Comics Studies

The Comics Studies Program draws from theory and hands-on practice, preparing participants to work in the field of comics and cartoon art as writers, artists, and scholars. Portland is particularly well known as the home of numerous artists, authors, scholars, and publishers specializing in comic art, and this program seeks to enhance ties with the local comics community. Comics studies at Portland State University is a vibrant, dynamic program on the cutting edge of contemporary literature and art practice that serves our students, our mission as a university, and our local community.

Portland is one of the largest hubs for comics in the country. Dark Horse Comics, Inc., founder, and president, Mike Richardson, didn't just get his degree at PSU, he also chose the PSU library as the home for the Dark Horse Comics archives.

In addition to Dark Horse Comics, the Portland area is home to Oni Press, Image Comics, Milkfed Criminal Masterminds, and the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.

The comics studies certificate is available to graduate, undergraduate, and postbaccalaureate students. It features an exciting mix of courses with exceptional faculty across the disciplines as well as special courses with highly-lauded comics industry professionals. Classes are taught by a mix of PSU professors, comics professionals in Portland, and guest writers and artists from companies like Marvel, DC, and The New Yorker. Competitive internships with local companies are also offered each term.

The comics studies certificate is a great complement to programs such as English, art, or publishing, but students from all majors and levels are able to complete the program.

Submit Your Application and $60 Application Fee

Go to Portland State University's online application system and select Create Account. If you have already started an application, or created one for a past term, select Log In.

Submit Academic Records

You are required to submit complete academic records. We accept high school transcripts, grades and other relevant academic records along with your graduation certificate, diploma or exam results or certificates. If you have taken any college or university classes, submit transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. You can submit unofficial transcripts from non-U.S. institutions for review of your application and to receive an admission decision. Official transcripts are required for enrollment, see our official records policy for details.

Electronic Submission: Transcripts may be submitted via Parchment or sent directly from a school official to [email protected].

In Person Submission: You can bring these directly to our office upon arrival to Portland State.

Mail Submission: Submit official transcripts in their original sealed envelopes from all schools attended and mail them to PSU at the address below.

Portland State University
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
PO Box 751
Portland OR 97207-0751

Submit Evidence of English Language Proficiency

Request official test results to be sent directly to Portland State University by ETS (TOEFL), PTE, or IELTS. Students who meet the academic requirements for admission to PSU, but have not yet met English proficiency requirements, will be admitted to PSU and placed into one of our ESL programs. Review PSU’s English Language Proficiency Requirements for more details.

• TOEFL Code: 4610, department code 00
• SAT Code: 4610

Check Your Application Status

If you have submitted an application to Portland State University, you can log in to PSU's application portal to review the status of your application. You will be notified via email for each document you submit and your admission decision.

If you are not receiving email communications from Portland State University, be sure to check your @pdx.edu email account. Once you set up your student account all communications will be sent to that email address. If you are not receiving information from us in any email inboxes, please contact us at [email protected].