Illustration (MA)

The MA in Illustration provides the skills to develop portfolios with samples in Children’s Book, Editorial, Licensing, Package Illustration, Concept Art, Book Covers, Preliminary Art, Advertising, or Institutional Art portfolios. Both representational and stylistic approaches for print and or web are taught. Students graduate with a portfolio created in a personal style and medium of choice that is market appropriate.

Master of Arts (MA) Degree
Major Classes

This program is available online and on campus

FA 626

Chiaroscuro Major/3

Apply classical drawing principles to render a 3D form. You'll dive deep into the five-value system of tonal rendering, composition, value pattern, variation of form, cast shadow edges, and light and shadow relationships.

FA 630

Color Theory Major/3

Get an education in color. You'll enhance your capacity to make informed color choices in your artwork by studying scientific research (theory) and through a series of hands-on projects (practice) designed to help you personalize color.

ILL 602

Concept, Technique and Illustration Major/3

Find your voice. Experiment with different media as you work through the full illustration process, from concept sketches to finished artwork.

ILL 610

Clothed Figure Drawing Major/3

Create a believable three-dimensional illusion of a figure on a flat surface of paper. You'll study physical flexibility, how the figure moves, various types of folds, and the construction of clothing.

ILL 620

Graphic Novel/Comic Book 1 Major/3

Tell your stories sequentially. You'll investigate the mechanics and structures of comics, storyboards, illustrated books, and film to create your own graphic short stories. (This course is cross-listed with ILL 371.)

ILL 625

Perspective for Characters and Environment Major/3

Learn to draw situations suggesting 3D believably. This will include naturalistic environments, lighting, and placement of characters, allowing your audience a full understanding of your stories.

ILL 660

Digital Painting Major/3

Digital painting is in demand by many of today's art buyers. In this class, you'll use digital painting software as a tool to create graduate-level, professional illustrations.

IXD 600

Digital Graphics Major/3

Develop proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign by engaging in comprehensive design projects. You will delve into Adobe's design suite and AI-enhanced design tools.

Degree Requirements

Unit RequirementsUnits
Major Coursework33
Graduate Liberal Arts3
Total36

MA ILLUSTRATION DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

  • Successful completion of Final Portfolio Review.
  • Minimum grade of C in all required 36 units.
  • Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and the following Academic Study requirement:
    1 Art Historical Awareness & Aesthetic Sensitivity course

Additional Information

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

Artistic Ability

  • Work with appropriate skill in a chosen medium or mediums
  • Create compelling images

Research and Conceptualization Skills

  • Clearly identify their audience
  • Conduct research for reference

Presentation Skills

  • Professionally present their work

Professional Readiness

  • Produce a cohesive portfolio tailored to reflect career goals