer, Forensics Illustrator, and Art Director.

Chartered in 1882 as the Western Reserve School of Design for Women, Cleveland Institute of Art is an independent, not-for-profit college that serves approximately 655 students enrolled in 13 majors in Fine Arts, Entertainment Arts, Design, and Crafts. Programs at CIA are managed and taught by approximately 50 full-time and 70 adjunct faculty, who are all professional artists and designers. Cleveland Institute of Art is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

San Jose State University (SJSU) houses the College of Humanities and the Arts, home to the Department of Design. Within the Department are two paths to study Illustration: the Animation & Illustration (A/I) BFA and the Design Studies BA with a Specialization in A/I. Students in both programs benefit from the Department’s close relationships with major companies, networks, and studios such as Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), DreamWorks, Hallmark, Bento Box Entertainment, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Pixar, and Warner Bros. Animation. In addition, the Department provides workshops, seminars, and internship opportunities at these and other studios throughout California and across the U.S.  

The A/I BFA at SJSU is a professional degree that explores both traditional and 3D animation, visual development, storyboarding, physics of motion, character design, and modeling. Upper division courses allow students to specialize in an area of interest. Participation in the Professional Internship Program is highly recommended, but not required. The A/I BFA culminates with the Capstone Seminar and Project.

Graduates of the Animation & Illustration Program at San Jose State University are prepared for careers in areas such as feature film animation, television, game design, and other industries that require Animation and Illustration skills.

The SJSU Design BA with a Specialization in A/I is a Liberal Arts degree that combines foundation studies with Film, Design, Photography, and Theater Arts. Students in this program have opportunities to work on projects in multidisciplinary teams and develop skills in Visual Development, Animation, Modeling, Storyboarding, and Short Film Production. Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions in the entertainment industry or for direct entry into the SJSU A/I BFA Program.

Graduates of the Illustration Programs at San Jose State University have been hired at more than 135 animation, film and game design studios. They have worked on films such as Monsters, Inc. Shrek, Finding Nemo, and A Bug’s Life. Program alumni have taught at major colleges and universities, and they work in a variety of positions at NBCUniversal Studios, Lucasfilm Animation, Zynga, Sony/Columbia, Pixar Nickelodeon, Disney Interactive, Electronic Arts (EA), Blizzard Entertainment, Cartoon Network, 20th Century Fox, and Disney Animation.

Established in 1857, San Jose State University is Silicon Valley’s Public University. Serving approximately 36,000 students, the school offers more than 250 areas of study at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Programs at SJSU are housed across nine colleges and dozens of departments and schools. San Jose State University is accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) houses 21,500 square feet of studios—including the new Tony Jones Studios—that provide the opportunity for students to learn and work in a professional environment. Through KCAI’s on-campus agency MICRO, students also have opportunities to gain hands-on experience off campus with partner brands such as the Kansas City Royals and Children’s Mercy Hospital.

All programs at Kansas City Art Institute begin with the KCAI Foundation Program. This immersive experience lasts a full year and includes dedicated industrial studios and independent work and storage spaces; workshops; collaborative programs, projects, and problem-solving; training in the Print Center (digital design and output), Beals Studios (digital fabrication), and Central Shop (woodworking); faculty mentors; and 16 contact hours of studio per week.

During the first-year program, students will also participate in the Foundation Seminar, which provides the opportunity to interact with activists, artists, and KCAI alumni.

The Illustration BFA Program at Kansas City Art Institute is housed in the Department of Illustration—one of the school’s largest and fastest growing departments. Students in the program will complete a required internship with potential employer’s such as The Kansas City Star, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Boulevard Brewing Company, Porter Teleo Design Firm, and The American Jazz Museum. In addition to an internship, BFA students may double major in Illustration and Creative Writing or Illustration and Art History.

During the course of the KCAI Illustration BFA Program, students will explore 2D and 3D, traditional and digital media, and storytelling, while creating comic books, editorial  magazines, children’s books, and video games. Course examples for the program include Graphic Form for Illustrators, Covers and Pages, Storytellers-Myth Makers, Sketchbook: The Cultural Safari, Analytical Drawing Systems, Paper and Ink, US (Collaboration, Teamwork and Flexibility), Illustration in Action: Networking & Exhibition, and Professional Practice: The Business of Illustration.

