2-Year Illustration Degree Online
Associate Degree in Illustration
Application Deadline: December 9
Program Overview
The Sessions College Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) in Illustration degree is an intensive two-year program for students seeking to enter careers in traditional and digital illustration. Developed for high school graduates and adult learners, the program offers a strong foundation in traditional drawing and painting and vector illustration, as well as a working knowledge of software and production techniques used by contemporary illustrators.
Illustration students begin their program with first year studies focused on visual arts skills using traditional drawing and digital drawing media. Classes provide training in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. Second-year classes place an emphasis on storytelling and developing illustration concepts.
Application Deadline. Enroll by December 9 to enter January 6, 2025 classes.
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Program Length: 2 years or less
Credits: 72 credits
Tuition: $300 per credit
Next Start:
January 6, 2025
App Deadline:
December 9
"The AOS program focuses on the tools and techniques used in contemporary illustration. Detailed lectures introduce students to the
fundamentals of design and complex pictorial concepts while hands on exercises give students the opportunity to practice the skills required of a professional illustrator.“
Jordon Schranz
Department Head of Illustration, Drawing and Painting Instructor
Program Curriculum
The Associate Degree in Illustration is a 72-credit online program completed in six semesters. Credit transfer and part-time schedules available.
First Semester
DES 111: Drawing I - 3 Credits
Many people are afraid to draw, but the truth is that drawing is not as hard as it seems. If you can relax, get your mind around the task, and begin to understand what you see, you can draw. In this online drawing course, you'll learn how to analyze what you see in the world around you and communicate it on paper. Guided by a professional artist, you will explore the critical concepts of line, mass, form, perspective, value, and composition, building a solid foundation for all your art and design work. Drawing I course syllabus
DES 121 Photoshop I - 3 Credits
Adobe Photoshop is the premiere image manipulation tool for print design, Web design, and photography. You can learn to tame this creative powerhouse of a program in this online Photoshop course. Working with a design pro, you’ll learn the best techniques for common Photoshop jobs including selecting and isolating objects, creating image composites, masking and vignetting images, setting typography, and improving images with retouching and effects. Photoshop I course syllabus
DES 141: Illustrator I - 3 Credits
Adobe Illustrator is a powerful and versatile tool for creating illustrations, logos, and graphics for print and the web. You can learn to produce detailed and scalable art in this online Illustrator course. Working with an expert instructor, you'll build a strong foundation, exploring shape tools, drawing tools, layers, the Pen tool (a lesson unto itself) as well as transformations/distortions, type tools, and modifying paths and shapes. Hands-on illustration projects include creating a robot, a series of album covers, a marketing postcard, an advertisement vehicle wrap, and a company logo. Illustrator I course syllabus
GEN 104: English Composition - 3 Credits
Writing is an essential skill in almost any professional career you can name. In this online english composition course, students learn to become better readers and writers. Your goal is to produce clearer, more active sentences, better structured paragraphs, and more coherent and interesting personal and analytical essays. Throughout the semester, class discussions will use the critique of images and videos on art as a stimulus for writing. Students will develop two polished essays that will be presented for peer critique. English Composition course syllabus
Second Semester
ILL 121: Drawing II - 3 Credits
You can learn to observe the world around you and draw it. In this intermediate drawing course for illustration majors, you will build on your foundation drawing skills through a wide ranging series of classical studies. You will explore the application of concepts like value, additive and subtractive mixing, and depth of field, learning how to handle different mediums like graphite, charcoal, and pastel, and tackle challenges like textures, highlights, and reflections. With an emphasis on the mixing, blending and combining color, the course will prepare you for your next level painting and drawing projects. Drawing II course syllabus
DES 106: Design Foundations - 3 Credits
Color is a fundamental medium for any artist or designer. Typography is what sets designers apart from other artists. Composition, literally the assembly or construction of elements, is the artful arrangement that guides the viewer's eye through an image. In this course, you will analyze everything from Grand Masters to Madison Avenue ads to tubes of toothpaste, and discover how color, type, and composition are combined to create effective and powerful visual communications. Class projects challenge you to build and apply your design skills in application to real-life creative scenarios. Design Foundations course syllabus
DES 151: Digital Photography I - 3 Credits
