University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

What you'll study

This master's blends advanced anatomical and clinical illustration techniques with core informatics skills. Typical modules cover human anatomy and gross dissection for illustrators, medical imaging and image processing, principles of visualisation and information design, health data standards and interoperability, user-centred design and human–computer interaction, and software tools for digital illustration and interactive media.

Students engage in studio-based practice and technical workshops (digital painting, 3D modelling and animation, vector graphics), alongside coursework in database fundamentals, clinical terminologies, data visualisation for health, and project management for healthcare technology. The programme culminates in a substantial capstone or thesis project that synthesises a research or production-driven piece—such as a clinical animation, an interactive learning module, a medical app prototype or a visual analytics dashboard—often completed in collaboration with clinical departments, research labs or industry partners.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant bachelor's degree in a discipline such as biomedical science, life sciences, visual arts, graphic design, computer science or a related field. A strong portfolio demonstrating drawing and visual communication skills is required from applicants with illustration or design backgrounds; applicants from scientific or technical backgrounds should provide evidence of visualisation aptitude or a willingness to develop these skills.

Typical application materials include academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining interest in medical illustration and informatics, two references (academic or professional), and a portfolio. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency. Relevant professional experience, research experience, or coursework in anatomy, imaging, programming or user-centred design is advantageous. Specific programme prerequisites and any test requirements are detailed by the university's admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates develop a hybrid skill set valued across healthcare, academia and industry. Common career paths include medical illustrator for hospitals, medical museums or publishers; visualisation specialist or UI/UX designer for health-tech and digital health startups; clinical informatics analyst or data visualisation developer in health systems; instructional designer for medical education; and roles in pharmaceutical and biotechnology communications.

Alumni may also pursue research and doctoral study in fields such as biomedical visualisation, health informatics or human–computer interaction, or work as freelancers producing educational resources, animations and interactive modules for clinicians, educators and patients.

Why study at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

UNC Chapel Hill offers a collaborative environment that brings together strengths in clinical medicine, biomedical research and digital design. Students benefit from proximity to major teaching hospitals and research centres, access to clinical faculty and imaging resources, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across departments and research groups.

The university's emphasis on translational research and community-engaged healthcare provides practical project opportunities and connections with healthcare providers and industry partners. Facilities supporting the programme typically include studios and labs for digital media and 3D production, access to medical imaging suites, and library and archives resources for anatomical and historical reference materials.

Overall, the programme aims to prepare graduates to communicate complex biomedical information clearly and ethically, equipping them with both artistic proficiency and technical informatics knowledge to make an impact in clinical, educational and commercial settings.