Case Western Reserve University

What you'll study

The programme brings together core visual communication skills and applied informatics methods. Typical modules cover human anatomy and physiology for visualisers; observational and conceptual medical illustration; digital imaging, 3D modelling and animation; interactive media and user-centred design; and fundamentals of health and biomedical informatics including clinical data structures, terminology systems and visual analytics.

Students also learn practical technical skills such as medical imaging interpretation, volume rendering, 3D printing workflows, scripting for visualisation (for example Python or JavaScript libraries), and usability testing. The curriculum is project-oriented: many courses culminate in case-based assignments, an external practicum or a capstone research project that applies visualisation and informatics to a real clinical or educational problem.

Typical modules and topics

• Anatomy and Physiology for Visualisers
• Foundations of Medical Illustration
• Digital Imaging and 3D Visualisation
• Animation and Interactive Media for Healthcare
• Health Informatics: clinical data, interoperability and standards
• Data Visualisation and Visual Analytics in Medicine
• User-Centred Design and Evaluation for Clinical Tools
• Capstone Project or Research Thesis; practicum with clinical or industry partner

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as fine art, illustration, graphic design, biomedical science, biology, medical technology, computer science or a related discipline. A portfolio demonstrating drawing ability, visual problem solving and any relevant digital work is usually required. Evidence of coursework or experience in anatomy, life sciences or human biology is advantageous for those from a primarily art-based background.

Typical application materials include an academic transcript, curriculum vitae, personal statement outlining interests and experience at the intersection of visualisation and informatics, two or more academic or professional references, and a portfolio. For applicants whose first language is not English, a recognised English language test is required unless exempt. Some applicants may be invited to an interview or technical review as part of the selection process.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of careers that combine visual communication, technology and healthcare. Common roles include:

• Medical illustrator or biomedical visualiser producing images, animations and interactive learning materials for medical schools, hospitals and publishers
• Health data visualisation specialist or visual analytics developer creating dashboards and tools for clinical decision support
• User-experience (UX) or interaction designer for healthcare apps, medical devices and telehealth platforms
• Clinical informatics analyst or implementation specialist translating clinical workflows into usable information systems
• Scientific visualiser in pharmaceutical and medical device companies, contract visualisation studios, museums and science centres
• Academic researcher or educator in biomedical visualisation, digital health or informatics

Many graduates work with hospitals, academic medical centres, healthcare technology firms, publishers and scientific communications agencies. The blend of illustration and informatics also supports freelance and consultancy practices that serve clinical education and patient-facing communications.

Why study at Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University offers close integration with major clinical and research partners in Cleveland, providing students with opportunities for practicum placements and interdisciplinary collaboration. The university’s strengths in medicine, biomedical engineering and computer science mean access to experienced faculty whose work spans clinical research, imaging, medical education and informatics.

Facilities commonly available to students include advanced medical imaging resources, 3D printing and fabrication labs, animation and digital media studios, and opportunities to engage with clinical teams and technology developers. The university’s location and networks support project partnerships with nearby hospitals and industry, helping students gain applied experience and professional contacts in both the visual communications and health informatics sectors.