In this course, you'll build a foundation in fundamental photography techniques. You will gain control over your camera's manual settings, learning how to balance the elements in the Exposure Triangle (ISO, Shutter Speed, and Aperture/F-Stop. You will discover how to set White Balance appropriately, create depth of field, and capture motion. We will explore composition concepts to help you make your photographs more interesting and effective and equip you for the types of adjustments photographers make to adjust to different lighting conditions. To give you experience in some important genres, you will gain practical experience in shooting different kinds of portrait photographs and sports/motion photographs. Digital Photography I course syllabus
GEN 105: Computer Technology - 3 Credits
To succeed in today's digital workplace, it's imperative to understand how computers work. In this online computer technology course, you'll gain a foundation in modern computer systems. The course provides a foundation in the computer concepts that every working professional should know. Lectures explore the history and technical evolution of computing, with a focus on the development of hardware, software, and the Internet have developed. Course assignments challenge students to master concepts and relate their studies to relevant professional scenarios, including data representation, programming, and social issues in computing. Computer Technology course syllabus
Third Semester
DES 204: The Study of Graphic Design - 1.5 Credits
Professional designers make choices informed by the present and the past. In this online design history course, you'll explore design movements from the early 20th century through today and gain experience in research, idea-building, and production of creative concepts. Working with an experienced art director, you'll learn how to use historical knowledge and cultural awareness as a springboard for your contemporary design projects. The Study of Graphic Design course syllabus
ILL 111 Life Drawing I - 3 Credits
Life drawing is a fundamental artistic challenge. Capturing the human figure in all its infinite, intricate variations requires both a mastery of technique and a thorough understanding of the body. In this online life drawing course, you'll make your figure drawings come to life with guidance with feedback from an expert instructor. Following traditional methods, you'll learn the standard measures and proportions artists use to achieve naturalistic and expressive figure drawings. The course builds progressively from the fundamentals to the challenges of portraiture, three-dimensional form, composition, and expression. Life Drawing I course syllabus
ILL 142: Illustrator II - 3 Credits
Adobe Illustrator puts any conceivable vector art objective at your fingertips. But most digital designers only scratch the surface of Illustrator. To make a splash, one must delve deeper. In this advanced online Illustrator course, you'll create photo-realistic illustrations, complex patterns, rich designs, and learn how to accelerate your efforts with helpful workflow features. Working with an expert instructor, build on your existing Illustrator skills and tackle high-end projects with depth, dimension, and wow-power. Illustrator II
GEN 204: Intro to Marketing - 1.5 Credits
Today's business clients are looking for designers who can apply their creative talents in ways that enhance strategic business goals. In this online introductory Marketing Design course, you'll learn tried-and-true marketing concepts and explore how they affect the design process. You'll gain a solid grasp of the marketing process, understand key terms and concepts that every marketer uses, and pick up smart questions to ask in client meetings. Intro to Marketing course syllabus
GEN 106: History of Art - 3 Credits
What essentials do artists and designers just need to know? In this online art history course, you'll build a foundation in art and the artists who created it. You'll explore profound themes that have concerned artists for centuries: nature, the human body, society, religion, and politics. Through engaging lectures and projects, you'll learn how to identify the mediums, materials, and techniques artists use and discuss the styles of important artists, art movements, and historical periods from antiquity through the mid-20th century. History of Art course syllabus
Fourth Semester
Ill 204: Painting I - 3 Credits
For centuries, artists have used paint to represent the physical world. Now you too can learn how to paint online. In this online painting course, you'll learn a traditional approach to oil painting or acrylic painting. Working with a professional artist, you'll study a time-honored approach to painting that enables you to capture proportion, perspective, and lighting in the world around you. You'll learn how to build a foundation with preparatory sketches and underpainting, find out how to mix your paints correctly, and gain control over value through monochromatic painting and color studies. Painting I course syllabus
ILL 212: Life Drawing II - 1.5 Credits
Life drawing is an endless, fascinating challenge for an artist. In this online advanced life drawing course, you'll learn how to observe and capture the clothed human figure and explore basic techniques for all figure drawings. Working with a trained illustrator, you'll learn essential concepts in form, structure, and motion as you address subjects that interest and engage you. Discover the seven functions of the line, constructing scenes, and incorporating color. Life Drawing course syllabus
