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Expand Your Creative Capacity
The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Art with an Emphasis in Illustration is tailored specifically for aspiring professional artists and designers. The curriculum is modeled to prepare students with the skills and knowledge needed to start their career or pursue further education. This interdisciplinary degree program allows student artists to develop their artistic identity, hone their expressive voice and practice their technical skills while providing access to the tools and materials needed to communicate their ideas.
Webster University’s faculty maintains professional careers as artists, creating valuable networks for students within local and international artist communities. Students will have opportunities to connect with professionals working in all areas of the industry, from art galleries to museums, to studio owners and professional artists.
Designed to be intellectually rigorous while allowing room for creative growth, the BFA in Art with an Emphasis in Illustration focuses on the communicative power of art. Our program requires a high level of commitment, introspection and consideration from students, but equally encourages students to experiment as artists during their studies. Students will:
- Gain a greater depth of theory through studying different mediums such as graphic design and studio arts
- Choose an emphasis
- Produce a final body of work for a professional gallery exhibition
- Develop a final thesis or portfolio project
Develop A Distinctive Voice with Your BFA at Webster
Webster’s BFA in Art with an Emphasis in Illustrations includes a comprehensive examination of the history and theories of visual studies. This approach allows for students to engage with a wide range of interests and styles, including technical, editorial or narrative illustration.
The Emphasis in Illustration culminates in coursework and a thesis project designed to connect students' work to content areas outside studio practice, such as science, literature, politics or any range of contemporary global concerns.
Once completing core requirements, BFA students will complete additional credit hours in Art History and Criticism, illustration-specific courses and content areas outside of studio practice.
Make Your Senior Exhibition a Personal Statement
BFA in Art with an Emphasis in Illustration students participate in the annual Senior Exhibition held at the end of the Spring semester. During Senior year, students learn to design, manage and execute a successful group of art by organizing the exhibition from beginning to end.
This experience allows students to work behind the scenes and empowers them with skills for future exhibits. This event requires students to be involved fully in the development and execution of the exhibition, including the design of showcards and posters, internet advertising, theming and titles, installing and de-installing work, procuring donations for food and beverages for the reception, and more, to ensure a successful exhibit.
“It's incredibly motivating to have a space for art, by artists. Sharing ideas and feedback with peers is crucial and inspiring for my personal artistic practice, and Webster provides that community and those resources.”
Sam Finch
BFA in Studio Art with an Emphasis in Illustration, '26
BFA in Art with an Emphasis in Illustration
Find out more about the overall curriculum, electives, learning outcomes and more.
Get Started on Your Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art with an Emphasis in Illustration
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Contact the Admissions Office to Find Out More
If you have more questions about the program, your application or other enrollment-related inquiries, contact our Admissions Office.
Call 314-246-7800 or 800-753-6765 or send an email to admit@webster.edu.