BFA.ILLUS.120 - BFA in Illustration
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2025 - 2026 | Curriculum | 4-year program
In the first year of the program, sophomores focus on developing both creative intelligence and technical facility. Courses in illustrative problem solving help nurture original thinking and conceptual clarity, while classes in drawing and painting strengthen basic image-making skills. Juniors choose among a broad range of electives in both traditional and digital media, along with image formulation for specific professional applications. Professional internships and independent study projects are also encouraged.
Learning outcomes
Graduates of the BFA program are prepared to:
build on technical, material and formal investigation developed in the undergraduate setting.
manifest maturing artistic voice and original thought through the melding of form, conceptual content and technical proficiency.
articulate knowledge of art historical precedents and their significance to creating contemporary images.
connect with the viewer, strengthening meaning through the use of metaphor, pointed ambiguity and cultural references.
develop critical insight in the interpretation and evaluation of visual communication in a broad range of works, with an eye toward civic responsibility and cultural dialogue.
demonstrate artistic consciousness through intelligent and sensitive use of symbolism and representational vernacular.
confidently pursue professional goals, through a distinctive portfolio of work that exhibits expertise in visual communication strategies, content creation and artistic excellence, as well as a keen awareness of professional standards, comportment, and self-advocacy.
First year | |||||
FALL | WINTERSESSION | SPRING | |||
15 | studio elective | 3 | 12 | ||
Sophomore | |||||
FALL | WINTERSESSION | SPRING | |||
ILLUS 2000 - Visual Thinking | 3 | optional | ILLUS 2004 - Visual Strategies | 3 | |
ILLUS 2012 - Drawing 1: Visualizing Space | 3 | ILLUS 2016 - Drawing 2: The Articulate Figure | 3 | ||
ILLUS 2024 - Painting 1: Color Perception and Expression | 3 | ILLUS 2028 - Painting 2: Observation and Imagination | 3 | ||
LAEL 1030 - History of Illustration or Liberal Arts | 3 | LAEL 1030 - History of Illustration or Liberal Arts | 3 | ||
Liberal Arts | 3 | Liberal Arts | 3 | ||
total credits | 15 | total credits | 15 | ||
Junior | |||||
FALL | WINTERSESSION | SPRING | |||
Computer Literacy Requirement | 3 | optional | Illustration Concepts | 3 | |
major electives | 6 | major electives | 6 | ||
Liberal Arts | 3 | Liberal Arts | 3 | ||
non major studio elective | 3 | non major studio elective | 3 | ||
total credits | 15 | total credits | 15 | ||
Senior | |||||
FALL | WINTERSESSION | SPRING | |||
major electives | 6 | optional | ILLUS 4012 - Senior Portfolio | 3 | |
non major studio elective | 3 | major electives | 6 | ||
Liberal Arts | 6 | Liberal Arts | 6 | ||
total credits | 15 | total credits | 15 | ||
notes:
LIBERAL ARTS - 39 TOTAL CREDITS, 30 TAKEN AFTER THE FIRST YEAR including HPSS S301. See Liberal Arts Division for specific requirements. LAEL 1030 History of Illustration is a required Liberal Arts elective for Illustration majors
MAJOR ELECTIVES -24 CREDITS in Illustration
NON-MAJOR ELECTIVES - 12 CREDITS from studio subjects outside of Illustration
ILLUSTRATION COMPUTER LITERACY REQUIREMENT - 3 CREDITS chosen from the list below.
Please note not all courses are offered each year.
ILLUS 3300 - Merging Worlds
ILLUS 3304 - Introduction to Digital Illustration
ILLUS 3306 - Intermediate Digital Illustration+
ILLUS 3308 - Advanced Digital Painting+
ILLUS 3310 - Advanced Digital Projects
ILLUS 3320 - Digital 3D for Illustrators
ILLUS 3328 - Character & Environ. Design for 3D Gaming
ILLUS 3346 - Augmented Design
ILLUS 3408 - Illustrator as Designer
ILLUS 3590 - The Changing Narrative (may count for either requirement but not both)
ILLUS 3934 - A Beautiful Corner
ILLUS 4402 - WKSHP: Maya Basics*
ILLUS 4404 - WKSHP: Z-Brush Sculpting and Illustration*
ILLUS 4406 - WKSHP: Introduction to Game Engines*
ILLUSTRATION CONCEPTS REQUIREMENT - 3 CREDITS chosen from the list below.
Please note not all courses are offered each year.
ILLUS 3000 - Editorial Illustration
ILLUS 3004 - Contemporary Illustration
ILLUS 3012 - Style and Substance
ILLUS 3016 - New York, New York(er)
ILLUS 3032 - XXXY
ILLUS 3036 - What’s Your Story?
ILLUS 3046 - Myth and Metaphor
ILLUS 3052 - Animalia
ILLUS 3054 - The Visual Essay
ILLUS 3104 - Visible Cities
ILLUS 3400 - Image Design
ILLUS 3590 - The Changing Narrative (may count for Concept Elective or Digital requirement but not both)
ILLUS 3604 - Cover to Cover
ILLUS 3632 - Making Play: Games
ILLUS 3638 - Picturing Sound: Music + Illustration
*Must take three (3) 1-credit workshops to fulfill this requirement. Certain digital workshops in Graphic Design and Industrial Design may be combined with Illustration workshops to meet the Computer Literacy Requirement.
+ See course description for prerequisites
All Sophomores undergo a mandatory review during the Spring semester, which may be scheduled outside of class meeting time, including Satursdays. Failure to undergo Sophomore Review will result in revoked privileges in subsequent semesters.
All Illustration majors are required to take Senior Portfolio in Spring of their Senior year.
Seniors have the option of undertaking a 6-credit Senior Degree Project with the supervision of a full-time or part- time faculty member, completed in fall and spring of senior year. The Degree Project Proposal must be approved by the department head in advance of registration, with the deadline coinciding with the published ISP/CSP deadline. Only projects with unusual merit and evidence of thorough preparation are approved