Illustration
Total graduates
3,125
2025 · 61 schools
International share
16.8%
526 international students
Bachelor's degrees
2,598
14.9% international
Master's degrees
275
46.9% international
Overview
Illustration is a dynamic and versatile field that combines artistic creativity with visual storytelling. This major typically focuses on the creation of images that convey ideas, narratives, or messages through various mediums. Students in illustration programs learn to develop their unique styles and techniques, often exploring both traditional methods, such as drawing and painting, and digital tools, including software like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
The curriculum often covers a range of topics, including character design, editorial illustration, children’s book illustration, and concept art for films and video games. Students are encouraged to build a strong portfolio that showcases their skills and versatility, which is crucial for entering the competitive job market. Art history and theory may also be integrated into the coursework to provide a broader context for students’ work.
Illustration graduates can pursue various career paths, including freelance illustration, working in publishing, advertising, animation, and even education. The demand for skilled illustrators continues to grow, particularly with the expansion of digital media and online content creation. As such, illustrators play a vital role in branding, marketing, and communication, making their work essential in today’s visually driven society.
Overall, the illustration major fosters not only technical skills but also critical thinking and creative problem-solving, preparing students to effectively convey complex ideas through visual art. It is a field that rewards innovation and personal expression, making it an exciting choice for those passionate about art and storytelling.
Graduates by year
AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral
From 2003 to 2025, graduates grew 387% and the international share went from 9.5% to 16.8%.
Colleges that award this degree
In 2025, 61 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.
Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.
Related jobs and pay
| Occupation | US employment | Mean hourly wage | Mean annual wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | 93,560 | — | $94,700 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | 10,630 | $39.98 | $83,160 |
| Designers, All Other | 9,480 | $38.02 | $79,090 |
| Artists and Related Workers, All Other | 6,930 | $38.72 | $80,530 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2003–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.