Graduate Study
Medical Illustration
Program Overview
The MFA medical illustration program teaches accurate translations of medical and scientific concepts into effective visual support for instruction or advertisement.
The master of fine arts program in medical illustration enables students to exhibit critical and creative thinking and problem solving through the accurate translation of medical and scientific concepts into effective visual support for instruction or advertisement. Students learn to demonstrate effective research techniques and efficient use of time and resources during concept and development of projects to satisfy course assignments. The MFA is generally a two-year, full-time program that involves the presentation of a thesis.
Curriculum Review
The following provides an overview of the degree requirements in the MFA medical illustration program:
Major (36 credit hours)
Minor (15 credit hours)
Electives (15 credit hours)
Humanities (10 credit hours)
Thesis (14 credit hours)
Total (90 credit hours)
Career Outcomes
Job TitlesIllustrator, medical media artist
Functions
Illustration of many subjects, biological, production of medical visuals, medical research centers, textbook publishing, medical associations, pharmaceutical firms, law firms.
Recent Employers
Self Magazine, Advocate Healthcare, Allison Legal Graphics, Design Pointe Communications, Boston University, Rodale Press
Admission Requirements
Students are admitted to graduate study by action of the Graduate Committee. Please see full admission requirements for details.
Prerequisites
Applicants should hold a baccalaureate degree in a field of arts, sciences, or education from a regionally accredited college in the United States or Canada and demonstrate, through quality of the undergraduate record in creative production, a genuine, professional potential.
Those coming from countries where the baccalaureate degree is not given for programs in the practice of art may be admitted to graduate study if the diploma or certificate received approximates the standards of the BFA, BA, or BS degrees and if their academic records and portfolios indicate an ability to meet graduate standards.
A student who needs additional undergraduate study requirements may be admitted. This study will be structured for breadth or increased performance in areas designated and will be determined at the time of acceptance. Such prerequisites must be satisfied as defined in the letter of acceptance, which applicants will receive prior to admission as graduate students. Extended study may require additional time on campus. Human gross anatomy and biology, or equivalent content, are necessary for the MFA in medical illustration. Entrance requirements are one year of biology and three of the following: histology, embryology, immunology, genetics, pathology, or cellular physiology.