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 Illustration
Henniker, New Hampshire
INTAKE: Jan, Aug & Oct
Program Overview
The B.F.A. in Illustration at New England College is a four-year, 120-credit program that focuses on the art of visual communication and storytelling through drawing and digital media. The program is designed to develop strong foundational techniques in drawing, painting, and digital imaging, while also fostering conceptual thinking and creative problem-solving. Students are encouraged to develop their unique artistic voice and build a cohesive body of work. A significant highlight is the opportunity for students to have their work critiqued by "biggest names in the industry through NEC's Visiting Artists series," providing invaluable professional feedback. The curriculum prepares students for diverse career paths where strong visual communication is essential.
Curriculum: The 120-credit B.F.A. in Illustration curriculum at NEC is structured with a comprehensive Art Core, specialized Illustration Concentration courses, and a Liberal Arts & Sciences Core. The Art Core (44+ credits) provides foundational artistic skills, including "Introduction to 2D Design," "Drawing I," "Introduction to 3D Design," "Imaging with Digital Tools," and "Cross Cultural Connections in Visual Art." It also includes "Professional Practices in Art" and culminates in a "Senior Thesis I" and "Senior Thesis II," along with a "Senior Exhibition" to showcase professional work. The Illustration Concentration (28 credits) delves into specialized topics such as "History of Illustration" and dedicated illustration studio courses, likely covering areas like character design, storyboarding, and various media applications. The program is rounded out by general electives and NEC's Liberal Arts & Sciences Core Curriculum, ensuring a broad educational foundation.
Research Focus: The B.F.A. in Illustration at New England College incorporates a research focus that is both art-historical and practice-driven. 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 emphasizes understanding the historical evolution of illustration and its cultural significance. The program also focuses on the practical research involved in the creative process, such as "developing powerful concepts" and "solving creative problems" through visual means. Students "work closely with experienced artists to develop their visual style and strengthen their storytelling abilities," which inherently involves iterative experimentation, analysis, and refinement—a form of applied research in the artistic field. The curriculum promotes "critical thinking skills" through workshops and critiques of creative ideas.
Industry Engagement: New England College's B.F.A. in Illustration program demonstrates robust industry engagement, largely facilitated by its faculty and experiential learning opportunities. The program highlights that students' work "will get critiqued by the biggest names in the industry through NEC's Visiting Artists series," providing direct exposure to and feedback from active professionals. Faculty members are described as "successful working artists and nationally recognized illustrators" who bring their professional experience and networks into the classroom. The curriculum includes a "Professional Practices in Art" course, which likely covers aspects of the business of illustration, portfolio development, and self-promotion. The program's location near major creative hubs like Boston, New York, and Montreal also facilitates engagement with broader artistic and industry trends, as well as potential internship opportunities.
Global Perspective: The B.F.A. in Illustration at New England College implicitly integrates a global perspective through its exploration of diverse visual storytelling traditions and art historical contexts. The curriculum includes a core course, "Cross Cultural Connections in Visual Art," ensuring students gain an understanding of how art and visual communication manifest across different cultures. By focusing on "telling stories through your drawing" and developing "powerful concepts," the program encourages students to consider universal themes and narratives that resonate globally. The faculty's diverse backgrounds and the potential for engagement with a broad range of artistic influences also contribute to a wider viewpoint. The broader Liberal Arts & Sciences Core Curriculum at NEC typically includes a "Global Perspectives" course, further enriching students' understanding of international issues and diverse global viewpoints, which is increasingly relevant for illustrators whose work can reach international audiences through digital platforms and global publishing.
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 Illustration 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.
Illustrator: Creates original artwork for a wide range of applications, including books (children's books, covers), magazines, newspapers, advertising campaigns, product packaging, and digital content.
Concept Artist: Develops initial visual ideas and designs for characters, environments, props, and moods, setting the aesthetic direction for video games, animated films, or other visual media.
Storyboard Artist: Translates scripts and narratives into sequential visual panels, detailing camera angles, character actions, and scene progression for animation, film, television, or commercials.
Character Designer: Specializes in creating and developing the visual appearance, personality, and expressions of characters for animation, games, comics, and other forms of media.
Digital Artist: Utilizes various digital tools and software to create a broad range of art, including digital paintings, matte paintings for film, and interactive digital experiences.
Editorial Illustrator: Produces artwork to accompany articles, opinion pieces, and features in newspapers, magazines, and online publications, often conveying complex ideas or emotions visually.
Surface Pattern Designer: Creates repeating patterns and designs for textiles, wallpapers, stationery, and other consumer products, often combining artistic skill with an understanding of market trends.
Graphic Designer: Applies visual communication principles to create logos, branding materials, marketing collateral, websites, and other visual assets for businesses and organizations.
Animator (2D/3D): Brings still images or models to life through motion, contributing to animated films, television series, video games, or web content, often specializing in character animation or visual effects.
Medical/Scientific Illustrator (with specialized training): Creates accurate and informative visual representations of biological and medical subjects for textbooks, scientific journals, educational materials, and surgical procedures (often requires a Master's degree in medical illustration).
