University of Chicago

What you'll study

This master's brings together core principles of anatomical and medical illustration with computational methods used in health informatics. Coursework typically covers human anatomy for visualisation, medical imaging interpretation (CT, MRI, microscopy), scientific illustration techniques, 3D modelling and animation, visual design and information design, and fundamentals of clinical and bioinformatics such as data standards, electronic health records, and data visualisation for biomedical data.

• Core visualisation modules: anatomical drawing, digital illustration, 3D sculpting and rendering, animation for biological processes, and visual storytelling for science.
• Informatics and computational modules: biomedical data structures, clinical informatics principles, medical image processing, data visualisation and interactive dashboards, programming for bioinformatics (Python/R), and applied machine learning for healthcare data.
• Project and practicum: studio-based practicum in medical illustration, collaborations with clinical departments or research laboratories, and a capstone project that integrates a visual product with an informatics component (for example an interactive atlas, an annotated image database, or a clinical decision-support visualisation).
• Electives and interdisciplinary options: user-centred design, usability testing, ethics in biomedical communication, scientific writing, and seminars from Pritzker School of Medicine and related research centres.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline such as biology, biomedical sciences, fine art/visual communication, computer science, or another allied subject. A portfolio demonstrating visual communication skills (sketches, digital work, 3D models, or relevant projects) is required for candidates with art/illustration backgrounds; applicants from scientific or technical backgrounds should provide evidence of quantitative and computing ability, and may submit complementary visual work or a statement of intent describing how they will develop the visual skills.

• Academic background: undergraduate degree with strong performance in relevant modules; equivalent international qualifications are considered.
• Portfolio and/or technical samples: visual portfolio for illustrative applicants; code samples or data projects for informatics-focused applicants; combined portfolios are welcomed for interdisciplinary applicants.
• References: two academic or professional references that can attest to academic potential and suitability for interdisciplinary work.
• Additional requirements: personal statement outlining career aims and intended capstone focus; evidence of English language proficiency where applicable. Previous clinical experience is beneficial but not mandatory.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for roles that bridge visual science communication and biomedical data. Typical career paths include medical illustrator or visualisation specialist for academic publishers and museums, scientific visualisation artist for research institutions, biomedical data visualisation specialist, clinical informatics analyst with a focus on presentation and training materials, user-experience designer for health technologies, and roles in medical education creating curricula and digital resources.

Alumni also move into research support positions—creating annotated image datasets for machine-learning projects—or into industry roles with medical device companies, digital health startups and pharmaceutical firms where clear visualisation of complex data and processes is critical. For those interested in further research, the programme provides a foundation for doctoral study at the intersection of biomedical visualisation, imaging informatics and human–computer interaction.

Why study at University of Chicago

The University of Chicago offers this interdisciplinary degree within a research-intensive environment that brings together strengths in biological sciences, clinical medicine and data science. Students benefit from proximity to leading hospital and research facilities, opportunities to collaborate with clinicians in the Pritzker School of Medicine, and access to computational research groups focused on imaging and informatics.

The programme emphasises rigorous scientific accuracy alongside high standards of visual craft and technical competence. Small studio classes and project-based learning allow tailored mentorship from faculty and visiting practitioners, while partnerships with campus research centres and the broader Chicago biomedical ecosystem provide practical placements and collaborative capstone opportunities.