Certificate in Illustration at Western Washington University

The Illustration at Western Washington University is a Certificate program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the WWU - Bellingham campus in Bellingham , United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 1 year to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on September 27, 2026.

About Certificate in Illustration

The Illustration Certificate is a cumulative experience of six required illustration courses. Students must complete five of the following illustration course offerings: DSGN 347, DSGN 348, DSGN 349, DSGN 357, DSGN 358, or DSGN 367. Each of these courses represents a unique approach to the illustration discipline. In addition, students must take DSGN 368, which focuses on the business of illustration, covering professional practices for the industry. The combination of courses is intended to give students the knowledge and skill set to augment their major and/or consider a career as a freelance illustrator.

Why Consider an Illustration Certificate?

Years ago, when the industry experienced a digital revolution, the illustration industry declined. Nearly all the illustration majors in the country dropped their curriculum and a vast majority of the illustrators were left to retool. Since then, there has been a resurgence of illustration technique and skill needs in industry. This Illustration Certificate is the only one of its kind in the Northwest.

Disciplines

College of Fine and Performing Arts

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Certificate in Illustration at Western Washington University

Entry Requirements

Submit Official Transcripts

Applicants are responsible for requesting official credentials/transcripts from the appropriate institutions as defined below. A transcript is considered official if is sent directly from the institution of origin or the Ministry of Education to the Office of Admissions. Please do not mail your own transcripts. They cannot be accepted, even in a sealed envelope.

First-Year applicants must submit:

Official secondary school credentials with certified English translations when necessary

Transfer and Post-baccalaureate applicants must submit:

Official credentials from all postsecondary institutions attended, even if you do not expect to transfer credit. Only transcripts issued within the last year will be accepted.
Transfer applicants with fewer than 45 transferable quarter (30 semester) credits must also submit official secondary school credentials with certified English translations when necessary

English Requirements

IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 79

Career Opportunities after Completing Certificate in Illustration

Students may utilize the skillset to augment their existing design or art portfolios to work in the industry or may elect to secure a job that requires an illustrative skill set. Others may opt for self-employment – securing freelance clients in the advertising, marketing or publishing industries.

Fee Information

Application Fee 70

How to Apply

The Application for Admission
$70 non-refundable application fee
Official transcripts (an official transcript evaluation from an approved organization may also be required)
Evidence of English language proficiency
Declaration of Financial Responsibility
An essay that helps the Admissions Committee understand your academic goals, related experiences and/or preparatory course work, and professional goals

Certificate in Illustration at Western Washington University

Western Washington University

United States of America, Bellingham