The KCAI Illustration BFA Program culminates with a Thesis that students will complete over two courses including Senior Studio: Image and Thesis I and Senior Studio: Image Thesis II.

Graduates of the Illustration BFA Program at Kansas City Art Institute have won awards presented by publications such as The Society of Illustrators, Communication Arts, American Illustration, and Print. Program alumni are employed by industry leaders such as Nike, Hallmark, Nickelodeon, American Greetings, and MTV, and their work has been featured in children’s books and in publications such as The New York Times, Wired, Women’s Day, and Step-Inside-Design.

Kansas City Art Institute was established in 1885 as a Sketch Club. Situated within Kansas City’s Arts Corridor—just steps from the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art—this four-year art and design college serves more than 700 students enrolled in 13 majors across 15 program areas. Kansas City Art Institute is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

Willamette University is home to Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA). Serving nearly 500 students, PNCA houses an Illustration Program that leads to a BFA. One of the top undergraduate options at PNCA, the Illustration BFA explores traditional studio media, the creation of visual messages, and emerging technologies. Program features include internships with companies such as Microsoft, Wieden+Kennedy, Nike, Dark Horse Comics, and Nintendo; mentorship programs; professional practices instruction; and portfolio preparation.

All students in the PNCA Illustration BFA have access to state-of-the-art labs and studios such as the WACOM Lab, the Professional Digital Fine Art Printing Lab, Animation Lab, Printmaking Studio, and Photography Lab. PNCA is also home to Albert Solheim Library, which houses more than 30,000 books and computer workstations. Make+Think+Code—a technology lab that hosts workshops and classes—provides access to additional facilities, digital tools, and technology.

Course examples for the PNCA Illustration BFA Program include Exploring Visual Culture, Drawing for Illustration, Advanced Illustration Studio, 3D Design, Cultural Marketplace, Design & Image, Digital Media Strategies, Visual Techniques, Time Arts, Social Science Seminar, Visual Elements: Digital Tools, Painting for Illustration, and Word & Image. In the Senior year of the program students will complete a Thesis competed across two courses: Design Arts Thesis Development and Design Arts Thesis.

Upon completion of the Illustration BFA Program at Willamette University-PNCA, graduates will have the opportunity to present their work at the school’s Annual End-of-Year Showcase. Hosted by the Illustration Department, the Showcase takes place at a Downtown Portland gallery.

Willamette University was established in 1842, making it the oldest university in the West. This private Liberal Arts college serves approximately 2,400 students enrolled in dozens of programs across the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Law, Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA), and Atkinson Graduate School of Management. Willamette University and PNCA merged in 2021.

Pacific Northwest College of Art, which remains an independent college within Willamette, was established in 1909 and serves approximately 490 students. The school offers 11 BFA degrees, eight minors, and eight graduate MA and MFA degrees within the PNCA Hallie Ford School of Graduate Studies.

Willamette University and Pacific Northwest College of Art are accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). PNCA is also a member of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art & Design (AICAD) and the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU).

Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD) houses an Illustration Program with two Bachelor’s degree options—the Illustration BFA and the Illustrative Design BFA. The Illustration BFA Program has Concentrations in Children’s Books and Sequential Art. An Emphasis in Concept Art is also available. BFA Program features include small class sizes; access to state-of-the-art facilities and software; self-promotion coursework; collaboration with professional Illustrators; focused one-on-one instruction; and portfolio development.

Course examples for the program include History of American Illustration, 2D Design: Elements + Principles, Illustration I-III, Typography for Illustration, Children’s Book Illustration, Character Design, Digital Landscape Painting, 3D Design: Space + Materiality, Illustration Media, Observational Drawing, Digital Illustration I-II, and Illustration Marketing. In the Junior or Senior year, students may complete an internship, and the final year of the program students will complete Illustration Graduation Portfolio I-II.

Graduates of the Illustration BFA Program at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design are prepared for careers in Children’s Book Illustration, Editorial Illustration, Comic Books, Technical Illustration, Concept Art for Games and Animations, Product Design, Graphic Novels, Licensing, and Medical Illustration.