ILL 208: Watercolor - 1.5 Credits
Watercolor has a rich tradition dating back centuries, and is still enjoyed by today's artists for its unique color effects and wide range of techniques. In this intensive online watercolor course, you'll explore traditional techniques including various washes, glazes, scumbles, resists, and more, getting feedback from a professional artist to help you hone your skills and perfect each project. The class involves creating a series of complete watercolor paintings. Watercolor course syllabus
DILL 206: Cartooning and Sequential Art - 3 Credits
The great cartoon artists know how to tell a story with one image. In this online cartooning course, you'll explore concepts for visual storytelling. Working with a veteran cartoonist, you'll discover how master cartoonists tell stories simply and effectively and apply what you learn in practical projects that help you grow your sequential art portfolio. Course topics include panel transitions, time and motion effects, character studies, speed drawing, and polishing and presenting your work to publishers. Cartooning and Sequential Art course syllabus
GEN 107: General Psychology - 3 Credits
An understanding of human psychology is essential for any designer. In this online psychology course, you'll build a foundation in theories of the mind. The course focuses on the biological and environmental bases for human behavior, including motivation, emotions, states of consciousness, learning, and personality. Students examine classic theories and theorists in psychology and complete research- and reflection-based projects. General Psychology course syllabus
Fifth Semester
ILL 207: Portrait Painting - 1.5 Credits
Portraiture has a rich history. In this online portrait painting course, you can learn time-honored techniques for portrait painting in oil. Working with an experienced painter, you'll utilize your knowledge of anatomy, learning how to construct a painting from drawing to underpainting to final work. Along the way you'll learn essentials for lights and darks, flesh tones, and laying on color. Helpful critiques on your drawings and paintings will help you improve your techniques and build your style. Portrait Painting course syllabus
ILL 209: Commercial Illustration - 3 Credits
Explore business applications for your illustration work, from editorial and commercial to advertising and marketing. In this online commercial illustration course, you will explore different genres of project work, learning how contracts and copyright work and how to represent yourself professionally and effectively. Commercial Illustration course syllabus
ILL 202: Digital Illustration II - 3 Credits
Digital illustration is a challenging and expressive area of graphic design. With Adobe Illustrator, you can develop your unique personal style as an artist. In this online advanced digital illustration course, you'll learn professional illustration and Adobe Illustrator techniques for communicating your creative concepts. Working with a pro illustrator and designer, you'll learn approaches for creating editorial illustrations, icons, retro poster designs, 3D illustrations, and restaurant identity designs. Digital Illustration II course syllabus
GEN 206: Creative Business - 1.5 Credits
The course provides essential preparation for finding employment opportunities in your creative industry. You will learn how to define a personal career path, break down the job market, and define their goals, talents, and ideal job. This course explores different ways to brand yourself as a professional creative, discussing tips for resume and portfolio preparation, self-promotion, marketing, client searches, responding to leads, interviewing, and presenting work and/or campaigns. Creative Business course syllabus
GEN 207: Copywriting - 3 Credits
Every ad designer must grasp the basics of persuasive copywriting. In this online copywriting course, students will study how text and images interact in effective ad campaigns, learning how to write and edit ad copy for print and digital advertising media and turn written ideas into visual expression. Working with a professional writer and editor, you'll hone your copywriting skills on realistic projects. Copywriting course syllabus
Sixth Semester
DES 222: Photoshop II - 3 Credits
How well do you know Adobe Photoshop, the industry-standard imaging app? In this advanced online Photoshop course you'll transcend your current skill set with vector illustration techniques, photo-realistic painting, high-impact typography, and professional editing methods that preserve the editability of your original images. Working with a Photoshop pro, you'll build proficiency with the Pen tool, Adobe Color, Smart Objects and Filters, and more. Photoshop II course syllabus
ILL 210: Technical Illustration and Infographics - 3 Credits
Information design is the practice of creating visual presentations that communicate information for the purpose of instruction. In this online infographics course, you'll explore approaches and concepts in technical illustration and infographics. Working with a skilled illustrator, you'll learn methods for creating instructional illustrations that communicate clearly and effectively. Technical Illustration and Infographics course syllabus
DES 102: Typography II - 3 Credits
