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Master of Fine Arts - Illustration

Academy of Art University

San Francisco campus — San Francisco, California, United States

Study Level
Postgraduate · Master's Degree
Duration
To be confirmed
Study Mode
To be confirmed
Next Intake
February 2027
Tuition Fee
USD 37,908
Application Fee
USD 50
Scholarships Available
None listed
Post-Study Work Information
Optional Practical Training (OPT): Verify before applying
Application Status
Open — confirm with Eagle Link (Not confirmed)

Program information is subject to institution confirmation. Fees, deadlines, intakes and entry requirements may change.

Overview

The MFA in Illustration provides the skills to develop portfolios with samples in Children’s Book, Editorial, Licensing, Package Illustration, Concept Art, Book Covers, Preliminary Art, Advertising, or Institutional Art portfolios. Both representational and stylistic approaches for print and or web are taught. Students graduate with a portfolio created in a personal style and medium of choice that is market appropriate. MFA graduates of the School of Illustration will meet the following student performance criteria: MFA Thesis Project Plan a portfolio of works directed towards legitimate markets Produce a professional-level portfolio consisting of 15 works directed towards legitimate markets Artistic Ability Demonstrate the skills necessary in the chosen medium or mediums to successfully complete their thesis project Create compelling images Maintain a consistent “language” or “signature style” Research and Conceptualization Skills Clearly identify their audience Conduct research for reference Presentation Skills Professionally present and discuss their work with a review committee. Professional Readiness Develop both digital and print materials to market themselves and their work Demonstrate an understanding of current trends and visual industry standards by describing how their work will address a specific market *Note App Fee Waiver in effect for ApplyBoard to reduce the application fee to $50*
Faculty / school
—
Field of study
—
Credential
Master's Degree
Relationship
Available Through Eagle Link

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements will be confirmed by the institution or authorized partner before application.

English-language requirements

English-language requirements will be confirmed by the institution or authorized partner before application.

Fees & Costs

Tuition fee
USD 37,908
Application fee
USD 50
Deposit required
Not listed
Estimated other compulsory fees
Not listed — confirm with Eagle Link.

Institution fees are paid according to the institution's instructions. Any Eagle Link service fee is shown on an Eagle Link invoice before payment. See our Payments Policy.

Scholarships

No scholarship is currently listed for this program. Explore scholarships and funding.

Scholarships are competitive and may change, close or be withdrawn. Eagle Link does not guarantee that any student will receive a scholarship.

Intakes & Deadlines

Upcoming intakes
February 2027, February 2028, February 2029
Application deadline
Confirm with Eagle Link
Application status
Confirm with Eagle Link
Intake availability
Not confirmed

Campus & Location

San Francisco campus

San Francisco, California, United States

79 New Montgomery St.

San Francisco campus campus, photo 1 San Francisco campus campus, photo 2 San Francisco campus campus, photo 3 San Francisco campus campus, photo 4 San Francisco campus campus, photo 5 San Francisco campus campus, photo 6

Post-Study Work / Immigration Information

Please confirm current eligibility with Eagle Link before applying.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Verify before applying

OPT and STEM OPT eligibility depend on maintaining F-1 status and on the program. A program counts as STEM only when its CIP code is on the official STEM list — not because its name sounds technical.

Official source

Eagle Link does not guarantee visa approval and does not make immigration decisions.

About the Institution

Since 1929, artists and designers have called Academy of Art University their home. Founded in San Francisco and family owned, it is one of the largest private, accredited art and design schools in the nation. Academy of Art University is first and foremost a professional school - a specialized place that helps students master their craft as they prepare for professional roles as artists and designers. The hands-on, no-nonsense curriculum is taught by some of the finest minds working in today’s creative and innovative industries. They will help students develop their talent and acquire skills...

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Program information last verified 8 October 2026.