The Illustrative Design BFA is a hybrid degree that combines Graphic Design and Illustration. The program explores storytelling, communication design problems, sustainable practice, design, typography, digital media, and portfolio development. Other program features include year-round classes, hands-on training, a combination of both online and on-campus coursework, personalized instruction, small class sizes, and portfolio development. Classroom tools include Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and After Effects.

Graduates of the Illustrative Design BFA Program at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design are prepared to pursue positions such as Illustrator, Graphic Designer, Motion Designer, Typographer, Package Designer, and Creative Director.

Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design began in 1963 as Rocky Mountain School of Art. Serving more than 1,000 students, RMCAD offers 16 degree and certificate programs offered in campus/hybrid and online formats. Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and it is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

The College of the Arts at California State University Fullerton (Cal State Fullerton, CSU Fullerton or CSUF) houses the Department of Visual Arts, home to the Illustration Program. Degree options include Art BFA, MA, and MFAs with a Concentration in Illustration. All programs feature unlimited access to state-of-the-art production studios, labs, and equipment; workshops and seminars; study abroad experiences; visiting artists; and internship opportunities at local, regional, and nationwide companies.

Across programs, students will take courses such as Digital Narrative Illustration, Visual Development and Background Painting, Children’s Book Illustration, Animal and Wildlife Drawing, Special Studies in Sequential Art, Landscape Painting and Location Drawing, Special Studies in Illustration, Seminar on the Context and Method of Art History, The Digital Studio, and 3D Team Production.

The Art BFA Program at Cal State Fullerton culminates with the BFA Capstone Project, which may include works in animation, games, VR, visual effects, exhibitions, and others. The MA Program requires a Project and Thesis (P/T) to graduate. The MA P/T consists of the development and presentation of a creative project in the concentration beyond regularly offered coursework. The CSUF MFA Program culminates with a solo Art Exhibit (MFA Project Exhibition).

Graduates of the Art Programs at Cal State Fullerton have worked with or been hired by major companies and studios such as The Walt Disney Company, Nickelodeon, Lucasfilm Ltd. DreamWorks, and Cartoon Network.

Founded in 1957, California State University, Fullerton is part of the 23 campus California State University (CSU) system. Serving more than 40,000 students, the school offers 55 undergraduate and 55 graduate degree programs in eight academic colleges. California State University, Fullerton is Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

The College of the Arts at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) is home to the School of Art (SoA), which has several paths to study Illustration. Options include an Art BFA with Illustration and Animation Tracks, and a Studio Art Concentration within the Art MFA Program, with an Animation/Illustration Track.

In partnership with the Department of Biological Sciences, the SoA has an interdisciplinary 30-unit Certificate in Biomedical Illustration that can be completed in one year, full-time. The Certificate Program can be added to an undergraduate degree program or taken post-graduation. Course examples include Biomedical Illustration, Computer Animation, Illustration 2, Anatomy for Artists, and Special Studies in Illustration.

The Art BFA at California State University, Long Beach consists of 132 units. Students in this program have the unique opportunity to take courses from both the Animation and Illustration Tracks. Students will also work with peers across Tracks in the Digital Lab. Course examples include Intro Studio: Illustration – Rendering, Writing About Visual Art, Core Studio: Illustration I and 2, Production for Fine Art, Storyboarding for Film and Television, Drawing with Perspective, and Illustration Senior Project—the culminating experience for the Art BFA.

Other program features include courses taught by industry professionals; participation in workshops led by faculty and visiting artists; opportunities to complete an internship at local, regional, and national studios; and study abroad experiences in places such as Ireland, Germany, and Spain.

The Art MFA-Studio Art Program at California State University, Long Beach is an interdisciplinary program that requires 60 units of study, including 21 units of graduate coursework in the SoA and 39 approved units in the Animation/Illustration Track. All MFA students will participate in the Final MFA Exhibition.

Graduates of the Art Programs at California State University, Long Beach are prepared to pursue positions in fields such as Live Action Film, Advertising, Graphic Design, Animation, Games, Gallery Exhibition Production and Design, Educational Illustration, Biomedical Illustration, Editorial Art, Graphic Novels, Comics, Newspapers, Magazine Publishing, Book Art, and Textile Design.

