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
Start Term: Any
Language
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Credits
quarter credits
Delivered
Campus Location
- Portland, United States
Disciplines
Visual Arts View 1641 other Bachelors in Visual Arts in United StatesWhat students do after studying
Academic requirements
English requirements
Prepare for Your English Test
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
-
International Applies to you
Applies to youNon-residents34599 USD / year≈ 34599 USD / year - Out-of-State34599 USD / year≈ 34599 USD / year
-
Domestic
Applies to youIn-State12999 USD / year≈ 12999 USD / year
Living costs
Portland
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.
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