College of Business and Humanities
Children’s Book Illustration
University of Findlay’s Children’s Book Illustration major prepares students to become skilled visual storytellers in the publishing and illustration industries.
Overview
About the Program
University of Findlay’s Children’s Book Illustration major prepares students to become skilled visual storytellers in the publishing and illustration industries. This unique program combines foundational studio art training – including drawing, painting, printmaking, design, and illustration – with coursework in children’s literature to develop students’ narrative capabilities, technical skills, and personal style.
Students work closely with art faculty and professionals at the Mazza Museum, which houses the world’s most diverse collection of original children’s book art. Emphasis is placed on building a strong, professional portfolio that demonstrates visual storytelling, creativity, and technical skills across multiple media. Graduates leave the program prepared for careers in illustration, publishing, and related creative fields.
Program
Highlights
Strong Faculty Mentorship
Experiential Learning through the
Lea Gallery
Interaction with Professional Artists and Illustrators
Internship with the Mazza Museum
Study Abroad Trips to Major Cultural Centers
Opportunities to Attend the
Mazza Conference
College of Business and Humanities
At a Glance
College
College of Business and Humanities
Degree
Bachelor’s of Art in Children’s Book Illustration
Format
On-Campus
Required credits
120+ Credits
Curriculum
Course Requirements
Students earning a Bachelor of Arts in Children’s Book Illustration must complete the following curriculum.
The curriculum consists of required courses grounded in illustration, art history, and a variety of two-dimensional and digital mediums. . View the full curriculum in the University of Findlay Undergraduate Catalog.
opportunities
Hands-On Experience
Children’s book illustration majors complete an internship with the Mazza Museum and gain hands-on experience in the preparation and exhibition of their work through the annual Undergraduate Art and Design Exhibition and Senior Shows at the Lea Gallery and through participation in local and regional off-campus juried exhibitions.
beyond graduation
Careers
Graduates of the Children’s Book Illustration program are prepared for a variety of creative careers that use visual storytelling, design, and artistic expression across multiple industries.
- Children’s Book Illustrator
- Comic Book or Graphic Novel Artist
- Concept Artist
- Storyboard Artist
- Commercial or Editorial Illustrator
- Medical or Technical Illustrator
- Fine Artist
Many graduates also choose to continue their education or pair their degree with additional studies in graphic design, marketing, writing, entrepreneurship, or art to expand their creative and professional opportunities.
TESTIMONIALS
The Oiler Experience
Hear directly from students about their experience
at the University of Findlay.
“Deciding to pursue a degree in Children’s Book Illustration and in Graphic Design was the best decision of my life! While the art program at the University of Findlay may be small, it is full of amazingly talented faculty, once in a lifetime opportunities, and connections to the art industry you can’t find anywhere else, such as the Mazza Museum. The art program has not just provided me with the tools to be a successful student; it has prepared me for the future ahead of me.”
financial aid
Cost of Education
Students can earn endowed scholarships in addition to their merit scholarships during their time at Findlay.
opportunities
Clubs and Activities
Children’s book illustration majors can visit nationally recognized museums and galleries through art program trips to New York City and Chicago.
college of business and humanities
Accreditation
University of Findlay’s College of Business and Humanities is accredited by recognized regional and national bodies, ensuring your degree holds weight with employers and institutions nationwide. Most business programs are ACBSP accredited.
Accreditation status is reviewed on a regular basis. For the most current accreditation information, visit the University of Findlay Accreditation page.