California State University, Long Beach was established in 1949 as Los Angeles-Orange County State College. One of the 23 campuses of the California State University System, CSULB serves more than 38,000 students enrolled in over 300 programs across eight colleges. California State University, Long Beach is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

California State University, Northridge (CSUN or CSU Northridge) houses Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication, home to the Department of Art. within the Department are several paths to study Illustration including the Art BA Program, and MA and MFA options in Visual Arts. All programs provide the option to specialize in Illustration.

Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the CSU Northridge Department of Art features opportunities for overseas studies, internships, club events and guest speakers, portfolio reviews, exhibitions, and the opportunity to join the CSUN Illustration Society and other campus-based organizations.

The CSU Northridge Art BA combines Art and Design coursework with Liberal Arts studies. Course examples include Illustration Materials and Techniques, World Arts: Asia, Illustration I-III, History of Contemporary Art, Digital Illustration, Beginning Three-Dimensional Design, Core Art Studio, Drawing I, and Senior Projects and Lab.

The Visual Arts MA at California State University, Northridge is a 30 unit program that can be completed in one to two years. Course examples for the program include History and Philosophy of Art, Advanced Studio Problems: Illustration, and Art Analysis and Criticism. The Visual Arts MA Program culminates with the Graduate Project, which consists of the Spring Group Exhibition and/or  Performance of the students work.

The CSU Northridge Visual Arts MFA is the highest degree awarded in the field. Consisting of 60 units of study, the program can be completed in two or three years depending on the student’s course load. All MFA students have access to private, on-campus studios. Course examples for the program include Art Analysis and Criticism, Studio Problems or Advanced Studio Problems in Illustration, Drawing, Video/Digital Art, Graphic Design, MFA Seminar, and Graduate Directed Research.

Visual Arts MFA students have the opportunity to develop skills in other disciplines through electives outside the Concentration area. The MFA program culminates with the Graduate Project.

Graduates of the Art and Visual Arts Programs at California State University, Northridge are prepared to pursue careers in all areas of Art and Design.

Founded in 1958 and serving approximately 38,390 students, California State University, Northridge is one of the largest universities in the U.S. and one of the youngest in the 23 campus California State University System. This Liberal Arts school comprises eight academic colleges, The Tseng College, and University Library. Programs include bachelor’s degrees in 69 disciplines, master’s degrees in 73 fields, 24 doctoral degree programs, and 19 teaching credential programs. California State University, Northridge is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

The School of the Arts (VCUarts) at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) serves more than 3,000 students across 15 departments. More than 25 degree options and minors are available, with five housed in the Department of Communication Arts. With a focus in Narrative Illustration and Entertainment Design, all programs in the Communication Arts Department allow students to study Traditional Illustration. In addition, students in the Department of Communication Arts may study Mixed-Media Illustration, Comics and Graphic Novels, Storyboarding, Concept Design, and Observational Drawing.

All programs in the Communication Arts Department begin with the Art Foundation Program (AFO). This studio-based experience prepares students for their next three years at VCUarts. Consisting of 32 total credit hours, the AFO includes courses such as Drawing Studio, Space Research, Focused Inquiry I-II, Time Studio, Survey of Art I-II, and Project Studio.

Upon completion of the AFO, students who would like to study Illustration will move on to the 120-credit hour (including the AFO) Communication Arts BFA. During the next three years of the Program, students will take courses such as Illustration: Drawing and Painting, Sequential Imaging, The Figure in Illustration, Imagery for Children, Fundamentals of Typography, Color Theory, 3D Modeling for Concept Design, Digital Drawing, 3D Image and Movement, Game Design, Theory and Practice, and Imagery for Science Fiction and Fantasy.

Students in the VCU Communication Arts Program may complete an internship and/or a study abroad experience during the summer, winter or spring break, or for an entire semester. Examples of study abroad locations include Qatar, Italy, France, South Africa, Greece, Argentina, Germany, Korea, and Dubai.

In the final year of the Program, students will complete a portfolio of their best work. Graduates of the Communication Arts Program at Virginia Commonwealth University are Editorial Illustrators, Children’s Book Illustrators, Web Illustrators, Graphic Novelists, Comic Artists, Interactive Media Designers,  Storyboard Artists, Concept Artists, Character and Creature Designers, Fine Artists, Digital Animator, VFX Artists, Game Designers, 3D Modelers and Animators, and Creative Directors.

