Essential Information
Students in cartooning degree programs may study both theoretical and compositional aspects of cartooning. They can study figure drawing, etching, cartooning principles and digital cartooning techniques. Depending on the level of study completed, graduates could pursue careers in areas such as film, commercial art or academics. Requirements for incoming students may include a high school diploma, standardized test scores, and a portfolio of work, with a bachelor's degree required for entrance to a master's program. Bachelor's programs typically last 4 years, while master's degrees usually take 2 years to complete.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Cartooning
A Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in cartooning is a course of study designed to introduce students to a variety of art and cartooning-specific topics. Most programs involve technical and theoretical cartooning training. Courses may include:
- Cartooning history
- Principles of cartooning
- Watercolor techniques
- Pastel techniques
- Illustration etching
Master of Fine Arts in Cartooning
A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Cartooning is a graduate degree program that gives students the opportunity to pursue an advanced program of study in the field and usually involve a combination of advanced cartooning coursework and a thesis. First year studies are generally dedicated to learning advanced drawing and cartooning techniques, such as:
- Lettering by hand
- Silk screening
- Digital cartooning
- Figure drawing
- Observational drawing
Popular Career Options
Although cartooning is a specific art form, graduates of a BFA in cartooning may be qualified for a variety of careers in the arts. Students may work for themselves or hold jobs in fields like newspaper cartooning, film animation, and commercial illustration jobs. Graduates of MFA programs in cartooning may be qualified for some of the same jobs as BFA graduates, with additional options to pursue a career in the academic world. Some possible career options for a graduate of an MFA program include college cartooning professor, freelance cartoonist, and digital animator.
Continuing Education Info
Graduates of a BFA in cartooning may choose to pursue an advanced degree in the field, such as a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Cartooning. Students may also gain on-the-job experience and training at a newspaper or magazine. Continuing education courses in specific areas of the field, including advanced drawing techniques or computer animation, may be available.
Aspiring cartoonists can seek out undergraduate and graduate degree programs focused on the craft. These programs provide instruction in cartoon history, theory, and techniques as well as hands-on training, preparing students for careers within cartooning or other areas involving related work.
