Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration and Emerging Media

Prepare for a dynamic career in visual storytelling with the 126-credit Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Illustration and Emerging Media in the Tyler School of Art and Architecture. This STEM-certified undergraduate major is designed to nurture the synergy between traditional artistic skills and contemporary digital technologies. The program explores how timeless illustration practices meet the cutting edge of digital and multimedia mediums. 

an illustration created by a student.

Why study illustration and emerging media at Tyler?

  • Specialized curriculum: The program’s curriculum offers a blend of foundational drawing skills and the exploration of new media, including digital illustration, animation, interactive media, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). This focus on illustration through the lens of technology makes the program unique, with iterative studio practices guided by critical thinking and reflection. Learn more about the Illustration and Emerging Media Major curriculum.
  • Learning outcomes: Students will gain skills and experiences directly applicable to their future careers. The program’s learning outcomes address artistic identity and vision, proficiency in diverse analog and digital illustration techniques and mediums, narrative creativity and conceptual strength, knowledge of trade practices, intellectual property and contracts, and social engagement and responsibility. 
  • Faculty mentorships and real-world opportunities: At Tyler, students benefit from small classes and personal mentorship, within the vibrant arts and culture scene of Philadelphia. 
  • State-of-the-art facilities: Students have access to the extensive facilities and resources of Temple University, a leading public research university. Our program emphasizes the importance of image-making, with significant studio time dedicated to honing illustration skills, supported by coursework in design and illustration theories and histories. Tyler’s Digital Fabrication Studio gives students access to many tools including laser cutting, 3d printing, vinyl cutting, embroidery and specialized digital output.  Read about the innovative facilities and studios you will use as a student at Tyler.
illustration created by a student.

Student Outcomes 

Graduates from our program emerge as versatile and innovative image-makers, ready to tackle a range of creative projects and professional challenges. They join a network of accomplished Tyler alumni and have opportunities to learn from leading practitioners in various creative fields. Accomplished alumni illustrators include Jessica Hische, Rachel Ignotofsky, Mary Kate McDevitt, Lydia Nichols, Andrea Pippins and Mario Zucca. See more information about career opportunities for students.

Student Life

As a student at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture, you’ll be part of a community that advances creativity and prioritizes you and how you engage in the world, in and out of the studio. Learn how Tyler empowers you to realize your vision, grow and make your mark.

Explore More About the Student Experience at Tyler

Foundations

All undergraduate first-year students at Tyler begin with a yearlong immersion in our foundations program. Foundations is a multidisciplinary curriculum through which students gain knowledge in essential concepts and theories; established principles and practices; and time-honored skills and techniques in the study of art, design and the built environment. Students develop a global understanding of artistic traditions and the role of art and design in society before choosing a major in their second year at Tyler.

In the art programs, including graphic and interactive design, students begin with focused study of drawing, 2D design and 3D design. They explore diverse materials, processes and perspectives—from the traditional and low-tech to the innovative and experimental. This bachelor's degree program is highly structured and intensive, and imparts fundamental studio practices for all visual art. Through the foundations coursework, students gain an academic grounding in the forms, techniques, styles, subjects and symbolism represented in art, architecture and design. Faculty members from across the art and design areas teach the foundations courses, assuring a broad range of experience and diverse viewpoints.

Learn more about the foundations program at Tyler.

illustration by a student.

Classes & Curriculum  

The BFA in Illustration and Emerging Media curriculum starts with a foundational year of studying drawing, 2D and 3D principles, woodshop and art history, and critical reading and writing. In the sophomore and junior years, students begin to focus on courses in the major, including the following.

  • Lettering Design
  • Illustrated Book Design
  • Murals
  • Stylized Figure for Illustration
  • Illustrated Scenes and Settings
  • Icons and Illustration Systems
  • Informational Storytelling 

See the courses you will take as a Illustration and Emerging Media Major student.

Minor in Illustration and Emerging Media 

The Minor in Illustration and Emerging Media provides non-majors at Temple and Tyler the opportunity to develop foundational illustration skills while exploring contemporary media and technologies. Students engage with both traditional and digital techniques, gaining practical experience in visual storytelling and conceptual illustration. The curriculum emphasizes creative problem-solving, visual communication, and collaborative projects, equipping students with versatile skills applicable across various industries. This minor is only available to students outside the Design and Illustration Department. For more information about the minor, please contact Kelly Holohan, professor and program head, at kholohan@nfmy6688.com.

Concentrations

You can focus on Illustration and Emerging Media or you can take one of the following concentrations.

  • Art Education

    Prepare to qualify for the Pennsylvania Teaching Certification in art, kindergarten through 12th grade. Students complete the BFA requirements along with 32 credit hours in art education, education and specified liberal arts courses. Education-related studies begin in students’ second year. Students generally take five years to fulfill all requirements or the 155-credit degree.

    View Concentration Details

Related Minors

Related Undergraduate Degrees

Related Graduate Degrees  

Related Graduate Certificates

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Fine Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $25,848.00 per year
Out-of-state: $43,032.00 per year

TA-IEM-BFA

Additional Program Information

Available as a minor.

School/College Site
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