Founded in 1838 as the Medical Department of Hampden-Sydney College, Virginia Commonwealth University is an urban, public research institution that serves approximately 28,410 students enrolled in more than 200 programs across 15+ colleges, school, and centers. VCU students also have access to branch campuses and satellite locations across Virginia and VCUarts Qatar. Virginia Commonwealth University accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

University of Hartford (UHart) is home to Hartford Art School (HAS), which serves 400 students enrolled in eight undergraduate majors and three low-residency graduate programs. This includes BFA and MFA Illustration Programs. The Illustration BFA requires successful completion of the HAS Foundation Year, which is designed to help develop student’s sensitivity, perceptions, and technical skills. Course examples for the Foundation Year include Foundation 2D Studio I-II, Foundation Issues in Artmaking I-II, and Foundation 4D Studio I-II.

After passing the Foundation Year, second-year students will select courses from a variety of Studio options in areas such as Drawing for Illustration, Intermediate Illustration 1-3, Digital Illustration, Book Illustration, Advertising Illustration, and Editorial Illustration. In the final year of the UHart Illustration BFA Program, students will take the Portfolio Preparation course, which consists of finalizing a number of samples to be included in a professional portfolio. This course also covers the business of illustration, dealing with art agents, billing, taxes, interviewing, and career opportunities.

The Illustration BFA Program culminates with the Senior Project, which involves consultation with the instructor and group meetings with peers for discussions and critiques.

Graduates of the Illustration BFA at University of Hartford are prepared for careers in fields such as Book Publishing, Magazine Illustration, Comics, Graphic Novels, Advertising, Editorial, Fine Art, Exhibit Design, Animation, Game Art, and Graphic Design.

The low-residency Illustration MFA Program at University of Hartford is designed for working adults. In-person sessions take place during the summer semester, with travel during spring and fall to New York, California, Pennsylvania, and Ohio to meet with Illustrators, Agents, Illustration Entrepreneurs. and Licensing Professionals. Students will have the opportunity to interact with more than 50 professionals from the Animation, Children’s Book, Product Design, Comic Book, Advertising, and Editorial fields.  

Other MFA Program features include business, promotional, and marketing coursework; optional internships and study abroad experiences; studio and museum visits; and workshops. UHart MFA students have visited Nickelodeon Studios, Sony Pictures Animation, the Society of Illustrators, Disney Animation Studios, Electronic Arts (EA), Lucasfilm, DreamWorks Animation Studios, Brandywine Museum, Norman Rockwell Museum,  and Communication Arts Magazine.

Graduates of the Illustration MFA Program at University of Hartford work in a variety of leadership roles that require Illustration skills and experience.   

Chartered in 1957, University of Hartford is a private four-year university that serves approximately 5,800 students from 48 states and 45 countries. The school provides more than 175 programs spanning the Arts, Business, Education, Health, Humanities, and Engineering and Technology. Programs at UHart are housed across seven colleges and schools. University of Hartford has been continuously accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) since 1961.

Art Academy of Cincinnati (AAC) has a studio-based Illustration BFA Program that requires 120 credit hours, including 42 hours in the Major and 27 in studio electives. The Program’s trans-disciplinary curriculum provides the opportunity to explore creative areas such as Printmaking, Motion Graphics, Drawing, Installation, Animation, Sound Art, Digital Sculpture, and New Media. Other program features include seminars and workshops; summer internships in New York City and other cultural centers; and two- to six-month study abroad experiences in places such as Londin, Hong Kong, and Berlin. 

All AAC students will complete the First Year Experience (FYE), which helps students develop creative thinking, communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration skills. FYE course examples include Digital Literacy, Discovery and Voice, Communication, Artist as Writer Workshop, and Ideation. Following the AAC FYE, students will take major courses such as Storytelling Art for Motion Graphics, Illustration: Process and Media, Comic Book Art, Social Practice in the Arts, Illustration: Narrative, Artist Books, Storyboarding and Compositing, and Illustration: Special Topics.

The Illustration BFA Program at Art Academy of Cincinnati has a set of Professional Practice courses and experiences that help students prepare for life after AAC. All students will take Going Big: Professionalism Workshop, and one of the following: Exhibition Studio; Academy Design Service; Museums, Knowledge, and Power; Internship; or Advanced Creative Writing Seminar: Poetics/Aesthetics.

