Frequently Asked Questions

These are the questions we receive most often about the Art Market Studies MA program. If you don't see your question answered, let us know.

The program is a dedicated evening and weekend program that runs over three years, including several classes over the summer. See the schedule.

The MFA in Illustration program is 60 credits. See the full list of courses and descriptions.

In the School of Graduate Studies, nine credits is considered full time. With the exception of one semester and two summer sessions, the Illustration MFA program is full-time in the evening and weekends. Tuition is charged accordingly. As a full-time student, there is one single tuition fee.

For summer sessions and any semester that falls below nine credits, tuition is charged on a per credit basis. See tuition and fees.

Students are accepted and enrolled only for the fall semester and must follow the prescribed order of classes.

It is important that you make the most out of your graduate experience. This rigorous, exciting program is designed so that you find and/or enhance your own voice as a picture maker and storyteller.

It is equally important that you arrive with a skill set that will allow you to grow and to have had experience in the working world, alongside other professionals. Not all industry experience need be a linear association to illustration. The program is proud to boast amongst its alumni, art directors, graphic designers, as well as others, who brought presented a strong portfolio and a commitment to success.

Three years of industry experience beyond an earned bachelor's degree has proven to be the key to a successful experience in the program for students, faculty, and peers.

This program was designed to provide the platform for students to be able to continue to freelance and/or work during the day. Be mindful that studio classes begin between 5 and 6 pm, so one might need to make the necessary accommodations to arrive on time regularly. Our experience has been that most employers support the graduate school commitment if they are given appropriate notice.

At the end of the second year of study, in the beginning of summer, the class travels as a group to Los Angeles, where we enjoy visits to film, entertainment, and artist studios. The program cost for this trip is an additional cost to the student, and every student is responsible for the cost of travel, food, and lodging during the trip.

The program works very closely with the School of Graduate Studies to arrange group transportation where possible.

At this time, there are no classes that are uniquely on line. We have classes where enhanced learning opportunities are built in, as well as guest lectures. 

This program is unequivocally about the study of all illustration; however, we do realize that some applicants might come from other areas, such as graphic design. We really do need to see drawings and work that speaks to the art and execution of storytelling. Other work, including the moving image is welcome as a complement to these basics.

Please be mindful to respect the submission guidelines. Work that is not properly prepared cannot be considered.

Note: All portfolio submissions become the property of the School of Graduate Studies and will not be returned. No oversize portfolios, binders, prints or original work will be accepted. FIT is not responsible for any media that is received in damaged condition and cannot be viewed. The work should be of professional quality and/or published work.

No. The Illustration MFA curriculum has been carefully designed to follow not only a sequential order, but also a complementary one. Courses are offered in the same semester so that the content complements and reflects what is being delivered simultaneously.