Studio Art, BFA - Illustration

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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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.