M.S. in Computer Information Systems
The M.S. in Computer Information Systems at NEC is a 36-credit program that can typical...
B.F.A. in Comic Arts
Henniker, New Hampshire
INTAKE: Jan, Aug & Oct
Program Overview
The B.F.A. in Comic Arts at New England College is a four-year, 120-credit program specifically crafted to prepare students for a career in visual storytelling, extending beyond just comics. The curriculum covers the entirety of comic art development, focusing on how to bring groundbreaking stories to life through sequential art. It encourages students to develop their own signature style in a variety of comic forms, from traditional to digital formats like webcomics and manga. The program is committed to developing well-rounded artists, fostering essential artistic techniques alongside crucial collaboration and communication skills applicable across numerous industries.
Curriculum: The 120-credit B.F.A. in Comic Arts curriculum at NEC is structured with a strong Art Core, specialized Comic Arts Concentration courses, and a Liberal Arts & Sciences Core. The Art Core (44+ credits) includes foundational courses such as "Introduction to 2D Design," "Drawing I," "Introduction to 3D Design," "Imaging with Digital Tools," and "Cross Cultural Connections in Visual Art." Key to the Comic Arts Concentration (28 credits) are courses like "Fundamentals of Comics," "History of Comics," and electives that delve into areas like "Storyboarding & Character Development," "Graphic Novel Illustration," and "Topics: Ink & Color." The program culminates with a multi-part Senior Thesis (Senior Thesis I & II) and a "Senior Exhibition," allowing students to develop a cohesive body of professional work. An "Internship/Apprenticeship in Art/Art History" is also a vital component.
Research Focus: The B.F.A. in Comic Arts at New England College incorporates a research focus that is both art-historical and practice-based. Students are expected to "Research art historical sources to write critically and creatively about the Art and Design in terms of formal analysis, iconography, and cultural context." This means understanding the historical evolution of comics and illustration, as well as the cultural significance of visual narratives. Furthermore, the program emphasizes "developing a cohesive, competent body of work" and "analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating their own and others' artworks," which involves a critical, reflective, and iterative process akin to artistic research. The curriculum encourages exploration of storytelling concepts and advanced technical and media skills, fostering a personal voice through research, storyboarding, writing, critique, and revision.
Industry Engagement: New England College's B.F.A. in Comic Arts program demonstrates robust industry engagement through its practical approach and valuable partnerships. The program is explicitly designed to connect students with "industry leaders and active professionals" through its innovative partnership with the Center for Cartoon Studies, affording opportunities to meet and work with a broad range of visiting comic artists and cartoonists. Students gain "experiential opportunities" to "engage with the professional world of art and design," applying theoretical principles to real-world situations. The curriculum also includes an "Internship/Apprenticeship in Art/Art History" which provides direct work experience, and a "Professional Practices in Art" course that prepares students for careers in the field.
Global Perspective: The B.F.A. in Comic Arts at New England College fosters a global perspective through its expansive curriculum and partnerships. The program covers a wide range of comic art forms, from "traditional comics and editorial cartoons to manga and webcomics," explicitly acknowledging diverse international styles and traditions. The curriculum includes a core course, "Cross Cultural Connections in Visual Art," which broadens students' understanding of how visual art, including comics, transcends cultural boundaries. Furthermore, the innovative partnership with the Center for Cartoon Studies offers opportunities to meet and work with "visiting comic artists and cartoonists from around the world," exposing students to a variety of global influences and approaches to sequential storytelling. The broader Liberal Arts & Sciences Core Curriculum also includes a "Global Perspectives" course, further cementing a worldwide viewpoint.
Location
Henniker, New Hampshire
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 40178
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 65 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
New England College (NEC) is supporting talented international students by offering a range of merit-based scholarships designed to make quality education more accessible and affordable. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership, and other achievements, helping to reduce the financial burden of studying in the United States.
Merit-Based Scholarships: All international applicants to NEC are automatically considered for merit scholarships during the admission process. Awards vary based on the student’s academic record, test scores, extracurricular involvement, and leadership qualities.
Presidential Scholarship: One of the most prestigious awards, the Presidential Scholarship, is granted to exceptional international students with outstanding academic credentials.
Athletic Scholarships: NEC offers athletic scholarships to international students who demonstrate exceptional skill and commitment in NCAA Division III sports. These scholarships are awarded based on athletic performance, team needs, and coach recommendations, providing support while balancing academics and athletics.
Specialized Program Scholarships: Certain academic departments at NEC may offer scholarships targeting high-achieving students pursuing degrees in fields such as Business, Cybersecurity, Education, Creative Writing, and Health Sciences. These targeted awards help attract top talent and support focused areas of study.
Graduates of New England College's B.F.A. in Comic Arts are exceptionally well-positioned for a variety of roles within the thriving visual storytelling and creative industries. Their mastery of drawing, composition, narrative development, and digital tools, combined with practical experience and a strong portfolio, makes them highly competitive.
Comic Artist/Cartoonist: Creates original comic books, graphic novels, webcomics, or syndicated comic strips, often handling both writing and illustration.
Illustrator: Produces artwork for various mediums beyond comics, including books (children's books, covers), magazines, advertising, and digital content.
Storyboard Artist: Translates scripts into visual sequences for animated films, live-action productions, or video games, detailing camera angles, character expressions, and action.
Character Designer: Develops the visual appearance and personality of characters for games, animation, comics, or other media.
Concept Artist: Generates initial visual ideas and designs for environments, props, and characters in the early stages of game, film, or animation production.
Inker: Specializes in applying ink over penciled comic book art, defining lines, shadows, and textures for final reproduction.
Colorist: Digitally colors comic book pages or other illustrations, establishing mood, depth, and visual appeal.
Letterer: Adds dialogue, captions, sound effects, and other text elements to comic book pages, ensuring readability and visual integration.
Graphic Novelist: Focuses specifically on the creation of long-form graphic narratives, often taking on both writing and artistic roles.
Visual Development Artist: Contributes to the overall visual style and artistic direction of animated films, games, or other visual media, ensuring consistency across all visual elements.
