Overview

Graduates of the Illustration program from School of Visual Arts continue to change the way we see the world, and it is everywhere: at your local newsstand, on your TV, in your local library, at the comic convention, on the back of your t-shirt, on your smartphone, and yes, even that design inked on your bicep. It is all illustration, and it all tells a story. SVA is proud to produce some of the greatest image-makers on the planet!

About the programme

A clever style was once thought to be the calling card for the professional illustrator. But in an age where images and artworks abound, visual artists must do more than deliver slick gimmicks—they must develop a real sensibility and create work that transcends trends.

We not only inspire and encourage a student’s imagination, but also teach the art of interpretation: the ability to carefully read and cross-reference texts, research visual styles, and conceptualize and produce significant bodies of work.

With our junior thesis and senior portfolio curriculum, our students develop sophisticated and complete oeuvres, unlike the “patch-work portfolios” produced by many other art schools, which consist of students’ scattered responses to a variety of assignments, and don’t especially reveal their true personalities.

Maybe it’s our commitment to unleashing those personalities that accounts for our student’s success in the illustration world—and why our students have landed, while they’ve been students, significant assignments for The New Yorker, The New York Press, Mad Magazine and The Village Voice.

Not a big surprise when you consider that our instructors tend to make their own waves. Whether it’s Stephen Savage, illustrator of The New York Times bestseller Polar Bear Night; or Jonathon Rosen, whose talents were evident to millions in Tim Burton’s and Johnny Depp’s blockbuster film Sleepy Hollow; whether it’s the faculty who’ve created award-winning magazines, book covers, posters, CD packages, opera sets, product designs, toys, US postage stamps, wallpaper for Prada décor, Van’s footwear, ad campaigns, book bags, lighters, compasses and t-shirts—we’re positioned to connect our students to the most lucrative illustration opportunities in the industry.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Writing and Literature

Visual Computing

Professional Practice: Illustration

Digital Portfolio

Illustration Portfolio

Pictorial Problems

Culture Survey

History of Illustration

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2025-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2024-10-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2025-09-02 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

More details

SVA reviews applicants for admission on a rolling basis and for as long as space is available in our programs.

Language

English

IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Graphic Design View 669 other Bachelors in Graphic Design in United States

Academic requirements

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

English requirements

IELTS

6.5

Schedule an IELTS test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at School of Visual Arts and/or in United States, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Other requirements

General requirements

Application online
Application Fee
Statement Of Intent
Portfolio -15-20 images or a Film Reel/2-Part Film Essay
High School Transcripts
Declaration and Verification of Finances
Recommendation Letters

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

51400 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 25700 USD per semester during 48 months.
National

51400 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 25700 USD per semester during 48 months.
In-State

51400 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 25700 USD per semester during 48 months.

Living costs for New York City

1819 - 3968 USD /month

Living costs

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

Funding

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Illustration.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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