Overview

The Comics Studies certificate at Portland State University offers students a unique opportunity to engage with the vibrant world of sequential art and graphic storytelling. This programme is designed to bridge the gap between academic scholarship and professional practice, ensuring participants develop the skills necessary to excel as writers, artists, and researchers. By integrating hands-on training with theoretical analysis, the curriculum serves as a dynamic gateway into the contemporary comics landscape.

Why Comics Studies at Portland State University?

Portland serves as one of the largest global hubs for the comics industry, providing an unparalleled environment for aspiring creators. Portland State University maintains deep connections with the local community, including the Dark Horse Comics archives housed within the university library. Students benefit from a faculty composed of award-winning industry professionals, including Eisner Award winners and creators for major publishers like Marvel and DC.

The university's location allows for exceptional networking and professional development. Students can access competitive internships with renowned organisations such as Dark Horse Comics, Oni Press, and the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. This proximity to major publishers like Image Comics and Milkfed Criminal Masterminds ensures that the educational experience is grounded in the realities of the modern marketplace.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 34599 per year
National fee: USD 34599 per year
Local fee: USD 12999 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum features a diverse mix of courses taught by academic professors and guest artists from prestigious publications like The New Yorker. Modules may include:

Comics Theory
Cartoon Art
Writing for Comics
Contemporary Literature
Publishing
Professional Practice

Careers with Comics Studies

Graduates of the programme are well-equipped to pursue diverse roles within the creative arts and publishing sectors. Many former students have secured positions at major industry leaders such as Dark Horse Comics and Oni Press. The certificate prepares individuals for various professional paths, including:

Comics Artist
Script Writer
Academic Scholar
Editorial Assistant
Publishing Professional

In addition to direct entry into the workforce, the programme provides a strong foundation for those wishing to pursue further graduate study in English, Fine Arts, or Media Studies. The skills gained in visual storytelling and narrative structure are highly transferable across the broader creative industries.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Comics Theory
Writing Comics
Creating Short Comics
Visual Storytelling
Comics History
Philosophy of Art

Key information

Start dates & application deadlines

You can apply for and start this programme anytime.

More details

Start Term: Any

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

110

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IELTS

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Credits

24 alternative credits

quarter credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Portland, United States

Disciplines

Visual Arts View 1641 other Bachelors in Visual Arts in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

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

You must have a cumulative (overall) grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 when converted to the U.S. 4.0 grading scale.
Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement. You may be admitted to Portland State University and an Intensive English Language Program (IELP) pathway if you do not meet PSU's English Language Proficiency Requirement. Learn more about PSU’s English language programs.

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

34599 USD / year

≈ 34599 USD / year
Out-of-State

34599 USD / year

≈ 34599 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12999 USD / year

≈ 12999 USD / year

Living costs

Portland

United States

1271 - 2262 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 Comics Studies.

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

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

Portland

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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