Typography, technology, and culture are intertwined. Type has the power to communicate meaning and mood through its quirks and beauty, its history and diversity. In this advanced online typography course, you'll learn advanced concepts in typography, building your portfolio through hands-on projects. You'll experiment with type fusion, learn the details of text layout and information hierarchy, create a visual identity for product package and a civic authority, and even design your own currency. Typography II course syllabus
ILL 260: Illustration Capstone and Portfolio Review - 3 Credits
The Illustration Capstone and Portfolio Review class offers an opportunity to develop a multifaceted portfolio piece and hone your creative work into a polished presentation for future clients and employers.The Illustration Capstone Project provides students the opportunity to complete a multidimensional illustration project in three stages, working closely with a department head. A children's book publishing and promotion project will challenge students to demonstrate their proficiency in key aspects of the Illustration program.Students participate in Portfolio Review in weeks 9-15 of the semester. This provides students the opportunity to gather and develop a portfolio of work and present it to faculty and classmates for feedback. Illustration Capstone and Portfolio Review course syllabus
Program Outcomes
By completing the program, Associate Degree in Illustration students develop the following competencies:
Drawing
Draw and paint utilizing traditional media and classic techniques, demonstrating a command of proportion, perspective, value contrast, and the human figure.
Technology
Create images and graphics by effectively and efficiently using creative software including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and other industry technologies.
Illustration
Produce visually compelling work by employing art and design principles including the use of color, pattern, details, typography, and composition.
Art/Design Principles
Demonstrate the ability to produce visually compelling artwork by applying knowledge of color, typography, and composition.
Projects
Produce and present a variety of illustration projects editorial illustration, sequential art, infographics, and portraits.
Critical Thinking and Writing
Employ critical thinking to generate, support, and convey ideas through writing for academic or professional contexts.
Portfolio
Apply creative problem solving and constructive feedback to conceive, produce, and present a cohesive body of work that showcases technical and creative skills to employers and potential clients.
About Sessions College
Sessions College has been inspiring creative professionals for 25 years.
 Accredited since 2001, we have a unique and proven approach to online education.
Accredited by Distance Education Accrediting Commission since 2001
Recognized as top design school by GDUSA
Winner of four USDLA awards for distance education
Student Work
Student Work
Program Benefits
Launch your Creative Career
Earn a degree and launch your creative career in our most rigorous 2-year program.
By Creatives, for Creatives
Collaborate with a community of creative learners and industry professionals.
Maximize Your Portfolio
Projects put you through your paces as you build a body of work. Your program culminates with a guided portfolio review.
Structure and Flexibility
Weekly deadlines keep you on track, but with no set login times you can build your studies around your schedule.
Education You Can Afford
Affordable programs with low per credit tuition, and financial aid available for those who qualify.
Convenient Online Application
Fast, convenient, and student-centered application process.
Career Outlook for Illustrators
Illustrators produce a wide range creative work for a myriad of industries including illustrating for editorial, books, concept art for games and animation, technical and medical illustration, advertising, logo design, packaging, cartoons, digital art, and more. Illustrators need to demonstrate technical expertise, artistic ability, business skills, creativity, customer-service skills, dexterity, and interpersonal skills.
Exciting Job Opportunities
Graduates could be employed as Editorial Illustrator, Children’s Book Illustrator, Concept Artist for Games and Animation, Technical and Medical Illustrator, Product Design and Licensing, Freelance Illustrator, Production Artist, Graphic Designer, Assistant Designer, Concept Artist, and User Experience (UX) Designer.
Median Annual Wage and Income Potential
According to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics the median annual wage* for craft and fine artists including illustrators was $59,300.
In May 2023, the median annual wages for craft and fine artists including illustrators in these top industries they work within:
| Federal government, excluding postal service | $105,640 |
| Motion picture and sound recording industries | $95,970 |
| Personal care services | $49,170 |
| Independent artists, writers, and performers | $45,970 |
Largest Areas of Employment
Employment opportunities for craft and fine artists including illustrators (by percentage) were as follows:
| Self-employed workers | 55% |
| Independent artists, writer, and performers | 9% |
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 6% |
| Motion picture and sound recording industries | 4% |
| Personal care services | 3% |
Job Projections and Employment Trends
Employment opportunities for illustrators are projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032.
