What you will study
Your UCM bachelor’s degree in Illustration includes a foundation in core art skills
and digital practices, an understanding of historical and cultural context and insight
into the modern requirements of the profession. Classes are held in the collaborative
spirit of all of our Art and Design programs and typically feature a peer critique
format for reviewing each other’s work. Sample classes include:
- Illustration Concepts
- Typography
- Comics and Graphic Storytelling
The goal of our Studio Art BFA is to help you fully realize what you can do with an
Illustration degree after graduation. You’ll receive training in digital and traditional
practices and explore what is most appropriate for your artistic practice and career
trajectory. Many of these techniques are used across the contemporary landscape of
art, design and illustration, expanding career opportunities for UCM graduates with
Illustration degrees.
In your senior year, you’ll build your portfolio by completing projects that are inspired
by current trends in the profession. With assistance from your faculty mentors, your
portfolio will be a polished, professional asset to your career search.
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National Rankings
- UCM offers a tradition of excellence in Art education. Our Studio Art BFA, including
Illustration degrees, has been a NASAD-accredited program since 1986.
- Ranked Best in Missouri Offering Design & Applied Arts by Plexuss Global in 2021
- Ranked #2 Best Value Bachelor’s Degree College for Design & Applied Arts in Missouri
by College Factual in 2022
- Recognized as a 2022 Best Value Colleges for Fine Arts by College Factual
- Recognized as a 2022 Best Value Bachelor’s Degree Colleges for Fine Arts by College
Factual
- Recognized as a Best Value Bachelor’s Degree Colleges for Fine & Studio Arts by College
Factual
- Ranked in the top 15% of 2021 Best Value Colleges for Design and Applied Arts by College
Factual
- Ranked in the top 15% of 2021 Most Popular College for Design and Applied Arts by
College Factual
Unique learning opportunities in illustration
Our student-centered approach to learning, emphasis on mentorship and state-of-the-art
technology resources set UCM’s program apart from Illustration degrees offered by
public art schools.
- Internships: Students pursuing undergraduate Illustration degrees are not required to complete
internships while at UCM, but many choose to. Internships are an excellent opportunity
to gain insights and experience in the working world of illustrators. Our Fine Arts
majors have achieved exciting placements with companies such as the C3 Brand Marketing
& Design Agency, Signal Theory and Valhalla Studio.
- Professional exposure: Meet successful alumni at our First Friday events and working professional artists
through the Kleppe Visiting Artist Lecture Series. Submit your work for external review
in our annual juried art show. Reach the broader community in the Design-a-thon, a
pro bono design marathon that allows you to support a nonprofit of your choice while
producing work for real-world clients.
What can you do with an Illustration degree from UCM?
UCM graduates are well-prepared for the professional world, trained in modern techniques
with a solid grounding in digital and traditional art. We expand what you can do with
an undergraduate Illustration degree by helping you develop a professional portfolio
and preparing you for competitive jobs in the field.
With your bachelor’s degree in Illustration in hand, you could get a job right away
doing in-house design work or freelancing. Many of our graduates with Illustration
degrees have gone on to lead ad agencies and galleries, and one recent graduate achieved
worldwide publication of a graphic novel adaptation of “The Secret Garden”.
You could also choose to build on your bachelor’s degree in Illustration by studying
at the graduate level. Past graduates of our undergraduate program have received additional
degrees at art schools such as Washington University, the Sam Fox School of Design
and the School of Visual Arts in New York City.
A variety of creative work opportunities
Illustration degrees qualify you for numerous creative roles. As more content becomes
digital, the need for skilled illustrators and designers will increase across industries.
This includes film, digital and social media and higher education. Use the interactive
tool below to gain insights on job outlooks, salary potential and more.
Financial assistance options for your degree in Illustration
You deserve a first-rate arts education, as well as a stable financial future. That’s
why we keep our tuition fees as low as possible and offer a wide range of financing options. We’ve been recognized by LendEDU for our leadership in minimizing our students’
debt.
What can you do with an Illustration degree? At UCM, we believe your answer shouldn’t
be limited by financial concerns. Keep your college education affordable by taking
advantage of these arts-specific financial aid opportunities:
- Portfolio-based scholarships for incoming students
- Endowed scholarships for current students
- Cash prizes at the annual, juried Citation Student Show
Learn more about program-specific scholarships for Illustration majors using the UCM Scholarship Finder.
Meet Professor John F. Malta
Associate professor of Studio Art
Working with experienced artists introduces UCM students to the range of what you
can do with an Illustration degree after graduation. John F. Malta is an illustrator,
author and art director. His work has been published by The New York Times, The New
Yorker, Facebook, Adult Swim and more. He has exhibited his art internationally and
across the Midwest.
Meet More Artists
Today’s Technology Meets Traditional Skills
A forward-looking arts education
A UCM degree in Illustration refines your digital art skills and entrepreneurial spirit
so you can tell visual stories with depth, contextual relevance and enduring aesthetic
appeal. We’ll also train you in the industry’s latest tools and technology platforms,
so what you can do with an Illustration degree is limited only by your ambition.
An Open Environment for Collaboration
Access studio space whenever you need
UCM degrees in Illustration support intensive time in the studio. You’ll always have
access to the tools and technology you need with our round-the-clock access to our
well-equipped computer labs and art studios.
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