Case Western Reserve University

What you'll study

This PhD blends core informatics principles with advanced visualisation and medical illustration techniques. Students follow a programme of graduate-level coursework in areas such as biomedical informatics, medical imaging and image analysis, data visualisation, human–computer interaction, and machine learning for health. The visual communication component covers graduate anatomy, scientific and medical illustration, 2D/3D modelling and animation, interactive visualisation, and colour theory for scientific imagery.

Research training emphasises methodological skills: quantitative and qualitative research methods, experimental design, statistics for health data, software development practices, and user-centred design and evaluation. Practical laboratory and studio work is integrated with computational projects; students commonly work with clinical imaging modalities (CT, MRI, ultrasound), patient-derived datasets and real-world clinical workflows.

The degree typically requires completion of core and elective courses, passing a qualifying examination, and producing an original doctoral dissertation. Students may undertake rotations or collaborative projects in allied departments such as biomedical engineering, computer science, design, and clinical departments within the School of Medicine.

Entry requirements

• Academic background: A relevant master’s degree is preferred (for example in informatics, biomedical engineering, medical/biomedical illustration, computer science, or a health science). Exceptional candidates with a strong bachelor’s degree and relevant experience may also be considered.
• Portfolio: Because of the visual communication component, applicants are expected to submit a portfolio demonstrating drawing, illustration, animation or visualisation work. Portfolios should show conceptual thinking, technical skill and examples of scientific or medical imagery where available.
• Research potential: Evidence of research experience or the potential to conduct independent research—such as publications, research projects, lab experience, or practicum work—strengthens an application.
• Supporting documents: Academic transcripts, a detailed CV, a research statement outlining proposed doctoral research interests, and letters of recommendation (typically two or three) are required.
• English proficiency: International applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate English proficiency according to university policy.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme pursue diverse careers at the intersection of health, design and computation. Common paths include academic and industry research roles in biomedical visualisation and informatics, positions as certified medical illustrators within hospitals and medical schools, and roles in clinical informatics teams translating visual analytics into practice.

Other opportunities include working for medical device and pharmaceutical companies creating educational and regulatory imagery, joining health technology firms as data visualisation or UX specialists, developing educational content and simulations for medical training, or consulting on science communication and patient-facing visual tools. Doctoral graduates also move into faculty positions, research scientist roles in imaging and AI groups, and leadership positions in clinical design and informatics units.

Why study at Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve offers an environment suited to interdisciplinary doctoral work in medical illustration and informatics: a research-intensive medical school, strong engineering and computer science departments, and close clinical partnerships. Students benefit from access to advanced imaging facilities and a large clinical ecosystem which supports translational projects.

The university’s culture fosters collaboration across design, engineering and medicine, enabling students to pursue projects that combine technical innovation with effective visual communication. Doctoral students typically work with faculty who have experience in medical visualisation, informatics and clinical research, and may collaborate with regional healthcare institutions and industry partners. Funding opportunities, teaching and research assistantships, and access to professional development resources support students through their doctoral training.