Undergraduate and graduate degree programs are available at least partially online for students wishing to study illustration. Here we discuss a few of the available schools and considerations for making a selection, including program types, award levels, additional costs and career outcomes.
How to Select an Online Illustration School
Although fully online illustration degree programs are rare, many community colleges and 4-year schools offer hybrid illustration programs that provide both online and traditional, in-person courses. Online and hybrid illustration programs typically award associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees. Students must then weigh the program type and award level with the costs and career outcomes.
Program Type
Programs that focus on graphic or digital illustration are more likely to offer online courses, while those related to contemporary drawing and illustration require a greater number of in-person art studio courses. Some illustration programs allow students to study a specific field, such as graphic design, multimedia communications or digital illustration. Also, some schools have stronger programs in certain fields, such as animation or digital illustration.
Award Level
Associate's degrees are designed to give students a basic understanding of illustration, typography and related design concepts. Bachelor's degree programs prepare students for professional illustration careers, while graduate degree programs allow students to develop advanced artistic and business skills.
Additional Costs
Students enrolled in online or hybrid illustration programs may be required to purchase items such as illustration software or art supplies. Digital illustration programs may require students to purchase or use software such as Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop or CorelDraw. Degree programs with illustration studio courses often require an inventory of basic drawing, painting and related supplies. Additional costs vary by illustration program and coursework.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of an online illustration program can become digital illustrators, animators, art directors, visual artists, computer animation designers or similar professionals. Career opportunities are greater for graduates of bachelor's and master's degree programs, though completion of an associate's degree program can lead to entry-level illustrating positions.
List of Online Illustration Programs
Associate's Degrees
An online or hybrid associate's degree program in computer or print illustration introduces students to basic design and aesthetic concepts in illustration. Online courses are usually delivered through interactive websites that allow students to participate in discussions, upload assignments and read lecture notes and other materials. Programs allow students to build a professional illustration portfolio to present to potential employers. Depending upon whether the focus is on digital or print illustration, students take courses such as:
- Graphic design
- Art historical awareness
- Clothed figure drawing
- Still-life painting
Bachelor's Degrees
An online Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program in illustration requires four years of study and allows students to develop illustration skills through lectures, studio courses and independent illustration projects. Many programs provide education in the use of computer illustration programs. Some online classes require students to have access to a digital camera or scanner in order to submit assignments or examples of illustrative work. Because online bachelor's degree programs include many opportunities to create illustrative works, students' final portfolios are generally well developed and may include a range of design examples. Programs typically offer a range of art courses, covering topics in:
- Color theory
- Illustrative composition
- Storyboarding
- Quantitative literacy
Master's Degrees
Students in online illustration master's degree programs learn advanced illustrative and aesthetic theories and skills. These programs prepare students for advanced instructional or managerial careers as art instructors, program directors or related positions. Online master's degree programs in illustration generally require two years of study and award a Master of Arts or Master of Fine Arts degree. Students take courses like:
- Traditional illustration
- Visualizing science
- Digital media
- Creature design
- Advanced calligraphy
Schools With Online Programs in Illustration
Sessions College for Professional Design provides an associate's degree program in illustration that is entirely online. The program lasts two years and includes a capstone project and portfolio. Students also learn how to use Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design has an online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration degree program that is also available online. Students choose an emphasis in children's book illustration, sequential art or concept art. Students develop a portfolio and also learn how to sell and market their work.
The Academy of Art University offers associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs in illustration online. Students pursuing their master's degree can choose from the Master of Fine Arts program or Master of Arts program. Both programs develop a portfolio, but the Master of Fine Arts program emphasizes visual communication and technical abilities while the Master of Arts program emphasizes professional style.
Students wishing to study illustration through online or hybrid learning methods should consider their career goals when deciding whether to study at the associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree level. Students also need to consider any additional program costs that come with online study in this field.