The Senior Year Experience (SYE) consists of 18 credit hours including the Senior Pathway Studio 1-2, Senior Seminar, and Senior Thesis—the culminating experience for the program.

Graduates of the Illustration BFA Program at Art Academy of Cincinnati work in fields such as Book and Magazine Publishing, Graphic Design, Corporate Branding, Entertainment (Film/Video/TV), Packaging, Advertising, and Game Art.

Founded in 1869, Art Academy of Cincinnati serves 310 students enrolled in seven Majors leading to a BFA, one Graduate Program in Art Education, which leads to an MA, and a Graphic Design Program leading to an AS. Art Academy of Cincinnati is a private independent college of art and design accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). AAC is also a Charter Member of NASAD.

University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte), houses the College of Arts + Architecture (COA+A). Serving more than 1,000 students, the COA+A provides 33 degrees and concentrations across the Departments of Art and Art History; Music; Dance; and Theatre. The Department of Art and Art History has four undergraduate degree programs, three major options, and an Art History Minor. At the graduate level, the Department has a Graduate Certificate Program in Teaching for Art Education. 

Housed in the Rowe Arts Building, the Department of Art and Art History provides access to three exhibition spaces including Rowe Lower Gallery, Side Gallery, and Upper Gallery. Students in the Department also have access to Rowe 3D Studio; Macy Graphic Design Computer Lab; Rowe Digital Fabrication Lab (RoFL); Lighting, Painting, and Ceramics Studios; Rowe Recital Hall; the Print Media Lab; and performance spaces.

All UNC Charlotte Art and Art History students have the opportunity to join on-campus organizations such as Cerama, Art & Mindfulness, and the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) Student Chapter. UNC Charlotte and the Department also lead a recurring Study Abroad Summer Program in Rome as well as paid internship opportunities at local museums and performing arts centers.

Program options for students seeking a degree in Illustration include an Art BFA with a Concentration in Illustration. accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the Art BFA Program requires 120 credit hours, with 79 credit hours of required courses within the Department of Art and Art History. The Illustration Concentration consists of 33 credit hours, with the remaining credits consisting of electives.

Course examples for the Program Illustration: Media/Method, Digital Foundations, Children’s Book Illustration, Mixed Media Painting, The Figure in Illustration, Drawing I-II, Illustration Sequence/Story, Figure and Anatomy, Topics in Illustration, and 2D and 3D Design.

In the final year of the program, students will complete the Senior Seminar, the Illustration Projects course, and BFA Portfolio Review. Final projects will be presented at the BFA Illustration Exhibition. Graduates are prepared for careers in areas such as Magazine Illustration, Book Cover Art, Graphic Novels, Illustration for Animation and Games, Comics, Storyboard Art, Scientific and Medical Illustration, and Poster Art.

Founded in 1946, University of North Carolina at Charlotte serves approximately 29,550, making it the third largest school in the 16-campus UNC System. This public research university provides more than 200 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across nine colleges. University of North Carolina at Charlotte is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

The College of Art and Design at Rochester Institute of Technology houses the School of Art, home to the Illustration Program. Specific program options for Illustrators include an Illustration BFA, and BFA and MFA degrees in Medical Illustration. The Medical Illustration MFA is one of only five programs of its kind in North America, and the only program of its kind in the Northeast.

All programs feature small class sizes of no more than 16 students; access to RIT facilities such as Studio 96, the Illustration Studio, and Witmeyer Mac Lab; and lectures and demos led by 15+ visiting artists each year. School of Art students also benefit from cooperative education and internships with top companies; networking opportunities through RIT’s industry partnerships; and study abroad experiences in countries around the world. Students in all programs also have the opportunity to exhibit their work in one of RIT's gallery spaces, and participate in Creative Industry Day where they can interview with company representatives for cooperative (co-op) education experiences and permanent positions.

