University of Utah

What you'll study

This programme blends core informatics topics with studio-based visual communication and life-sciences observation. You will study data structures and databases for health information, programming for visualization, human–computer interaction, and principles of usability for clinical systems alongside courses in anatomy, physiology, scientific drawing, digital imaging and 3D modelling.

• Core informatics modules: introduction to informatics, health data concepts, databases and data modelling, programming for data visualisation, human–computer interaction, and ethics/privacy in health data.
• Medical illustration and art practice: scientific drawing and observation, medical illustration techniques, medical imaging interpretation, digital illustration and compositing, 3D modelling and animation for anatomy, and colour theory for scientific communication.
• Interdisciplinary and applied work: courses in anatomy and physiology for visual communicators, workshops with patient-education specialists, collaborative studio projects with biomedical researchers, and a capstone or portfolio project that integrates informatics and illustration to solve a real-world problem.
• Optional modules and skills: elective modules in web and mobile development for health apps, AR/VR for medical education, user research methods, and elective art or biology courses to deepen specific strengths.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to demonstrate both academic ability and practical potential in visual communication. Typical admissions criteria include a strong secondary-school record, relevant subject background (examples: biology, art, computer science or maths), and evidence of creative and technical skill.

• Academic qualifications: competitive high-school grades or equivalent qualifications. International applicants may present IB, A-levels, or comparable credentials; mature applicants with relevant experience are considered.
• Portfolio: a portfolio is usually required showcasing observational drawing, digital work, and sequential or explanatory visuals. Include examples that show an ability to simplify complex information and attention to anatomical detail where available.
• Additional evidence: a personal statement explaining interest in both informatics and medical/scientific illustration; letters of recommendation may strengthen an application. Some applicants may be asked to attend an interview or complete a skills task.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that sit at the intersection of medicine, data and visual communication. Career paths commonly followed include medical and scientific illustrator, visualisation specialist for biomedical research, user-experience (UX) designer for health technologies, patient-education developer, and multimedia producer for academic medical centres.

• Work in hospitals, medical schools and research centres producing explanatory visuals, animations and interactive learning tools.
• Positions at health-technology companies focused on interface design, data visualisation, or AR/VR medical training products.
• Roles in publishing and patient-education agencies creating infographics, textbooks and online content for clinicians and lay audiences.
• Further study options include specialised master's degrees in medical illustration, biomedical informatics, human–computer interaction, or digital media.

Why study at University of Utah

The University of Utah offers strong interdisciplinary connections across its health sciences, computing and arts programmes, giving students access to real clinical environments and research projects. Proximity to University of Utah Health and affiliated hospitals provides practical collaboration opportunities, while campus facilities support both digital media production and anatomy-informed study.

• Collaborative environment linking informatics researchers, medical educators and studio art faculty to create applied learning experiences.
• Access to specialist resources such as imaging facilities, anatomy laboratories, digital fabrication and visualization studios.
• Opportunities for internships and project work with clinical departments, research labs, and local health-technology companies in the region.