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Art & Design

Illustration

Professional Certificate, full-time or part-time post-baccalaureate program

Draw from a world of inspiration.

You’ve earned your bachelor’s degree and you’ve decided you want to do something different. Use your imagination. Work with your hands. Make art. A career in illustration feels right to you, but you’re not sure where to begin. That’s where our professional certificate comes in. After two years, you’ll earn 60 credits as you learn in-studio and take courses that will prepare you for an exciting future in illustration.

From figure drawing to digital software programs and so much more, learn a foundation of skills that will take you where you want to go in the field of illustration. Students without a studio art background will take prerequisite courses, which can be completed before or during the program.

From there, master tools and concepts that open endless opportunities for what you can create, whether it’s visual narratives in children’s books and comics, character design, concept art, or editorial and surface design.

Our expert faculty will lead you to develop your individual interests as an illustrator and help you create a portfolio of your best work. You’ll also get firsthand experience of what it’s like to work in the industry through our internship programs. You’ll be mentored by professional illustrators in Greater Boston as you discover the career paths that excite you. Your creative future is just around the corner.

student selling artwork speaking to customer
Sara Alfageeh ’18
Sara Alfageeh's essay "How Muslim Comic Creators Are Reclaiming Their Narratives" was awarded the 2016 Kingston-Mann Student Achievement Award. In it, she explores stereotypes that persist in western media regarding Muslim women, and how female Muslim comic creators are working against that. "I am inspired to write about topics I am personally invested in, which happen to be comics and what it means to visibly identify as a Muslim woman in America," Sara says.
The visual story that becomes a cult classic. Create it.
Careers
Where You Could Work
Illustration is a flexible field, with opportunities to work across a wide range of industries, from publishing and advertising to science and medicine, fashion, education, and beyond. Organizations you could work for include:
Careers
Jobs You Could Have
Professional opportunities in illustration are in demand, and Greater Boston is a great place to start your career. Some of the top job titles for someone with illustration training include:

Faculty

Total approximate cost for this undergraduate certificate program.
Illustration
Housing Options
Compare the cost of the program for students who live on campus in a residence hall with the cost for commuter students.
  • Tuition
    Year 1 - Fall
    $15,945
    Year 1 - Spring
    $15,945
    Year 2 - Fall
    $15,945
    Year 2 - Spring
    $15,945
  • Fees
    New Student Orientation Fee
    $150
    Comprehensive Fee
    $1,780
  • Room & Board
    Health and Wellness Fee
    $1,780
    Room (double, triple, or quad room)
    $22,960
    Meal Plan
    $15,160
    Housing Deposit (one-time fee)
    $300
  • Total
Estimated Cost

Review all undergraduate tuition and fees, and what they cover.

Tuition and fees are subject to change each year, effective June 1.

Apply Now

Ready to get started? We're here to make the application process as smooth as possible. Just answer a few quick questions, and get your customized application guide.

Total approximate cost for this undergraduate certificate program. Tuition and fees are for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Use our step-by-step guide to apply for federal, state, and university funding. Scholarships, grants, Work-Study, and loans. It’s all right here.

Next steps to apply

Ready to get started? We're here to make the application process as smooth as possible. Just answer a few quick questions, and get your customized application guide.