The Illustration BFA at Rochester Institute of Technology has an 81% employment rate and the Medical Illustration BFA and MFA have a 100% employment rate. Graduates of the Illustration BFA Program work in Design, Fine Arts, Advertising, Media, Publishing, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, and the Performing Arts. Examples of job titles include Multimedia Illustrator, Digital Artist, Editorial Illustrator, Comic Artist, Book Illustrator, Creative Director, Advertising Illustrator, Concept Artist, Sequential Illustrator, Illustrative Designer, Textbook Illustrator, Political Cartoon Artist, Game Asset Illustrator, Animation Artist, Motion Graphics Artist,  and Graphic Novel Illustrator.

Medical Illustration BFA graduates hold positions such as Medical Editorial Illustrator, Medical Book/Texts Illustrator, Information Graphics Illustrator, 2D Medical Animator, Medical-Legal Illustrator/Litigation Support Specialist, Forensics Illustrator, Medical Interactive/Interface Designer, Exhibitor, Ophthalmologic Illustrator, and Prosthesis Designer/Anaplastologist.

Graduates of the Medical Illustration MFA Program at Rochester Institute of Technology often take on leadership roles in Medical and Legal Illustration, Information Graphics, Animation, and Computer Modeling.

Founded in 1829, Rochester Institute of Technology is a top research university with global campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo. Serving more than 19,000 students from 50 states and over 100 nations, RIT is one of the largest private universities in the U.S. Students at RIT have access to more than 200 academic programs across 11 colleges and institutes. Rochester Institute of Technology is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

The College of Fine Arts at University of Utah (The U) houses the Department of Art & Art History, home to the Art BFA Program with six Major/Emphasis options. Students in all Majors are required to complete the First Year Studio Foundations Program, which includes courses such as Introduction to Visual Language and Introduction to Art History. Upon completion of Foundations, students have the opportunity to customize their own path in their chosen emphasis and select projects that will help them reach their academic and career goals.

In the Illustration Emphasis, students will explore narrative techniques, concept development strategies, and Illustration industry practices. Course examples include Illustration 1: Process Art, Digital Drawing,  Communication Design, Illustration 2: Narrative Approaches, Typography, Digital Imaging for Visual Artists, Illustration 3: World & Voice, New Media Painting, Book Arts: Letterpress Printing, Urban Art, Language of Color: Beauty, Power, Meaning, Drawing Installation, and Special Topics.

The Art BFA (Illustration) culminates with  Illustration 4: Capstone. In this course, students will explore topics such as creating a portfolio website, finances, self-promotion, and ethics. At the end of the course, students will have a website or online portfolio of their best work, as well as marketing materials including business cards, postcards, and related promotional materials.

Graduates of the Art BFA (Illustration) Program at University of Utah are prepared for careers such as Children’s Book Illustration, Fine Art, Advertising Illustration, Gallery and Exhibition Design, Editorial Illustration, Comics & Storyboard Art, Book Illustration, Surface and Textile Design, Fashion Illustration, Character Development, Scientific illustration, and Concept Art.

Founded in 1850, University of Utah is the state’s public flagship institution. A top-tier research university, The U serves more than 34,900 students enrolled in over 200 programs across 17 colleges and schools. University of Utah is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

University of Georgia (UGA) is home to Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, which houses Lamar Dodd School of Art. This academic unit within Franklin College provides the opportunity to study and live in New York City for three weeks during the month of May through the UGA New York MAYmester Program. All Lamar Dodd students also have the opportunity to participate in the UGA Study Abroad Program, which has more than 100 options in 75 overseas locations. Examples include Ghana, West Africa; Tuscany, Italy; and Costa Rica.

Other School of Art features include access to state-of-the-art facilities and labs; the opportunity to work and learn in dedicated classrooms and studio spaces; and hands-on experience through the Internship Program. The School also has an Art BFA Program with a Concentration in Scientific Illustration that prepares students for careers in Traditional, Biological, and Medical Illustration.

Students may select nine credit hours or more in electives from areas such as Communications & Media, Studio Art & Design, and Interaction & Computing. Course examples Illustration, Design Drawing Techniques, Digital Narrative Systems, Photography & Image Culture, Special Problems in Graphic Design, Advanced Drawing, and Painting. With instructor approval, Art BFA students may take courses from the Printmaking & Book Arts Area. Examples include Drawing and Visuality, Letterpress, Introduction to Book Arts, Digital Printmaking, and Advanced Book Studio.

