Overview

The Illustration and Animation programme at the University of Kansas provides students with a comprehensive foundation in visual communication and creative problem-solving. This Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is designed to prepare the next generation of multidisciplinary practitioners for success in a rapidly evolving professional landscape. By combining technical proficiency with conceptual depth, the curriculum ensures graduates are ready to lead in various creative industries.

Why Illustration and Animation at the University of Kansas?

Students benefit from an environment that fosters innovation and social engagement. The Department of Design is housed in Chalmers Hall, offering access to specialised facilities including computer labs, a letterpress lab, a Riso lab, and digital fabrication spaces. The university has been an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) since 1968, ensuring high educational standards.

The learning experience is enriched by the Professional Design Lecture Series, which has introduced students to world-renowned designers and artists for four decades. Additionally, the university provides unique opportunities for industry collaboration and global perspectives through short-term study abroad programmes and semester-long internships both within the United States and internationally.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 30177 per year
National fee: USD 30177 per year
Local fee: USD 11298 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum begins with a dedicated foundation semester before students transition into their specific major coursework. Modules may include:

Animation Principles
Visual Problem Solving
Visual Communication
Drawing
Design Thinking
Design Fundamentals
Communication Theory
Visual Project Development

Careers with Illustration and Animation

Graduates from this programme are equipped to pursue diverse roles across the creative sector. Alumni frequently secure positions as professional illustrators, animators, and storytellers. The skills acquired during the course also prepare students for careers as television writers, motion designers, and marketing creatives. Graduates work in a wide range of industries, applying their talents to solve complex communication problems through dynamic moving images and narrative-driven visual solutions.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Image Making

Drawing Media for Illustration

Image Making

Drawing Media for Illustration

Animation
Concept Art

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-25 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-15 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-08-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Lawrence, United States

Disciplines

Animation View 154 other Bachelors in Animation in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

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

A minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for all previous coursework, including transfer coursework.
KU’s $90 application processing fee, payable by credit card.
English proficiency scores sent to KU by your testing agency.
Proof of high school graduation particular to your country.
Academic records. They can accept unofficial transcripts as part of the application, however, they must receive official transcripts before you enroll in an academic program.
If applicable: Educational Gap Statement. If, after high school, there was a period of time longer than three months that you were not enrolled in any educational program, you must write a short statement about your activity during that time. If you attended courses of any kind, include that information.
If applicable: SAT or ACT scores.

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

30177 USD / year

≈ 30177 USD / year
Out-of-State

30177 USD / year

≈ 30177 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

11298 USD / year

≈ 11298 USD / year

Living costs

Lawrence

United States

900 - 1400 USD / month

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

Funding

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Scholarships Information

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

Available Scholarships

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

About

Overview

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

Lawrence

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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