Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Illustration is a professional degree program that prepares students to become creative visual communicators in a rapidly evolving field. As the only BFA in Illustration in the state of Iowa, this program offers a unique opportunity for students to explore a dynamic and transformative discipline that bridges art, design, and storytelling, using the universal language of images to educate, inform, entertain, and inspire.

Program Details

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration is a 128-credit undergraduate degree designed to develop students’ technical skills, conceptual thinking, and professional readiness. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in drawing and design, professional practice, and market knowledge, ensuring graduates are prepared to adapt to emerging technologies and industry trends.

Curriculum

Students begin with the college’s first-year Core Design Program, building essential skills in composition, drawing, and creative problem-solving. As they progress, students explore specialized areas such as digital illustration, narrative development, concept art, and client-based projects. The program culminates in a capstone experience that showcases each student’s unique artistic voice and professional portfolio.

Core Design Program

The undergraduate curricula in design are divided into two phases: the Core Design Program and the professional or general degree program. Classes in the Core create a shared experience and community that exposes students to all nine majors within the College of Design.

Success in Design

Students graduate career-ready with internships, capstone projects, professional practice and portfolio classes integrated into the Design programs, and support from the Design Career Services Office. The college also hosts an annual Design Career Fair focused only on design majors.

Possible Career Paths

Graduates of the program are equipped with the creative, technical, and professional skills needed to pursue opportunities in fields such as freelance illustration, studio art, concept design, publishing, advertising, entertainment, and education. As visual communication continues to evolve across platforms and industries, the program prepares students to navigate and contribute to a world increasingly shaped by imagery and design.

• Advertising illustration
  • Animation and gaming
  • Character development
  • Comics
  • Digital illustration
  • Educational illustration
  • Fashion illustration
  • Illustration for licensing and product
  • Editorial illustration
  • Storyboard artist
  • Technical illustration
  • Visual development artist for feature animation, entertainment, and television

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities for graduates may include:

• Advertising illustration
• Animation and gaming
• Character development
• Comics
• Digital illustration
• Educational illustration
• Fashion illustration
• Illustration for licensing and product
• Editorial illustration
• Storyboard artist
• Technical illustration
• Visual development artist for feature animation, entertainment, and television