Overview

In the Illustration program at California College of the Arts, you’ll learn the art of conceptual problem-solving and visual storytelling.

Quick Facts:

Our interdisciplinary environment invites robust cross-disciplinary study and provides you access to cutting-edge software and digital tools, print and painting studios, shops, labs, and a community of thinkers and makers eager to collaborate. By approaching illustration from many perspectives, you'll learn to bring unique ideas to life with originality and versatility.
Expand your illustration practice with a minor in Comics, which focuses on layout and composition, sequential storytelling, character development, and writing. You can also pair your Illustration degree with a minor in Visual Development, where you'll gain experience with concept art, character design, and world-building for the gaming and entertainment industries.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Illustration Studios 1–3

Illustration Tools: Digital Illustration

Illustration Tools: Professional Practice

Illustration Tools: Painting for Illustrators

Selected Courses from Illustration Tools or Approved Studio Electives or both

Approved Drawing Electives

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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4.9/5 student rating

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Oakland, United States

Disciplines

Graphic Design View 610 other Bachelors in Graphic Design in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

An online application and nonrefundable application fee of $70

Personal essay

High school and/or university transcripts

Letter of recommendation

Portfolio (log in to SlideRoom)

Proof of English proficiency (international applicants only)

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

60864 USD / year

≈ 60864 USD / year
Out-of-State

60864 USD / year

≈ 60864 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

60864 USD / year

≈ 60864 USD / year

Living costs

Oakland

United States

1055 - 1962 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

About

Overview

Quick Facts:

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Oakland

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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