There are about 5,500 projected openings for craft and fine artists including illustrators each year, on average, over the decade.
Based on Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics and Indeed Job Outlook data.
Learn More
Based on Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics and Indeed Job Outlook data.
To learn more about this field, visit: New York Foundation for the Arts. For information about careers in medical illustration, visit Association of Medical Illustrators.
For information about grant-funding programs and other local resources for artists, contact your state arts agency. A list of these agencies is available from the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies. For more information about how the federal government awards grants for art, visit National Endowment for the Arts.
Truly Affordable Education
Our tuition is:
50% lower than the average annual cost of tuition at 4-year colleges in the United States.
Significantly more affordable than other online design / digital media colleges.
So affordable that 100% of tuition costs may be covered for eligible students.* Find out today if you qualify.
* Federal student aid and military education benefits available for eligible students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our online application process makes getting started easy, fast, and convenient.
What is the Admissions Process?
To enter the program you are expected to have earned a high school diploma, GED, or state-approved home school equivalent. Any students under 18 years of age will also need to provide the signed permission of a parent or guardian.
We have a convenient and student-friendly online application process. Simply complete our program application form and provide transcripts, an application essay, and 5-10 samples or art/design work or alternative written assignment, and a $75 application fee. See our complete application guide and credit transfer policy.
Applications are reviewed by our Acceptance Committee and generally returned within a business week.
You can begin your creative journey by completing our online application today. There is no charge until you submit your application materials and no obligation to enroll.
How Long is the Program?
The Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) program is a 72 credit program completed in six semesters or two years by a student on a full-time schedule. Students with transfer credit can graduate in under two years and part-time schedules are available.
Will the Program Fit My Schedule?
Fully Online and Asynchronous. Our programs are fully online and asynchronous, allowing you to fit learning into your life. We provide weekly deadlines to keep you on track, but there are no mandatory login times and our learning platform is available 24 hours a day.
Is the Tuition Affordable?
Truly Affordable Tuition. Since our founding in 1997, we have been committed to making the highest-quality design and digital media education available at the lowest cost.
Our truly affordable tuition is:
| Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) Program - Fall 2024 Tuition |
|---|
| $300 per credit |
| $3,600 per semester |
| $7,200 per academic year |
| $21,600 total program tuition |
Per-credit tuition is the same full-time and part-time students. Federal financial aid available for eligible students. Ask about our $500-$3,000 scholarships for exemplary applicants.
A $200 registration fee is required to process your enrollment in the program. Registration fees are nonrefundable after 5 days from the scheduled beginning of program orientation. See Degree Program Admissions.
Is Financial Aid Available?
Federal Student Aid. Federal student aid is available to students who qualify. If you are eligible, you may be able to fund your program using Pell Grants and Federal student loans. Check out our Financial Aid Information pages and ask to set up an interview with our Financial Aid Director.
Military Student Aid. Military servicemembers and their families who are eligible for GI Bill Education Benefits or active service member Tuition Assistance (TA) may also be able to utilize these programs to pay for their education.
Creative Learner Scholarships. Ask about our innovative scholarships for adult learners. The Creative Learner Scholarship Program can help you offset your tuition costs.
What Software or Supplies Do I Need?
To take this program, you’ll need the following:
- Mac or Windows computer with an Internet connection.
- Access to a digital camera with manual control over ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed, and White Balance, that allows for shooting in RAW format.
- Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator CC software.
- Your computer must meet software manufacturer requirements.
- Basic drawing and painting supplies including pencils, charcoal, newsprint, and sketch paper.
- Webcam, headphones or speaker, VPN connection, and microphone connected to the computer for live proctored exams.
There are no textbook or course material costs to participate in this online program. Student discount on Adobe Creative Cloud software is available to enrolled students.
What are the Deadlines to Enroll?
Here are relevant deadlines to be admitted for next term.
- Next Class:
January 6, 2025
Priority Deadline:
November 4
- Final Deadline:
December 9
- End Registration:
December 22
Get Started Today
Take the first step on a rewarding creative journey towards earning an Associate Degree in Illustration.
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