04/01/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/01/2026 10:04
April 01, 2026
Webster University's Bachelor of Fine Art with an Illustration emphasis, as well as its Illustration certificate, were both named among the best in the Midwest, and the University's graphic design program was named among the best in Missouri by Animation Career Review Magazine. Both programs are offered by the Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts.
"Our programs are specifically designed to allow our students to flourish while gaining the skills and techniques used by the experts in the professional world of graphic design and illustration," said Paul Steger, dean of the Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts. "Many of our graduates have gone on to have exceptional careers with Disney, the Smithsonian, the World Health Organization, Nestle, and numerous other companies and organizations that need skilled artists to help tell their stories."
The Bachelor of Fine Arts program was ranked 20th in the Midwest in the magazine's annual illustration program review. The graphic design program was ranked as the fourth best in Missouri in the magazine's annual graphic design analysis. According to Career Review Magazine, both rankings looked at multiple metrics, including employment data, admission selectivity, graduation rates, value in relation to tuition costs, and academic reputation. For the illustration ranking, 142 universities and colleges were reviewed. For the graphic arts review, 695 institutions were considered.
Visit the Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts page to learn more about its illustration and graphic design programs, or to apply.