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Subject · 194 verified programs

Illustration degrees

Degrees in making images that explain, tell stories or accompany text, across editorial, publishing, narrative and digital contexts.

Also called: Illustration and Visual Media, Visual Storytelling, Children’s Book Illustration, Illustration and Animation, Picture Book Art.

84 BFA · 38 BA / BA (Hons) · 27 Other bachelor’s award · 18 MFA · 12 MA · 10 Other master’s award · 3 BDes · 2 MDes · 136 dedicated degree, 44 official concentration, 14 named major

194 programs

How results are ordered: alphabetically by institution, or by most recently checked when you choose that sort. There is no price ranking, because tuition in different currencies, fee categories and bases (per year, per credit, whole program) is not comparable. A program appears under a subject only through a verified link (dedicated degree, major, concentration or documented pathway). A value we could not verify is shown as “not published”, never as “no”. Items marked Sponsored are paid placements; they never change verification or order. Online programs are not counted as physically located in a state or city, and an institution’s location does not tell you whether it enrols students from your country.

About illustration study

Illustration is the making of images to communicate ideas, tell stories or interpret text. Degree study develops drawing and image-making skills alongside the ability to respond to a brief, research a subject and shape an individual visual voice. Illustrators work by hand and digitally, for books, magazines, packaging, games, animation, advertising and independent publications.

Programs typically combine drawing, narrative and sequential work, color and composition, and training in both traditional and digital media. Students learn how images work with type, how to pace a story across pages, and how to prepare work for reproduction. Critique, contextual study and some professional practice such as contracts and self-publishing are usually included.

Illustration is related to drawing and painting, but those are often self-directed art practices, while illustration usually answers a communicative purpose. It also differs from graphic design, which organizes type and layout, and from animation, which creates movement. Some programs treat illustration as a major, others as a pathway within graphic or visual communication design.

What study typically involves

  • Drawing and image-making in traditional and digital media
  • Narrative, sequential and picture-book work
  • Editorial and publishing briefs
  • Color, composition and visual research
  • Preparing artwork for print and screen
  • Developing a personal visual style
  • Professional practice and portfolio development

Award titles. Illustration is commonly studied within BA, BA (Hons) or BFA programs, and at postgraduate level within MA or MFA degrees, sometimes with design-oriented titles. Research degrees including practice-based PhDs may exist in some countries. Award names vary, so rely on the official program page.

Illustration often appears as a major, a pathway within graphic design or visual communication, or an MFA concentration. The directory lists a program under this subject only with a verified dedicated degree, major, official concentration or documented pathway.

Portfolio and admissions guidance

Requirements differ for every program. Always check the official admissions page; this directory cannot guarantee acceptance.

Applicants to illustration programs are usually asked for a portfolio that shows drawing ability, imagination and a sense of storytelling or communication, often with sketchbooks. Work from observation and personal projects is commonly welcome, and some programs set a brief to respond to.

Requirements vary by country and program. Some require a fixed number of images or a short written response, and some hold interviews or tests. Postgraduate programs generally expect a coherent body of work and a clear statement of interests.

Always confirm formats, limits and deadlines on each official admissions page. Admission is never guaranteed, and no universal template exists.

See also the guide to preparing an art portfolio.

Funding and costs

At MFA and PhD level, funding in some programs may include teaching assistantships, studio roles, tuition remission or competitive scholarships.

Terms vary by program, country and year, and many students receive partial or no support. Verify details directly with the program and funding bodies.

Costs beyond tuition. Students commonly pay for drawing and painting materials, a drawing tablet or computer, software, printing and bookmaking costs.