In addition to courses such as Techniques and Topics in Science Illustration, Design in Scientific Illustration, Color Techniques in Scientific Illustration, and Directed Study in Scientific Illustration, the Scientific Illustration Concentration requires Art History coursework, and 27 credit hours of Studio Art courses. This provides additional opportunities for students to develop skills in Traditional Illustration. Examples of Studio courses include Figure Drawing/Anatomy, Figure Drawing, and Digital Imaging.

The Art BFA-Scientific Illustration Program at University of Georgia culminates with the Senior Exit course, which consists of a Critique, Portfolio, Evaluation, and participation in the BFA Exit Show: Scientific Illustration. Graduates of the program work in just about every industry. They have been hired at advertising agencies, publishers (books, journals, magazines), animation studios, software and app developers, studios that produce serious games, medical education companies, science communication studios, hospitals and clinics, medical practices, veterinary schools, medical and legal firms, device and biotech companies, research institutions, and the U.S. Military.

Chartered by the State of Georgia in 1785, University of Georgia is the nation’s first state university. The school serves more than 40,000 students enrolled in 379 degree programs across 17 colleges and schools. Established in 1910, the Graduate School houses 250 of UGA’s 379 degree programs. University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

American Academy of Art College (Academy of Art) houses the Illustration Department, home to the Illustration BFA Program. Consisting of 122 credit hours, the Program features immersive projects based on realistic job situations; courses led by professionals in the Illustration industry; independent and team-based projects; workshops and portfolio development courses; and opportunities to compete an internship and study abroad.

Courses examples for the Illustration BFA Program at Academy of Art Fundamentals of Art I-II, Drawing for Illustrators, Editorial and Publishing Art, Visual Storytelling, Design for Illustrators, Storyboarding, Illustration: Advertising Art, Survey of American Illustration, Typography, Advanced Anatomy, Concept Art, and Photographic Imaging. Studio electives allow students to develop additional skills in other creative disciplines.

The Illustration BFA Program at American Academy of Art College culminates with the development of a professional portfolio of the student’s best work. Graduates are prepared for graduate study or to pursue positions such as Comic Book Artist, Muralist, Children’s Book Illustrator, Editorial Illustrator, Storyboard Artist, Technical Illustrator, Production Artist, News & Courtroom Illustrator, Art Director, Interactive Designer, Art Educator, Caricature Artist, Concept Artist, Exhibition Designer, and Freelance Illustrator.

Founded in 1923 as a school for aspiring fine and commercial artists, American Academy of Art College is a private Art and Design School that serves approximately 170 students enrolled in Graphic Design, Illustration, 3D Modeling and Animation, Oil Painting, Art Direction, and Photography BFA Programs. American Academy of Art College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Maine College of Art and Design (MECA&D or MECA) has an Illustration BFA Program that features small class sizes, access to state-of-the-art equipment and production facilities, shared workspaces, and courses taught by professional Artists and Illustrators. Students in this program also have the opportunity to complete an internship before graduating. Students have interned with Hasbro Toys, The Via Agency, and the Illustration Institute.

Course examples for the program include Picturebook, Editorial Illustration, Methods and Media in Illustration, Experimental Illustration, Graphic Novel/Sequential, Illustration in Context, Character Design, Portrait Drawing in Illustration: People and Animals, Motion Graphics and Animation, Narrative/Sequential Illustration,  Hand Lettering, Illustration Majors Studio, and Advanced Techniques in Pen and Ink.

In the final year of the program, Illustration BFA students at Main College of Art will complete 3YR Seminar: Motive, Method, Making (GD & IL), Professional Studio, and Senior Synthesis, which culminates in a written Thesis.

Graduates of the Illustration BFA Program are prepared for a variety of roles in Children’s Book Publishing, Poster Design, Web Design, Graphic Novels, Comic Book Art, Magazine Illustration, Toy Design and Production, Game Art, Newspaper Publishing, and Concept Art. Program alumni work as independent contractors, self-employed professional artists, and salaried artists.

Founded in 1882 as part of the Portland Society of Art, Maine College of Art & Design serves approximately 470 degree-seeking students and 1,500 continuing education students enrolled in 11 studio majors leading to a BFA, a low-residency Studio Art MFA, and a 10-month MAT Program. Maine College of Art & Design is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).